Prana Vayu: get to know the most important of the five Vayus
Prana: do you know the meaning of this word? Prana is the creator and universal energy that manifests itself in all of nature. Prana Vayu is also a powerful circulating energy, but it is within us. In this article, we are going to discuss the Vayus and Prana Vayu. Stay with us!
Prana Vayu and the Vayus
Vayus (or internal winds) are currents of internal energies that circulate in all human beings. Imagine the sea currents that lead the beings where they want to go and be. Without them, the seas and oceans would be apathetic and lifeless.
In a natural flow, the Vayus carry and move the energy controlling the organic functions of our body, such as breathing, digestion, etc. Besides the physiological functions, the Vayus also awakens psychic aspects. They stimulate our chakras (our vital centers) and awaken our consciousness.
Ancient Yoga texts report five major and five secondary Vayus. The Prana Vayus are the main and shelter Prana Vayu, Udana Vayu, Samana Vayu, Apana Vayu and Vyana Vayu. Each Prana Vayu governs vital functions in our body.
The maintenance of Vayus by us is essential, since the flow of energy in our body must always be clean, fluid and constant. Otherwise, the energies become blocked and may manifest as physical illnesses.
Prana Vayu
Prana Vayu shares the name of Prana as a whole because it is the most fundamental of the five Vayus. Physically, this is the life force that centers on the heart. It passes through the chest and lungs and extends to the throat, mouth and nose, in their respiratory functions.
Prana Vayu is activated in inspiration and it is it that allows to bring all forms of energy into us. In this way, it nourishes our cardio respiratory and immune system. Energetically, Prana Vayu is located in the Ajna Chakra, our vital center that sits in the middle of the forehead and which manages our senses, consciousness, unconsciousness and sense of the inner self.
Of all the Vayus, it is imperative to leave the Prana Vayu always in balance. If this energy is out of order, problems that appear may affect our survival, as they will always be related to the heart and lungs.
Coronary artery disease, low energy and chronic fatigue are the most common symptoms when there is little flow of Prana Vayu.
The color of Prana Vayu is golden and its elements are fire and air.
How to balance your Prana Vayu
The first thing you should do is work on the ability to feel your Vayus. Once you are aware of the energies that circulate in your body, it is easier to realize when they are in imbalance and take care of them.
Prana Vayu can be affected if you are often exposed to very loud noises. If you watch negative news and violent movies, as well as hear angry and sad songs, you can weaken your Vayu.
Nowadays, the environment we live in has become overly stimulating and the mind can not focus properly. In this way, many of us are unaware of the need for silence and space. And it is in this environment of peace that we can turn our attention to the inside.
You can work on Prana Vayu through meditation and Pranayama techniques:
When inhaling: Allow breathing to flow freely through the nose. Feel your lungs fill up with the freshest and most precious air you can imagine. Concentrate on your lungs savoring this wonder.
On expiring: Instead of exhaling quickly, allow the Prana to remain within you. Exhale slowly and keep your eye on the air coming out of your lungs.
Asanas to balance Prana Vayu:
- All the backbends
- Virabhadrasana I
- Utkatasana
- Utthita hastasana
- Tadasana
- Savasana
You may also like:
- Pranayama: improve your vital energy
- Yin Yoga: everything you need to know about it
- Namaste: more than a greeting
- Types of Yoga: cheat sheet
- Yoga Mantras: Om Shanti Om
