Sept 24

Prana Vayu

We are contemplating the five Vayus over the next 5 weeks and this week we considered Prana Vayu.

Each describes a different way air/prana moves through our body
We are directing the flow of prana (life force) with our awareness, breath and posture to each of the vayus helps to stimulate and balance these winds.
Cultivating a basic awareness of one or more of the Vayus will help us deepen our awareness of body and breath to enrich our yoga practice and achieve our greatest potential and well being

The Vayus – How they can help us in everyday life.
Prana = is Life force and energy
Vayu = means wind…
Prana is categorised into 5 different vayus
Prana vayu, Apana vayu, samana vayu, udana vayu and vyana.

Working with Prana-Vayu – flows in and up
Prana-Vayu is situated in the heart, and its energy pervades the chest region.
Prana-Vayu translates as “forward moving air,” and its flow is inwards and upward. It nourishes the brain and the eyes and governs the reception of all things: food, air, senses, and thoughts.
This Vayu is the fundamental energy in the body and directs and feeds into the four other Vayus. Its associated chakras and elements are Anahata and air.

Weak Prana vayu. When this Vayu is weak, the mind cannot focus and experiences excess worry. Shortness of breath, anxiety, low energy or a poor immune system can be related to disturbed Prana-Vayu.
Balanced. Means we can focus and not allow ourselves to get over stimulated and allow ourslees to unwind
In practise
We will encourage this vital wind to flow upward. Bringing awareness of Prana-Vayu in any yoga pose creates a focus to lift, lengthen and open the upper body.

Prana vayu, allowing us to take in everything from air and food to impressions and ideas. Prana vayu is most active in the region of the lungs and heart. It provides propulsive energy, speed, motivation, and vitality. On a more subtle level, this vayu gives heightened sensitivity both to the external senses and to inner awareness. It allows us to see the world in all its brightness—full of possibilities—and to anchor our inner focus in a resting place of contentment

So in our practise we encouraged this vital wind to flow upward. Bringing awareness of Prana-Vayu in any yoga pose creates a focus to lift, lengthen and open the upper body.

Close your eyes, and just become aware of breath first
Then focus on the lungs filling with air and instead of pushing prana away imgine it lingers within you, savouring the inhale. Imagine the breath rising up into the area between your eyebrows

I’ve received several emails from students who have truly felt the benefits of this particular vayu.

I always appreciate hearing your feedback from classes, and it brings me joy to know you’re experiencing the benefits.