Movement isn’t only about physical exertion; it’s a dynamic interplay between body, mind, and energy. While the body’s muscles and joints experience the tangible aspects of motion, the subtle currents of energy flowing within and around us are equally vital. Incorporating practices that focus on moving energy is important to your well-being. These practices tap into the intricate network of life force energy, or prana, fostering a deeper connection between the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of your existence.
What is prana?
Prana is a Sanskrit term that translates to “life force” or “vital energy.” It’s a fundamental concept in various Eastern philosophies, particularly in yoga and Ayurveda. Prana is believed to be the underlying energy that animates and sustains all living beings, from the smallest cells to the largest organisms.
In essence, prana is the subtle energy that flows through energy channels, or nadis, and is responsible for maintaining the balance and harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. It’s not just physical vitality but also encompasses mental and emotional well-being. Ideally, prana flows consistently and smoothly but we can get kinks, just like a garden hose. Energy flow can become impeded. Practices like yoga, pranayama (breath control), meditation, and mindfulness are designed to work with prana, helping to balance and enhance its flow for optimal health.
Prana flows in 5 directions throughout your body and shapes how you experience life on physical, emotional, and energetic levels. These are called the 5 prana vayus. Vayus means “winds”. Each vayu has its distinct qualities and functions, yet work together.
Prana vayu
The most fundamental and lively of the vayus, prana vayu is like your breath buddy. This is when you take it all in through your senses -food, air, ideas. The direction is inward and centered around your heart and chest.
It not only provides energy but also vitality and allows you to take in the world. When imbalanced you may be more fearful, angry, anxious. You may find you get the hiccups more often or experience heart palpitations. You may not feel like you’re “breathing life in.”
Tips to support prana vayu
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Focus on you inhalation – close your eyes and breath in, pause for brief moment, then exhale.
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Get out in nature and use your senses.
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Clear your senses using a neti pot.
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Listen to music or other sounds you enjoy
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Diffuse an aroma you enjoy or light a scented candle
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Meditate
Samana vayu
Samana vayu is like the body’s accountant, managing the inward energy for digestion and assimilation, making sure everything gets its fair share. The energy moves toward the center, toward your navel region. The flow is in a circular motion. This vayu is associated with digestion, absorption, and fire.
When the flow is strong your digestion is good, and you feel confident and full of vitality. But when there is any imbalance you feel less confident, have poor judgment and trouble making decisions. Your digestion is weak. You aren’t absorbing nutrients, experiences, life.
Tips to support samana vayu
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Focus on your exhale – close your eyes and on every exhale imagine pulling energy toward your navel as your navel draws in. Hold for a pause. Then inhale and repeat.
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Twists warm your navel region.
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Anything that safely strengthens the front of your core.
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Always make sure you’re nourishing yourself with quality food and water.
Vyana vayu
Vyana Vayu is the harmonizer. This vayu moves the energy from the center outward, distributing all over your body, making sure every part is in sync. It flows out to each finger, each toe – it’s expansive. It’s associated with your circulatory system, nervous system, lymph system.
When the flow is strong and not impeded your thoughts and emotions move freely. But when imbalanced your thoughts can ramble, emotions get stuck. Your circulation can be poor or you experience edema.
Tips to support vyana vayu
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Focus on expansion – close your eyes with your hands on your belly. As you inhale expand your hands out to each side. Exhale and return them to your body.
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Practice sun salutations because they are good at getting your body moving and your blood flowing.
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Stay hydrated.
Apana vaya
This vayu is the grounded one and handles the downward flow of energy. It’s found in the pelvic/lower abdominal region and is associated with elimination, letting go, decluttering. It governs any organs involved in elimination – reproductive organs, your liver, kidneys, and of course your colon.
When the flow is strong physical elimination is optimal and you easily let go of emotions or thoughts that don’t serve you. But when imbalanced, you hold on, you don’t let go. You feel constipated. Menstruation can be uncomfortable. You may feel confused or question yourself more.
Tips to support apana vayu
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Focus on a strong exhalation. Close your eyes and every time you exhale strongly pull your navel toward your spine, pause, and repeat.
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Sit close to the ground – it’s grounding.
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Lay on your back and brings your knees into your chest (apanasana).
Udana vayu
Udana vayu steps in as the up-and-up motivator, focusing on the energy that drives growth, self-expression, and even that empowering feeling you get when you speak your truth. The movement of this vayu is upward and it’s located in the throat region. It’s said to be the result of the other vayus working together.
It’s associated with standing in your power, creativity, speech, and enthusiasm. You express yourself easily when the flow is strong. But when imbalanced you lack self-expression, you lack direction, there’s a lot of negative speech. You may even experience dis-ease of the throat region.
Tips for udana vayu
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Sing (preferably super loud, in your car, with the windows down!)
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Chant “OM”
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Gentle backbends
Movement includes moving energy. Think of these prana vayus as the awesome team that keeps your body’s energy game strong, balancing everything from breath to movement to thought.
For ideas on how to backbend gently check out this article.
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