Prana is a powerful life force that runs through us, bringing vitality to the physical body and enlivening our subtle awareness. It’s like living sparkles of light emanating from kundalini Shakti – igniting vital energy within each system in the human being: vayus, nadis, chakras, dalas and marmas. Within these systems lies Prana’s ability to bring harmony between mind-body health which ultimately leads into deeper spiritual connection with ourselves and also beyond death – when it departs upon passing on.

Prana energy is essential for mental, physical and spiritual health. It exists in every aspect of our lives – from the way we breathe to what foods we eat to how well rested we are. Pranayama practices use breath patterns that nourish peace, vitality and concentration within us; whilst good nutrition with fresh food, prepared with love and consumed joyfully revitalizes both body and soul. Resting deeply allows for a deep connection between mind-body-spirit so Shakti can do her work, unhindered by an empty pranic reservoir!

Our Pranic system is profoundly interrelated and interconnected, with five major functions working in harmony. Known as Vayus– Apana, Vyana, Samanā, Udana & Prāna—these govern not just our physical health but also mental/emotional balance. Each has a distinct role within the body-mind relationship: from coordinating movement of energy to controlling conscious expansion between each chakra. As we learn about these vital processes fascinating insights emerge into how best nurture ourselves for holistic wellbeing – holistically grounding us in both spiritual practice and physical health!

Apana Vayu embodies the powerful energy of elimination, expulsion and reproduction within us. Seated at our Muladhara or root chakra and Svādhisthāna or sacral chakra ~ it extends from the pelvis to feet and empowers us with its vital functions that govern physiological as well as psychological health. Apana’s direction is downward-moving – working towards keeping our body healthy by removing toxins while strengthening intestinal walls, its the final stage of digestion through elimination, menstrual flow, ejaculation of sperm and semen, inducing labor, contracts the uterus, and assists with childbirth. Though disturbances in apana can lead to hormone imbalances causing mood swings & negative thoughts; this life force serves a strong purpose which we must acknowledge if want sustainable harmony between mind, soul & body!

Vyana Vayu brings extraordinary energy to our body, and its presence is essential for us to live a harmonious life. Located in the Svadhisthana chakra, this powerful vayu creates an auric field that envelops us every moment of every day. As ‘The Moistener’, it regulates perspiration and goose bumps as well as muscle movements, allowing each action we take – big or small – to be carried out with ease….But when imbalanced due disturbances either on mental or physical level can lead build up tensions leading towards difficulties related o nervous system & synapses which ultimately impacts negatively upon our touch, thought & proximity.

Located in the Manipura, or Naval Chakra of your abdomen at the solar plexus sits Samana Vayu. It governs digestion and appetite as well its ability to assimilate energy that balances out vayus above and below it. Going further still this powerful force is responsible for not only seeping nourishment into our physical body but also regulating our mental clarity by controlling how we process feelings within us both emotionally and mentally – essentially connecting gut instinct with brain function so harmoniously they feed one another’s harmony (or disrupt should harmonies be broken). When digestive disturbances such as eating disorders occur or psychological blocks develop from mind/gut disconnects due to stressful imbalances, then disharmony reigns instead; hence why understanding what powers samana can help you reclaim control over these turbulent moments through reigning in Solar Fire which provides fuel from food cooked up just right for sustaining optimum balance on all levels! Without proper energy, our minds can become disturbed and our eating habits disrupted – from anorexia to compulsive bingeing. Fortunately, Samana’s ability to absorb nutrients and hormones works hand-in-hand with digestion enzymes in order for us to convert the knowledge gained through food into a heightened state of awareness. 

Prana Vayu is the life energy that empowers us with vitality, movement and expression. Located in Anahata Chakra – the heart center of our physical body, it controls respiration and circulation as well as facilitates swallowing, sensory-motor activity and temperature regulation. At a deeper level this powerful force gives rise to wisdom from within by fostering empathy and compassion towards others while at the same time allowing one’s mind to experience single pointed focus. When Prana vayu flows freely we are able to receive positive impressions calmly which helps concentration however when depleted impurities take its place making mental clarity difficult if not impossible resulting in an overall decrease In wellbeing. Prana Vayu is our body’s vital source of energy that supports emotional, physical and mental well-being. Without its flow freely through us, we’re left feeling vulnerable, drained and yearning for something unfulfillable which can have drastic effects on the body including tension in areas such as the brow or chest. To replenish Prana vayu’s strength it’s important to practice proper respiration techniques alongside a healthy diet and adequate rest so healing – both physically & emotionally – becomes possible once more.

Udana Vayu is an insightful force, controlling aspects of speech and intellect within our body. Located in the neck region at Vishuddha – or the Throat chakra – Its energy radiates upwards towards heightening brain functionality. Consequently, any disruption to Udana vayu can lead to various mental and emotional disorders; due it being referred as ‘the burner’, burning through endorphins when extended durations of powerful cerebral use are employed. The extreme speed with synaptic release from the mind has been known to damage delicate neural centers (dalas), whereby different patterns contain varying levels of quality for one’s mentality: wavering, dull oscillating, one-pointedness or control respectively dependent on whether its fast consuming more endorphins (+quick thinking) , spiraling & moderate frequency rate providing a healthy balance between thought processes/emotions experience -or slow causing sleepy states which often result in stagnation. Udana is an energy force that can have profound effects on both the mind and body. When it does not move smoothly to the upper parts of one’s throat, a deficit in endorphins produced by our brain occur. This can lead to harmful addictions as our brains seek out other ways – like chemicals or behavior-based triggers -stimulate more endorphin production. Not only powerful for perception and actions, Udana also energizes primarily through movement; strengthening the extremities such as head, neck arms & legs while maintaining balancing heart/brain coordination when functioning at its best . A weak Udana vayu however creates difficulty in grasping knowledge, expressing ideas clearly & mastering willpower.

As we can see the Prana system is powerful. Prana is the same as Ki in Reiki and Chi in Chinese Medical System. How do you notice Prana in the physical body? Do you experience knots or heat? What are these physical sensations trying to tell us? What are some of your self care practices and rituals around this inner noticing?

Hope you find something deep in your exploration of conscious awareness.

Love and Blessings,

Michelle