The Yoga texts state that all living entities are sustained by the Prana or life-giving force. The concept plays a central role in yoga and their holistic view of life, therefore one of the most subtle forms of energy is the air.
This vital energy, the Prana is divided into 5 major (the Prana Vãyu) acting in the physical body at all times and 5 minors groups (Upa pranas)which are grosser and more limited manifestations of energy compared to the mukhya pancha pranas.
They are known as:
PRANA
It is the center of circulation of life energy. This force maintains the heart and lungs, and all the activities in the chest region such as breathing, swallowing, your and circulation of blood.
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APANA
It sustains the functions of the kidneys, bladder, bowels, excretory and reproductive organs. It is responsible for the expulsion of gas, wind, feces, urine, semen, and ova. It nourishes the fetus, and expels it from the uterus at the time of birth.
Organs | Kidneys, bladder, bowels, excretory and reproductive systems |
System | Excretory system |
Related to | Removal of the urine, feces, semen and ova |
Location | Pelvic region between the navel and the perineum |
Experiencing | Close the eyes. Sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body. Exhale feel an energy down the torso from the top of the head to the tailbone. |
SAMANA
It activates and maintains the digestive organs and their secretions, and is responsible for metabolism. It is associated with the jatharagni or digestive fire.
Organs | Liver, stomach, duodenum, spleen, small and large intestines and metabolism |
System | Digestive system |
Related to | Digestion. Balances the opposing forces of prana and apana |
Location | Between the navel and the diaphragm |
Experiencing | Close your eyes. Sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body. Inhale and exhale feeling the breath rising and falling in the front, sides and back of the torso. |
UDANA
It is responsible for all the sensory organs and the organs of action. Coordinates and controls the movements of the legs, arms, and neck and directs the activities of the brain and sensory organs that are situated in the head region: eyes, vision; ears, hearing; tongue, taste; nose, smell; skin, tactile sensation. Organs of action controlled by udana are hands, feet, and speech.
Organs | Throat and brain |
System | Nervous system |
Related to | Connects the sensory organs, coordinating and controlling the movements of the legs, arms and neck, and also directs the activities of the brain and sensory organs situated on the head region – eyes, vision, ears, hearing, tongue, taste, nose, smell, skin, tactile sensation |
Location | In the extremities: the arms, legs, neck and head |
Experiencing | Close your eyes. Sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body. Inhale and exhale and feel the breath circulating around and through the head and neck. |
VYANA
It helps all the other pranas when they require an extra boost. When one overexerts and feels extremely tired, a rush of energy comes, which enables one to continue. It also regulates and coordinates all the muscular movements and the circulation of other pranas in the whole system, aids in sending impulses to different parts of the body, and causes the flow of perspiration and gooseflesh.
Organs | Permeates the whole body and acts as reserve energy |
System | Circulatory system |
Related to | Helps all the other pranas when they require an extra boost, also regulates and coordinates all the muscular movements and the circulation of other pranas in the whole system. |
Location | Whole body, especially on the skin |
Experiencing | Close your eyes. Sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body. Inhale. Feel the breath radiating outward from the navel to the arms and legs. |
These pranas reside in our pranic body, appearing throughout physiological functions in the physical body:
Naga | Alleviates the pressure in the abdomen by burping, throw up or hiccupping. When the air element is agitated, naga becomes active and tries to throw the agitated air out of the stomach, causing vibrations in udana, prana and samana. It remains inactive as long as the diet and digestion are healthy. In the state of meditation, it does not function. |
Kurma | Controls the eye lashes, eye lids and the size of the iris. Make us blink. The eyes shine due to the energy of kurma and one appears impressive. When it’s under control, the yogi can keep the eyes open for hours, performing trataka or gazing in a one point. |
Krikara | Responsible for yawning, hunger, thirst and respiration. Due to its relation with yawning, its origin is sloth and lethargy. When it’s controlled with practice, sloth and sleep are overcome, hunger and thirst are controlled, and sweet secretions begin to flow in the mouth. The control of krikara is especially helpful during fasting and samadhi. |
Devadatta | This is the cause of sneezing and aids in respiration. It becomes activated by sharp or irritating smells and causes pain in the nostrils in more intense conditions. In its subtle state, it enables the practitioner to experience divine smells. |
Dhananjaya | Works across the body in the muscles, arteries veins and skin. When we die, it’s the last prana to leave our body. It influences the work of the muscles, arteries and veins, and the skin. The swelling experienced during an injury is due to the motion of dhananjaya. During a tamasic state it reinforces sloth in the body. Responsible for decomposition. It pervades the whole body and is related to the organ of touch. |
Pranayama: To balance the 5 main and sub-prana, our mythological sages developed many methods of pranayama.
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