Understanding the Energetic Currents: Exploring the Five Prana Vayus

During their profound journey of self-discovery, the ancient yogis delving into the mysteries of the body and breath, discovered that prana, the vital life force that animates all living beings, could be further divided into five distinct energetic currents known as Vayus (winds).

Each Vayu represents a unique aspect of our energetic landscape, possesses distinct qualities and guides specific functions within us.

By directing their attention and awareness to these dynamic forces, the yogis cultivated a remarkable mastery over their inner energies, allowing them to access greater harmony in body and mind, increased health & vitality and elevated states of consciousness.

Note: Generally, when the word prana is used it is referring to the energetic body as a whole (Pranamaya Kosha). However, there are five distinct movements of energy in the energetic body and one of these movements of energy, or Prana Vayus, is also called prana. So don’t get confused.

The Five Prana Vayus

The five distinct movements of prana in the energetic body are:

1. Prana Vayu (expanding/ability to receive)

Prana is the energy moving upward. It is the energy occupying the lungs, between the larynx and diaphragm, our respiratory system and heart/circulatory system.

Prana is the force through which not only the breath moves, but the whole body moves. It is the energy through which we receive, our capacity to draw energy from our environment.

A weak prana shows dullness in our capacity to receive through our breath, senses, intuition and so forth. An individual low on prana has limited capacity to draw prana from his or her environment and so they will constantly feel energy-depleted or overwhelmed by life.

When our prana is functioning optimally, we will experience optimal levels of energy in any given moment of life. We have the capacity to be with life just as it presents without needing it to be a certain way (how we think it should be). When prana is moving optimally through the body, the physical body will be more open and uplifted and the body language will be more secure.

2. Apana Vayu (grounding/ability to release toxins)

Apana is the energy moving downward. It is the energy located below the navel, creating movement within the digestive tract, large intestines, sexual organs and excretory system. Apana is also the energy of grounding, stability, and letting go/release (of toxins).

An individual with a weak Apana is ungrounded, unstable, and unable to release toxins from the physical body, mental body, or energetic body.

A balanced and strong Apana allows us to release what no longer serves us and stay grounded in our being.

3. Samana Vayu (catalyst/optimal absorption)

Samana is the energy in our gut between Prana and Apana. It is the energy located in the pancreas, stomach, small intestine; digestive system. It is our ability to transmute, transform, and absorb energy (prana that we draw in) for optimal usage.

A weak Samana can show up as an imbalance in the way our physical body absorbs nutrients from the food we eat; a weak digestive system. It can also affect our capacity to learn, to absorb and integrate the knowledge we are exposed to.

4. Udana Vayu (clarity, stable nervous system and appropriate action)

Udana is the energy located above the neck. It includes the brain, sensory receptors in the face, extremities and limbs. Udana is the energy that communicates between the legs and arms, between the senses and the brain; the nervous system.

An individual who has a balanced Udana experiences optimal functioning of his or her nervous system. There is optimal communication between legs and arms and between the senses and the brain, relaying movement.

5. Vyana Vayu (integration/optimal reflexes/experience of life)

Vyana is the energy permeating the whole body. Vyana coordinates, distributes, and harmonises all the Prana Vayus ensuring optimal levels of energy in all aspects of life; optimal functioning of the Pranamaya kosha.

The Path Forward

Without having access to the energy within your body, you cannot refine your nervous system and we need to refine the nervous system in order to be able to allow a greater flow of energy through us.

So what do you say?

If this has piqued your curiosity and you are interested in accessing greater health and vitality, cultivating more harmony in body and mind and mastering your energy then know that the best way to optimise and harmonise all five Prana Vayus is by committing to a pranayama or kriya practice.

And if you are unsure where to start or are looking to add more diversity to your breath or kriya repertoire, then check out our Pranayama and Kriya Labs where you will find a myriad of practices to suit your needs. Sattva Connect - Your Support to An Awakened Life!