PANCH PRANA - 5 types of Wind in our body
The vital force energy (Prana Shakti)
Prana energy is the life force, the vital energy which flows inside our body from the moment we are born. The word PRANA is made up of two sanskrit words - Pra which means ‘to exist before’ and Ana means ‘an atom’. So, the collective word Prana is understood as that energy or vibration which exists between the atoms.
But, have you ever thought about what Prana is and how many types of Prana there are in our body. PRANA energy is significantly associated with the element of Air which is called VAYU in Sanskrit and can easily be translated as WIND for better understanding. Although there is only one Prana in our body that functions to maintain our life until death but the utility and the functionality of this energy is divided into five major flows that moves in our body in particular direction. Now the question is why is the Pranic energy divided in sections. So, just think of electricity. It is in the form of electrical energy. It can be utilised for so many different things such as for light, electric appliances, mechanical devices and so many more.
Similarly, the Pran energy is divided into sections Udaan, Apaan, Praan, Samaan, and Vyaan. I’ll try to explain in brief, what they mean, where they are located and their functionality.
1. Udaan Vayu- The name Udaan means in upward direction. So, this pran vayu flows in upward direction in circular motion from throat to top of the head and flows in circular manner around the neck and head. It covers functioning of organs such as throat, eyes, nose, ears, dental, mouth, face, Pituitary & Pineal glands. It keeps our body up and strong and prevents collapse against gravitational force. When the Udaan vayu is functioning properly, we feel joyous, energetic, alert and strong willed. We can express our point without getting stuck. It balances the thyroid and parathyroid glands. It calms the mind hence balances the nervous system. Sleep patterns get better.
2. Apaan Vayu - This Vayu is situated in Pelvic floor and is spread in lower abdomen moving in downward and outward direction. It is considered a very important for our body as the energy of this vayu nourishes the organs of digestion, elimination and reproduction. The proper functioning of this Vayu conducts excretion, urination, mensturation, sweating and all other forms of removing unwanted residues from the body. It releases physical, mental and emotional stress too. The medium of this flow is also utilised by women at the time of delivery.
3. Pran vayu - Although the name is similar as the ‘whole Prana’ but this part has its own responsibility to function. This vayu centers in our heart and moves all around. It reflects on the ongoing change while remaining connected to our centre. When we inhale clean air, this vayu conducts the strength in our body. The proper balance of this vayu maintains the nervous system and overcomes anxiety or fear. Energy flows smoothly when a rhythmic cycle of breathing is done overcoming breathlessness or heart palpitations. The regular practice of yoga asanas in sync with the breaths and focussed Pranayama can enhance the capacity of lungs and make a healthier respiratory system.
4. Samana Vayu – The name Samaan suggests its meaning as Balance. This vayu is literally known as the balancing air. It is situated in the navel moving primarily in between navel and heart and unifies the two opposite forces of ‘Prana Vayu - located in heart ’ and ‘Apana Vayu - located in pelvic region’. It is responsible for the digestive organs and glands. The main role for this Vayu is to carry the nutrients and take them to various parts of our body. The proper functioning of this vayu separates nutrients from toxins. It improves gastric disorders. On the level of mind as well, it calms down anger and improves decision making cutting all the crap that is not required or not so important. That is why, the power of digestion is very much closely linked to the power of mind – particularly regarding discrimination and judgement.
5. Vyaan Vayu- Vyaan means outward. So, the motion of Vyaan vayu is outward and surrounding the body. This vayu is the energy governing the functioning of joints, veins, nerves and muscles throughout the body, so It can also be understood as a connecting force of energy that supports the functionality of the other four vayus. It has no specific seat or location, but runs through all the nadis (nerves or blood vessels) of the body. Our body has more than 72,000 pathways or Nadis which are connected to the functioning of the whole body. When Vyaan Vayu is working at its best, the blood flows thoroughly in our body, the muscles would be healthy, joints will move with ease and overall breathing would be excellent. This Vayu creates sense of balance and coordination, improves physical & mental stamina. All the important minor and major decisions are taken with clarity when Vyaan Vayu is functioning well.
The Prana energy can be expanded by the regular practice of yoga postures that include standing poses, forward bending, back bending, side bending and Sun Salutations etc., Pranayama, Meditation, Positive affirmations, healthy diet, healthy relations and healthy lifestyle.
