Pranamaya Vayu
The Vayus are described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Shiva Samhita, Nisvasattva Samhita Naya Sutra as well as the Vasishtha Samhita, where five Vayus are discussed. Hatha Yoga is more then the poses we preformed during practice.
This practice focuses more on Prana meaning "life force energy." With Dharana meaning "concentration" you can become more aware to the Prana within, enhancing and directing the flow with intent.
When Prana is allowed to flow freely, we develop an inner awareness, become more invigorated and are open to higher levels of Consciousness.
In Ayurveda which is a form of medicine practiced in India and is a sister science to Yoga, the Vayus or Pranic winds govern different areas of the body as well as different physical and subtle activities. The Vayus are described in the Rig Veda.
In this context Prana is referring to the Pranamaya Kosha which is the flow of energy which is governing the thoracic area of the body between the larynx and the top of the diaphragm. This area of the body is associated with the heart, lungs muscles and nerves. Prana is the force of the breath and is drawn into the lungs.
This Vayu is origin of the other four Vayus and is described as moving forward and upward. This Vayu is effected by Prana Vayu Mudra. The element associated with this Vayu is air.
Asanas that stimulate and strengthen the flow of this Vayu
Governs the area from below the navel to the genitals and lower hips. This Vayu is described as moving downward , which is why it is associated with the elimination of waste from the body. By governing this area of the body, this Vayu is associated with Muladhara Chakra and provides the feeling of being grounded.
This Vayu is affected by practicing Mula Bandha and Apana Vayu Mudra. The element associated with this Vayu is water.
Asanas that stimulate and strengthen the flow of this Vayu
Governs the digestive system including the liver, intestines, pancreas and stomach. Located between the heart and the navel, this Vayu is responsible for transformation as well the absorption and distribution of nutrients in the body. By governing this area of the body, this Vayu is associated with Manipura Chakra and is described as moving inward.
This is affected by practicing Uddiyana Bandha and Samana Vayu Mudra. The element associated with this Vayu is fire.
Asanas that stimulate and strengthen the flow of this Vayu
The neck and head are governed by Udana, activating the sensory organs such as the eyes, tongue, nose and ears. This Vayu also activates the limbs, muscles, ligaments, nerves and joints. Udana is responsible for an erect posture, sensory awareness, and the ability to respond to the out side world as well as the upward flow of energy.
By governing this area of the body, this Vayu is associated with Vishuddhi Chakra and is affected by practicing Jalandhara Bandha and Udana Vayu Mudra. The element associated with this Vayu is either.
Asanas that stimulate and strengthen the flow of this Vayu
Pervades the entire body regulating and controlling all movement. This Vayu is governs the functioning of the muscles, joints, nerves and veins while coordinating the other Vayus together as well as being reservoir of Prana for the other Pancha Koshas.
Vyana is associated with the water element and therefore is also associated with Svadhisthana Chakra, with no location in the body this Vayu moves throughout the Nadis meaning "energetic pathways."
This Vayu is effected by Vyana Vayu Mudra. The element associated with this Vayu is Earth.
Asanas that stimulate and strengthen the flow of this Vayu
This practice is also referred to as
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