Understanding the Vayus: The Winds of Vital Energy
In the world of yoga and Ayurveda, the concept of "Prana" or vital life force is fundamental. Prana flows through our bodies, sustaining life and health. This vital energy is governed by five distinct "Vayus" or winds, each with a specific function and direction of flow. Understanding these Vayus can deepen our awareness of our physical and energetic bodies, enhancing our overall well-being.
Prana – inhalation - absorption
Samana – space after the inhale - assimilation
Udana – beginning of the exhale - expression
Apana – exhalation - cleansing
Vyana – space after the exhale - circulation
The Importance of Balancing the Vayus
Each Vayu has a distinct role, but they all work in harmony to maintain the body's equilibrium. Imbalances in any of the Vayus can lead to physical, mental, or emotional disturbances. Practices such as yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation can help balance the Vayus, promoting health and well-being.
By understanding and balancing the Vayus, we can harness the power of our vital energy to enhance our overall health, well-being, and spiritual growth.
As you work through each of the Vayus, make a note of your experiences and how you feel after working with each of the energies in turn.
1. Prana Vayu
Location: Chest and head
Function: Responsible for respiration, heart function, and sensory perception.
Direction: Inward and upward
Significance: Prana Vayu governs the intake of energy through breath and senses. This provides the essential life force for our body and mind. Working with Prana is a great way to energise the body and mind. Prana helps you cultivate silence and turn your awareness inwards.
Asanas: Poses that activate Prana are:
All backbends
Warrior 1, chair pose, mountain pose with arms overhead
Relaxation – savasana
Breathing / Pranayama:
Inhale through the nose imagining the breath filling your lungs, exhale and imagine the breath moving through the lining of the lungs.
Inhale, pause, inhale, pause and then exhale fully (avoid if you have high pressure)
Meditation: Inhale the breath through the nose and move to the centre of the mind; Exhale and see the breath turn into a white light, washing the mind free of clutter and noise
2. Samana Vayu
Location: Chest and head
Function: Responsible for respiration, heart function, and sensory perception.
Direction: Inward and upward
Significance: Prana Vayu governs the intake of energy through breath and senses. This provides the essential life force for our body and mind. Working with Prana is a great way to energise the body and mind. Prana helps you cultivate silence and turn your awareness inwards.
Asanas: Poses that activate Prana are:
All backbends
Warrior 1, chair pose, mountain pose with arms overhead
Relaxation – savasana
Breathing / Pranayama:
Inhale through the nose imagining the breath filling your lungs, exhale and imagine the breath moving through the lining of the lungs.
Inhale, pause, inhale, pause and then exhale fully (avoid if you have high pressure)
Meditation: Inhale the breath through the nose and move to the centre of the mind; Exhale and see the breath turn into a white light, washing the mind free of clutter and noise
2. Samana Vayu
Location: Throat and head
Function: Governs speech, self-expression, and the upward flow of energy.
Direction: Upward
Significance: Udana Vayu facilitates communication, self-expression, and spiritual growth, connecting us to higher consciousness. It is your willingness to go beyond general limitations. It is growth – mentally, physically and spiritually.
Asanas: Poses that activate Udana are:
Standing poses where you feel compressed and stuck in your legs – warrior 1, chair pose, Eagle
Seated forward folds where you feel the spine collapsing
Inversions where you feel compressed in the neck, arms and shoulders
Backbends – particularly belly backbends such as sphynx or cobra
Breathing / Pranayama:
Breath in from your feet, all the way through your spine
Breath out from your throat, releasing any tension in your throat, jaw and teeth
N.B. if inverted breath in through the arms, hands or head and breath out through the soles of your feet.
Meditation:
Breath in from the soles of your feet and imagine a blue lotus flower at your throat
Exhale through your mouth making the sound of “OM” as loudly and for as long as you can.
4. Apana Vayu
Location: Lower abdomen and pelvic region
Function: Governs elimination processes, including excretion, reproduction, and the downward flow of energy.
Direction: Downward and outward
Significance: Apana Vayu is crucial for the elimination of waste and toxins, as well as grounding and stabilising the body. It enables you to experience difficulty, process it and then release it whilst remaining positive and hopeful, rather than constantly worrying.
Asanas: Poses that activate Apana are:
Standing poses
Seated forward folds
Seated twists
Breathing / Pranayama:
Inhale through the nose and mentally take your awareness to the base of your spine.
Exhale and imagine the breath moving through your legs and out of your feet, rooting you into the earth.
Meditation: In a comfortable position, become aware of the parts of your body in contact with the floor or support. Focus on your breath moving through these points and down into the earth.
5. Vyana Vayu
Location: Entire body
Function: Oversees circulation, movement, and the distribution of energy throughout the body.
Direction: Outward and pervading
Significance: Vyana Vayu ensures the smooth flow of energy, supporting overall vitality and coordination. You can be fearless and outgoing, to expand in the world.
Asanas: Poses that activate Vyana are:
Backbends
Lateral / side bending postures
Sun salutations
Relaxation (savasana)
Breathing / Pranayama:
Inhale and count how long it takes
Exhale and count how long it takes
Slowly and gently start to increase each breath phase by a count of 1 – gently expanding your breath.
Meditation:
Inhale through the nose to the heart
Exhale and imagine the breath moving through the arms, legs and out of every pore in your body and beyond the boundary of your skin.
Starting with Pranayama and Yogic Breathing
To begin working with the Vayus, it's essential to develop a regular breathing or pranayama practice. Here are a few steps to get started:
Find a Quiet Space: Choose a calm environment where you can focus without distractions.
Sit Comfortably: Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight, shoulders relaxed, and hands resting on your knees.
Begin with Basic Techniques: Start with simple pranayama techniques. This can be as simple as placing your hands on your belly and feeling the rise and fall of the breath. Or you can count how long it takes to breathe in and then out. You can then move on to techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing or Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing).
Focus on Breath Awareness: Pay attention to the flow of your breath and how it affects different parts of your body.
Practice Consistently: Regular practice is key to experiencing the benefits of pranayama and balancing the Vayus.
Seek Guidance: Consider learning from a certified yoga instructor to ensure correct practice and deeper understanding.
Remember to reflect on each practice as you do them, to be able to understand how these energies affect you. This will help you work out which of the energies need more attention.