Prana is energy, vitality, power. Prana is the foundation and essence of all life; the energy and vitality that permeates the entire Universe. Prana flows in everything that exists.
Furthermore, Prana is the connecting link between the material world, consciousness and mind. It is what makes life on the material level possible. Prana regulates all physical functions for example, the breath, the supply of oxygen, digestion, elimination and much more. The function of the human body is much like a transformer, receiving energy from the Universal flow of Prana, distributing that energy, and then eliminating it. If a person or a room has a healthy, harmonious vibration, we say: “There is good Prana here”. Illness, on the other hand, disturbs or blocks the flow of Prana. As we develop the ability to control Prana, we gain harmony and health, of both body and mind. In addition to this, with long and consistent practice an expansion of consciousness is experienced.
Prana is divided into ten main functions:
The five Pranas – Prana, Apana, Udana, Vyana and Samana.
The five Upa-Pranas – Naga, Kurma, Devadatta, Krikala and Dhananjaya.
3. Defination
Prana is energy, vitality, power. Prana is the foundation and essence of all life; the energy and
vitality that permeates the entire Universe. Prana flows in everything that exists.
Prana is a Sanskrit word that has a number of interpretations in English,
including "life force," "energy" and "vital principle." The term is used in Hindu
and yogic philosophy to refer to all the manifest energy in the universe, present
in both living beings and inanimate objects.
In the energy body, prana is said to flow through energy channels known
as nadis.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
4. Furthermore, Prana is the connecting link between the material world,
consciousness and mind. It is what makes life on the material level
possible. Prana regulates all physical functions for example, the
breath, the supply of oxygen, digestion, elimination and much more.
The function of the human body is much like a transformer, receiving
energy from the Universal flow of Prana, distributing that energy, and
then eliminating it. If a person or a room has a healthy, harmonious
vibration, we say: “There is good Prana here”. Illness, on the other
hand, disturbs or blocks the flow of Prana. As we develop the ability to
control Prana, we gain harmony and health, of both body and mind. In
addition to this, with long and consistent practice an expansion of
consciousness is experienced.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
5. Types of Prana
1.The five Pranas - Prana, Apana,
Udana, Vyana and Samana.
2.The five Upa-Pranas - Naga, Kurma,
Devadatta, Krikala and Dhananjaya.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
6. The Five Pranas
Prana is that special function of the Cosmic Prana, which supplies the
human body with essential oxygen. Its energy flows from the nostrils to
the level of the heart.
Clean air is vital for health however, on its own air, is not the decisive
factor in good health. Some people are prone to illness, even though
they are frequently out in the fresh air. On the other hand, people who
live in rooms or suburbs with relatively poor air quality remain healthy.
Our health is not influenced by external factors only. Health is also
governed by our inner condition, by the power of resistance and the
inner will - Atmabala - the inner vitality. When Atmabala is strong
within, external forces can barely harm us. The practice of “Yoga in
Daily Life” strengthens our vitality. Certain techniques in particular
activate Prana Shakti, these are Bhastrika, Nadi Shodhana and Ujjayi
Pranayama.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
7. APANA
Apana is the second-most important of the five vayus, or types, of prana in Hatha
yoga and Ayurveda. Vayu is a Sanskrit word that means "wind" and refers to the
movement of prana through the body. Apana vayu is responsible for regulating the
outward flow of prana from the body and governs elimination of physical wastes and
toxins from the body. Located in the pelvic floor, it spreads upward into the lower
abdomen, helping to regulate digestion and reproductive functions.
If the flow of apana vayu is weak, the body becomes more susceptible to disease,
low mood, doubt and other negative emotional states. Apana vayu can be
strengthened and balanced through asana practice. Learning to regulate it can help
avoid needless energy loss.
The original purpose of mula bandha (root lock) is to manage and contain the flow
of apana vayu in the body. It works to encourage a more positive and invigorating
flow of energy.
The practice of pranayama is another excellent way to balance the flow of apana
vayu. Kapalabhati is especially good for this. Its forceful abdominal exhale helps
engage the seat of apana vayu while expelling toxins from the lungs and clearing
congestion.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
8. Apana
The following beginner-friendly asanas also stimulate and strengthen the flow of
apana vayu:
• Prasarita padottanasana (spread-legged standing forward bend)
• Vrikshasana (tree pose)
• Baddha konasana (bound angle pose)
• Shalabhasana (locust pose)
Apana Prana influences the lower part of the body from the navel to the soles of the feet. This
Prana regulates the elimination process. Diseases that affect the lower abdomen, intestines,
kidneys, urinary tract, legs, etc., are the result of disturbed Apana Prana. The techniques of
Nauli, Agnisara Kriya, Ashvini Mudra and Mula Bandha serve to strengthen and purify Apana
Prana.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
9. VYANA
Vyana Prana flows through the nerve channels of the human body. It has an
effect upon the whole body and particularly on the Nadis. Poor circulation,
impaired nerve stimulation and nervous breakdowns, originate from a
deficiency in Vyana Prana.
Vyana Prana is activated and strengthened in the practice of Kumbhaka
(breath retention). With each natural, relaxed breath that we take, there is an
automatic pause between inhalation and exhalation. In the practice of
Pranayama, this pause is consciously lengthened. When we retain the breath,
we withhold energy in the body with a resultant build up in pressure. This
pressure has the effect of releasing energy blockages. Kumbhaka stimulates
the nervous system. Anyone who has combined the techniques of Kumbhaka
and Maha Bandha, knows the subsequent, pleasant sensation of peace that
flows through the body. This is the reason for being able to meditate well
after this practice. The feeling is produced by the increased flow of Vyana
Prana throughout the whole body.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
10. Vyana
Derived from Sanskrit, vyana means "outward-moving air.” Depending on how the
term is used, it also means "wild" or "of the forest."
Within yogic thought, the vyana vayu is one of the five energy subdivisions of prana.
The vyana vayu governs the nerves, veins, joints and muscle functions and is a
connecting force of energy, supporting the function of the other four vayus.
In the Hindu tradition, the five elements - fire, earth, water, air (wind) and ether - are
represented as vayus. The vyana vayu is connected with the element of water. It
has no specific seat or location, but runs through all the nadis of the body (of which
there are more than 72,000 pathways), thereby connecting all functions of the body.
Being aware of the life-giving air of vyana can help the yogi obtain optimum benefits
from yogic practices, as the movement of prana throughout the body is the essence
of yogic practice.
When vyana is unhealthy or imbalanced in the body, one may feel physically or
mentally clumsy, disjointed and/or otherwise altered.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
11. UDANA
Udana Prana is the ascending energy that flows from the heart to the head
and brain. Udana Prana accompanies the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti.
It is with the assistance of Udana Prana that the Astral body separates itself
from the physical body. A strong Udana Prana eases the phase of death.
With the control of Udana Prana, the body becomes very light and one may
gain the ability to levitate. When Udana Prana is in our control, external
obstacles such as water, earth or stones no longer obstruct us. Intense
practice of the Yoga breath exercises also gives the possibility of walking on
water, or even floating in the air. Fakirs who sit or lie on a bed of nails
possess the ability to control their Udana Prana. Yogis who live in the forest
and remain unaffected by heat, cold, thorns and insects, etc., are protected
through the control of Udana Prana. Udana Prana is activated by the practice
of Ujjayi Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, as well as Viparitakarani Mudra.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
12. Udana vayu, or “ascending air,” is the prana vayu that directs prana from lower to upper chakras. Udana vayu is the channel that
leads from lower to upper levels of consciousness, carrying the energy of kundalini—the dormant energy awakened through yoga
practice—up through the chakras as it ascends. It is primarily located between the heart and the head.
As the expressive Vayu, udana governs the throat center. Communication and expression are particularly affected by this vayu, as
are the thyroid and parathyroid glands, which regulate metabolism. When udana is balanced, we feel confident, assertive, and able
to express ourselves articulately. The energy of udana helps us to raise the bar, so to speak—to achieve our highest aspirations.
When udana is out of balance, we find it difficult to communicate effectively. Loss for words, or too many words, or inappropriate
speech burden our conversations. We feel unable to reach our ideals and find it difficult to understand those of others. We may feel
defeated and unsure of ourselves.
Udana vayu is activated by samana vayu, which itself is activated by the balance of prana and apana vayus. As such, udana is
balanced when, at the culmination of an asana practice, we invert our bodies in poses such as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge
Pose), Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand), Halasana (Plow Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), and Sirsasana (Headstand).
Finishing your asana practice with inversions, even simply spending some time in Bridge Pose, will help set your mind for a
comfortable Savasana (Corpse Pose) at the end of practice. And if your asana practice is followed by a seated meditation, you will
find meditation to be easier after inversions due to the activation of udana vayu.
Udana vayu is the fifth of the five prana vayus, all working together to support the subtle energies that underlie the yoga practice.
By understanding these five vayus better, we are able to deepen our experience of the yoga practice. It becomes obvious that yoga
is far more than touching our toes and taking a deep breath. This all-encompassing practice exists on many levels, which can be
revealed should you choose to explore them.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
13. SAMANA
Samana is a very important Prana that connects two main Chakras - Anahata and
Manipura Chakras.
Samana Prana distributes the energy of nutrition throughout the human body. We
are aware that food not only influences our physical body, but also affects our
psyche and consciousness. The quality of our Prana (all types of Prana), is directly
associated with the quality of our food. Pure, sattvic, vegetarian food and the
practice of Pranaya ma will provide a healthy and balanced body for life.
Samana Prana has an influence on the Manipura Chakra, whose corresponding
element is fire. When Yogis are able to control Samana Prana it is a pure flame
within them. Those in whom Samana Prana is completely pure are surrounded by a
radiant aura, which is even noticeable by those who do not have the ability to see
auras.
This Prana is strengthened through the practice of Agnisara Kriya and Nauli. The
practice of these two Kriyas prevents digestive problems and Diabetes. It also
improves one’s resistance to infectious disease and cancer, due to the digestive
fire that is awakened in the whole body, which purifies and cleans.
The most effective technique for awakening Samana Prana is Kriya Yoga. The
practice of Kriya Yoga warms the entire body. This is due to the rising of Samana
Prana. A very aware person can observe the aura of a Kriya practitioner becoming
brighter and stronger with each round of practice.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
14. Samana vayu, or “balancing air,” is the prana vayu at the meeting point between prana, the inward/upward-moving
vayu, and apana, the outward/downward-moving vayu. Samana vayu unites these two energies together. Located at
the navel, samana vayu governs agni, the digestive fire, or fire of purification. This fire burns adequately when prana
and apana unite in samana.
Samana vayu is related to Manipura chakra located at the solar plexus. It is responsible for the processing and
assimilation of all that is taken in—food, emotions, perceptions, and breath. Samana is used to assimilate these
energies so that they can be used optimally.
Samana vayu helps us to take in what we need and release what we don’t in an even balance. This represents
balance between the flow of prana and apana. An imbalance of samana vayu presents as health conditions including
digestive disturbances, slow metabolism, malnourishment, or obesity. In our daily lives, if we are feeling out of
balance, samana is likely to be affected.
Pranayama practices that balances inhalation with exhalation are helpful as a way to balance samana. By matching
the length and depth of each inhalation and exhalation, prana meets apana, thereby helping to balance samana.
Asanas to practice for optimizing samana include Parivritta Parshvakonasana (Revolved Side Angle Pose),
Utkatasana (Chair Pose), Shalabasana (Locust Pose), Marichyasana (Sage Twist), Paschimottanasana (Seated
Forward Fold), and proper engagement of Uddiyana Bandha, or navel lock, upon each exhalation.
A healthy diet and good digestive health are important aspects of working with samana vayu. Also, making time to
observe our mental health—taking in that which we need and discarding that which does not serve us—helps to set
the balance that arises with samana vayu. Take some time this month to think about what aspects of your life need
balance, and work on bringing everything back toward the center as a way to work on your samana vayu.
Dr Shivam Mishra (www.skmyoga.com)
