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The Vayus Explained

In the yogic tradition, there are several models and maps which are designed as tools for self-enquiry and to help practitioners understand the experience of life. The yogic model of the Vayus (or Pancha Prana) helps to explain the five distinct pathways of Prana in the body. By understanding and working with the Vayus, we can tap into the deeper layers of our physical, mental and spiritual health. When the Vayus are functioning optimally, they are said to help the mind improve its functions and allow us to realise our greatest potential. In this article, I will be explaining the Vayus or pathways of Prana.


What are they Vayus, or Pancha Prana?

Prana, or life-force energy, is said to be the animating energy that flows through our human bodies and keep us alive and healthy.  Prana is not the same as the breath, but the breath is said to be one of the ways that we take in Prana. Vayu means "winds" and the term is derived from the root "va" meaning "motion" or "that which flows". These Vayus, or "winds", are subtle energetic forces that govern various functions and flows within us. In other words, the Vayus are forces of energy that move through everything, including our bodies. We can see these forces as a natural phenomenon in nature, for example a seed draws light and water into its centre, and then the seeds sends roots downwards to the earth, and then, reaches upwards towards the light. After moving upwards, the plant moves outwards. 


The five Vayus are:

1.      Prana Vayu: The Prana that moves inwards and upwards

2.      Apana Vayu: The Prana that moves downwards and outwards

3.      Samana Vayu: The Prana that moves towards the centre

4.      Vyana Vayu: The Prana that moves outwards from the centre

5.      Udana Vayu: The Prana that moves upwards


1. Prana Vayu

The first Vayu is called Prana Vayu and it shares the name of the Vayus, or Pancha Prana, as a whole because it is considered the most fundamental of the five.  Prana Vayu is situated in the head, centred in the third eye, and its energy pervades the chest region.  The flow of Prana Vayu is inwards and upwards.  This Vayu rules reception, absorption and input, including everything that we take into our bodies and minds.  This Vayu relates to the action of inhaling, eating, drinking, and swallowing.  Prana Vayu also applies to the five senses and what we feed them, for example what we watch, hear, read, observe and even the thoughts and emotions that we give credence to.  Activities that can negatively affect this Vayu are forms of sensory overload including exposure to loud or constant noise, watching violent media or negative news, listening to angry, sad or especially emotive songs.  When this Vayu is negatively affected, we can struggle to focus and meditate.


To visualise Prana Vayu:

Close your eyes, sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body, and as you inhale, visualise energy flowing up the torso from the belly to the third eye.


Exploring Prana Vayu with Asana & Meditation:

Yoga poses to explore include all backbends, Warrior 1, Chair Pose, Mountain Pose (arms reaching), Savasana and meditation. The awareness of Prana Vayu creates a focus to lift, lengthen, and open the upper body.


2. Apana Vayu

Apana Vayu is situated in the pelvic floor and its energy pervades the lower abdomen.  The flow of Apana Vayu is downwards and outwards.  This Vayu governs digestion, elimination and reproduction.  There can be too much elimination or there can be holding on to everything and both are said to be signs of weakness in Apana Vayu.  If we release too much, there will not be enough to nourish us and if we hold everything in, it becomes toxic.  Mentally, Apana Vayu applies to the mind’s ability to let go of difficult thoughts and memories.  When Apana Vayu is balanced, we are said to be able to experience a difficulty, process it and then let it go, whilst remaining hopeful and positive.  However, if this Vayu is weak we might experience a mind that is full of constant worries and feelings of being ungrounded and unsupported.  The actions of letting go and rooting down as well as the feeling being grounded are associated with this Vayu.  The balance of both Prana Vayu and Apana Vayu are key to a healthy body and mind because what we release and let go of in life and in our bodies is just as important as what we receive and take in. 


To visualise Apana Vayu:

Close your eyes, sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body, and as you exhale feel and energy flowing down the torso from the top of the head to the tailbone.


Exploring Apana Vayu with Asana & Meditation:

Poses to explore include standing poses (Mountain Pose, Tree Pose, Yogi Squat, Goddess Pose), seated forward folds, seated twists, supine knee to chest (both legs or one leg) as well as bringing attention to the connect between your body and the Earth supporting you. The awareness of Apana Vayu creates a focus to ground and stabilise the lower body.


3. Samana Vayu

Samana Vayu is situated in the abdomen with its energy centred in the navel.  The flow of Samana Vayu unites the upward energy of Prana Vayu and the downward energy of Apana.  Samana Vayu is a spiralling flow of energy that moves from the periphery of the body to the centre.  This Vayu governs the assimilation of all substances: food, air, experiences, emotions and thoughts.  When these substances enter the body (Prana Vayu), this Vayu is said to digest, assimilate and process this matter in preparation for elimination (Apana Vayu).  Samana Vayu is a concentrating, absorbing and consolidating force.  A weak Samana Vayu is said to be indicated by problems with digestion and a feeling of fatigue, depletion and lack of motivation.  Mentally, Samana Vayu digests information and experiences and decides what is useful and what is not.  When Samana Vayu is healthy, it is said that when you experience a difficulty, you are only able to process that experience but also turn it into a learning experience. 


To visualise Samana Vayu:  

Close your eyes, sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body, and as you inhale and exhale, feel the breath rising and falling in the front, side and back of the torso.


Exploring Samana Vayu with Asana & Meditation:

Poses to explore include twists, abdominal strengthening, arm balances, forward folds (especially seated), focusing on strengthening and engaging the core and full diaphragmatic belly breathing. The awareness of Samana Vayu creates a focus to open and relax the body.


4. Vyana Vayu

Vyana Vayu is situated in the heart and lungs and flows throughout the entire body.  The flow of Vyana Vayu moves from the centre of the body to the periphery.  This Vayu’s pervasive, expansive and nourishing energy governs the movement in our muscles and joints, circulation in the body (food, water, oxygen as well as emotions and thoughts circulating), blood flow and electrical impulses through our nervous system and the movement of fluid through our lymphatic system.  A healthy Vyana Vayu is said to indicated by a health circulatory system where nutrients reach where they are needed, are absorbed efficiently and effectively and any wastes are eliminated.  Also, the body will be able to co-ordinate and balance effectively and feel strong and supported.  Mentally, Vyana Vayu relates to ideas and emotions that are able to flow freely.  Feelings of separation, alienation and hatred are said to be due to an unbalanced Vyana Vayu. 


To visualise Vyana Vayu:  

Close your eyes, sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body, and as you inhale, feel the breath radiating outward from the navel to the arms and legs.


Exploring Vyana Vayu with Asana & Meditation:

Poses to explore include backbends, side bending postures, balancing postures, sun salutations, Savasana and paying attention to whole body engagement.  The awareness of Vyana Vayu creates a focus of strength and fluid movement.


5. Udana Vayu

Udana Vayu is situated in the throat and has a circular flow around the neck and head.  Udana Vayu relates to the upward movement of energy.  This Vayu governs speech, self-expression, growth and metabolism via the thyroid glands.  This ascending and radiant force also directs the flow of Prana from the lower to the higher planes of consciousness.  Udana Vaya governs accessing different states of consciousness, for example, moving the mind from waking state to the sleep state.  When Udana Vayu is balanced, we stand tall and we are joyous, enthusiastic, alert, articulate and strong-willed; we stretch and expand beyond our comfort zone.  When the Vayu is weakened, we might have a tendency to become stagnant in our lives, lacking motivation and will, or conversely, we might be prideful, arrogant, obstinate and inflexible.


To visualise Udana Vayu:

Close your eyes, sit or stand with a long spine and relaxed body, as you inhale and exhale, feel the breath circulating around and through the head and neck.


Exploring Udana Vayu with Asana & Meditation:

Poses to explore include inversions, Fish Pose, Backbends and noticing energy in the head, neck and upper back.  The awareness of Udana Vayu creates a focus to keep a long spine and correct posture.


The Vayus are one of several yogic models of experiences that we can apply both on and off the mat to enhance our practice as well as bring more balance to our daily lives. By exploring the Vayus we are not only stretching and strengthening our muscles, we are tapping into an experience of subtle energy that allows us to attune more deeply to our body and our breath. The Vayus as a tool of self-enquiry encourage yogic practitioners to connect deeply to the subtle sensations of the body and can create fresh approach to the physical practice of yoga.


 

I hope that you enjoyed learning more about the yogic model of the Vayus. Explore the subtle energy of the Vayus within my online yoga studio where I have Hatha Yoga and Vinyasa Flow Yoga classes themed around this yogic model. Enjoy a 14-day free trial and find more about the Online Yoga Studio here.



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