The Pancha Vayus, also known as the Five Pranas, where pancha translates to five, and vayu to wind, are the five main life-sustaining energies that operate within the human body according to yoga philosophy. They are responsible for different physiological functions and are believed to be essential for physical and mental well-being.
The Pancha Vayus are all found in our Pranamaya kosha and are connected with the different chakras and systems of our bodies. Also called The Five Pranas, Internal winds or Panchvayus.
Prana Vayu is the energy of inhalation and is responsible for the intake of oxygen and vital energy into the body.
Apana Vayu is the energy of elimination and is responsible for the elimination of waste and toxins from the body.
Samana Vayu is the energy of digestion and is responsible for the absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food.
Udana Vayu is the energy of expression and is responsible for speech, creativity, and self-expression.
Vyana Vayu is the energy of circulation and is responsible for the distribution of prana (life force energy) throughout the body.
What are the Five Pancha Vayus?
Each of the Pancha Vayus is associated with a specific area of the body, and imbalances or blockages in these energy centers can lead to physical or mental health issues. Yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation practices can help to balance and activate the Pancha Vayus, promoting overall health and well-being.
The Five Pancha Vayus
Prana Vayu
What we consume, emotions & food. Head, brain. Movements goes down and inwards.
Prana Vayu is responsible for the intake and distribution of prana or life force energy in the body and is located in the chest and associated with the element of air.
Prana Vayu governs the functions of the heart, lungs, and respiratory system, and is responsible for the inhalation and distribution of oxygen and prana throughout the body. It is also responsible for the movement of energy in the body, and is associated with the upward and inward movement of energy.
Emotions, food – is brought with the prana vayu. Prana vayu is an inward moving breath. Located in the heart and brain, this channel is responsible for inhalation within the physical body. The prana vayu relates to water within the subtle body and allows us to absorb sensations, feelings and thoughts within the mind. The mental function of prana vayu relates to emotion.
When Prana Vayu is balanced, we experience a sense of vitality, health, and energy. However, when it is imbalanced or obstructed, we may experience physical and emotional blockages, fatigue, and a lack of vitality.
Yoga practices such as pranayama (breathing exercises), asana (postures), and meditation can help to balance and activate Prana Vayu, promoting a sense of energy and vitality throughout the body and mind.
Prana Vayu Asanas
Practice that incorporates heart-opening asanas will stimulate this channel. There are several yoga asanas that can help to balance and activate Prana Vayu, promoting the flow of prana or life force energy throughout the body. Here are a few examples:
Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog Pose): This asana helps to open up the chest and lungs, promoting the intake and distribution of prana. It also strengthens the arms and back, providing a stable foundation for the movement of prana.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This asana also helps to open up the chest and lungs, promoting the intake and distribution of prana. It also strengthens the spine and abdominal muscles, providing support for the movement of prana.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): This asana helps to activate Prana Vayu by stretching the front of the body and opening up the chest and lungs. It also strengthens the back muscles, which are important for maintaining proper posture and alignment.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose): This asana helps to stimulate the thyroid gland and stretch the throat and chest, promoting the intake and distribution of prana. It also helps to release tension in the neck and shoulders, which can block the flow of energy.
Ustrasana (Camel Pose): This asana helps to open up the chest and lungs, promoting the intake and distribution of prana. It also stretches the front of the body, providing a sense of openness and expansion.
Udana Vayu
Spiritual practice. Diaphragm. Movement up and out. What you speak and express. Center of chest out of chest.
Udana vayu channels the flow of prana from lower to higher planes. Key to spiritual practice, it directs prana to the energy centres within the brain and central axis of the etheric body. Udana Vayu governs the functions of the throat, neck, and head, and is responsible for the upward and outward movement of energy in the body. It is associated with the element of space or ether.
In pranayama, Udana vayu refers to the ascending breath. Located within the throat, it governs speech and expression in the physical realm. Within the mind, it encourages the power of perception and the ability to ascend in consciousness. The mental functioning of udana vayu relates to reason.
Udana Vayu governs the functions of the throat, neck, and head, and is responsible for the upward and outward movement of energy in the body. It is associated with the element of space or ether.
Udana Vayu is said to be located in the area between the throat and the head, and is responsible for the functions of speech, communication, and expression. It also governs higher mental functions such as creativity, intuition, and spiritual insight.
When Udana Vayu is in balance, one experiences a sense of clarity, inspiration, and purpose. However, when this energy center is blocked or imbalanced, one may experience feelings of stagnation, confusion, and lack of direction.
Practicing yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation can help to balance and activate Udana Vayu, promoting the free flow of energy and enhancing one's ability to express themselves and tap into their intuition and creativity.
Udana Vayu Asanas
Practicing this involves poses that direct flow to the upper back, neck and head. To connect with Udana vayu, inversion asanas are key. Here are some yoga asanas that can help to balance and activate Udana Vayu:
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand Pose): This asana helps to stimulate Udana Vayu by reversing the flow of blood and energy, promoting the upward movement of energy in the body. It also strengthens the neck and shoulders, which are important for maintaining proper alignment and posture.
Halasana (Plow Pose): This asana also helps to stimulate Udana Vayu by reversing the flow of energy, promoting the upward and outward movement of energy in the body. It also stretches the neck and shoulders, providing relief from tension and stiffness.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose): This asana helps to stimulate Udana Vayu by stretching the neck and throat, promoting the outward movement of energy. It also helps to open up the chest and lungs, promoting the intake of prana or life force energy.
Simhasana (Lion Pose): This asana helps to activate Udana Vayu by stretching the throat and facial muscles, promoting the outward movement of energy. It also helps to relieve tension in the face and neck, promoting a sense of relaxation and release.
Sirshasana (Headstand Pose): This asana helps to stimulate Udana Vayu by reversing the flow of blood and energy, promoting the upward movement of energy in the body. It also helps to strengthen the neck and shoulders, providing a stable foundation for the movement of energy.
Vyana vayu
Our mind. Long, circulatory movement. From heart to all extreminities, cirulary system.
Vyana Vayu integrates and balances all of the vayus, pervading the entire body, Vyana’s expansive and nourishing energy governs all movement, from our limbs, nervous system and circulation; stirring the body to life through motion. It is responsible for the circulation of energy throughout the entire body, from the smallest cells to the larger organs and systems. It is associated with the element of air.
In pranayama, this refers to the diffusive breath. Within the subtle body it relates to air and the heart chakra. In terms of the mind it allows pervasion and comprehension. The mental function of this vayu relates to feeling (citta).
Vyana Vayu is said to be located in the heart, and is responsible for the functions of circulation, distribution, and integration of energy throughout the body. It also governs the functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
When Vyana Vayu is in balance, one experiences a sense of vitality, energy, and overall well-being. However, when this energy center is blocked or imbalanced, one may experience feelings of fatigue, lethargy, and low energy.
Practicing yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation can help to balance and activate Vyana Vayu, promoting the free flow of energy and enhancing one's overall health and vitality.
Vyana Vayu Asanas
Asanas that involve whole movement the body are most are most beneficial. These asanas help to stretch and strengthen the chest and heart region, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing cardiovascular function. Here are some yoga asanas that can help to activate Vyana Vayu:
Ustrasana (Camel Pose): This asana stretches and strengthens the chest and heart region, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing cardiovascular function.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This asana helps to stretch the chest and strengthen the spine, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing respiratory function.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): This asana helps to stretch the chest and strengthen the back muscles, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing respiratory and cardiovascular function.
Garudasana (Eagle Pose): This asana helps to improve circulation and balance, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing overall well-being.
Matsyasana (Fish Pose): This asana helps to stretch the chest and neck, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing respiratory function.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose): This asana helps to improve posture and balance, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing overall well-being.
Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): This asana helps to stretch the chest, promote circulation, and improve balance, promoting the flow of energy and enhancing overall well-being.
Samana vayu
Wind in the spiral, digestion. Internal soul and sun lives here. Circulary movement.
Samana Vayu is responsible for the process of digestion and assimilation of food and prana (life force energy) in the body. It is associated with the element of fire and is located in the region of the navel at our Solar plexus chakra.
Located at the navel, the inner winds of the upper and lower body meet. The samana vayu unites the upward energy of prana with the downward energy of apana. Similar to a whirlpool of converging energy, the samana vayu churns around the abdomen, digesting everything: our food, air, emotions, experiences and thoughts.
In pranayama, this refers to the equalising breath. This channel relates to the element of ether within the subtle body. Within the mind, it reflects the capacity to create space, balance, equilibrium and equanimity. Agni Sara (Fire Essence) pranayama practice that involves a specific type of breath retention that activates Samana Vayu and stimulates the digestive system.
The mental function of samana vayu corresponds with the individual self. In asanas samana vayu is activated with twists and abdominal postures to neutralise, or energise the core. Asanas that are perfect for this include crow, chair pose, boat pose and abdominal twists.
Samana Vayu is responsible for the functions of digestion, absorption, and assimilation of nutrients in the body. It also governs the functions of the digestive system and the manipulation of prana in the body.
When Samana Vayu is in balance, one experiences good digestion, assimilation of food and energy, and overall well-being. However, when this energy center is blocked or imbalanced, one may experience digestive disorders, anxiety, and low energy.
Samana Vayu Asanas
Practicing yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation can help to balance and activate Samana Vayu, promoting healthy digestion and enhancing overall well-being. Some asanas that can help to activate Samana Vayu include:
Navasana (Boat Pose): This asana strengthens the core muscles and stimulates the digestive system, promoting healthy digestion.
Paripurna Navasana (Full Boat Pose): This asana strengthens the core muscles and improves digestive function, promoting healthy digestion.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose): This asana helps to stimulate the digestive system and promote healthy digestion.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This asana helps to stimulate the digestive system and improve circulation, promoting healthy digestion.
Apana vayu
What goes down and out of body. Elimination. Excrements.
Apana Vayu is responsible for the functions of purification, grounding and elimination of waste and toxins from the body, including urine, feces, and menstrual blood. It also governs the functions of the urinary and reproductive systems and helps to regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) in the body. It is located in the lower abdomen and is associated with the earth element within the subtle body and the capacity to maintain resistance within the mind.
The apana vayu goes downward and outward flow of energy within our bodies. In pranayama, apana refers to the downward movement. The mental function of apana vayu relates to ego.
When Apana Vayu is balanced, one experiences healthy elimination, grounding, and overall well-being. However, when this energy center is blocked or imbalanced, one may experience constipation, urinary or reproductive disorders, and emotional instability.
Apana Vayu Asanas
To connect with your apana vayu, choose grounding, standing poses such as forward folds, to release to the mind. Some asanas that can help to activate Apana Vayu include:
Malasana (Garland Pose): This asana helps to stimulate the digestive and urinary systems, promoting healthy elimination.
Pavanamuktasana (Wind-Relieving Pose): This asana helps to stimulate the digestive system and relieve gas and bloating, promoting healthy elimination.
Ashwini Mudra (Horse Gesture): This is a yoga practice that involves contracting and relaxing the anal sphincter muscles, promoting healthy elimination and toning the pelvic floor.
Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend): This asana helps to stimulate the urinary and reproductive systems, promoting healthy elimination.
Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose): This asana helps to promote healthy circulation and relaxation, promoting healthy elimination and grounding.
*Illustrations by Tamilmama / Wikipedia
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