Misconceptions about prana
You may have heard that prana moves in a particular direction. For example, udana prana moves upward. This is not necessarily correct. To explain, prana is like oxygen. Oxygen is all around us and within us. Prana flows throughout the body but certain pranas function in particular parts of the body.
Prana & The Five Vital Energies
As explained, prana is the broad term for ‘life-force energy. However, there is a type of prana functioning in a specific area of the body , each with specific purpose.
1. Udana Prana
This is the prana force functioning in the region above the heart. To understand it further, let us look at some of the activities that happen above the heart. Thinking and talking require udana. For example, intellectuals tend to use more udana prana for thinking activities. Udana prana is increased by sunlight and appropriate food. To illustrate this, think of those in the Mediterranean. Generally speaking, they tend to be more expressive with their hands, and talkative. This could very well be due to the increased sunlight exposure in that area and their love for food! Here’s a tip if you feel your eyes drooping or head dropping because of low energy levels; take a walk outside and have a snack! You’ll find your mental energy levels increase.
2. Pran Prana
Just to be clear, prana broadly refers to the 5 vital energies. Pran prana is the specific prana that functions in the heart area. Heartbeat is pran in action! Pran comes from breathing. You can increase pran by doing pranayama.
Pranayama is another common word. What does it mean? Breathing exercises and pranayama are often used to describe the same thing but, not all breathing exercises are Pranayama. There is a difference between pranayama and breathing exercises. Pranayama literally means expansion of life force (prana) and its purpose is to improve the body’s capacity to retain and increase prana in the body.
3. Samana Prana
This prana functions around the navel area of the body. It is the heat force of assimilation; digestion and absorption in the body. When food is broken down we use samama and when we absorb nutrients we require samana prana. We can increase this prana by exercising and eating properly.
4. Apana Prana
This prana functions in the pelvic region of the body. It is the force of excretion in the body. Activities such as urination, defecation, even a yawn require apana prana. Another example of apana prana is perspiration. We can increase apana prana by eating earthy, heavy foods such as rice, butternut and sweet potatoes.
5. Vyana Prana
This prana functions around the entire body. It is the circulatory force in the body. Its activities are blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and movement of the body in general. For example, walking requires vyana prana. We can stimulate vyan prana by making sure to hydrate the body. If your lymphatic drainage is sluggish, consider sipping on some spring water!