There are 49 Prana Vayus or types of vayu within our bodies. Of these forty-nine there are five Prana VAyus of interest to the yogi.
Prana V ayu
Apana Vayu
Samana Vayu
Udana Vayu
Vyana Vayu
The word Prana is the Sanskrit nomenclature for “the life force” or our “life energy”. Prana allows all activity within our being; mental, emotional as well a physical. Prana is the radiance of life itself.
The word “vayu” is translated as “wind”. The root ‘va’ means “that which flows”. A vayu is a vehicle within our body for activities and experiences. It also means ‘a force’ that moves in a specific way in a certain area of the body that is overseas.
Both asana and pranayama optimize and utilize the functioning of the vayus as well as maintaining equanimity of each vayu, so that their energies are uplifted.
Vyana vayu pervades the entire body (whole). It is a connecting force within our bodies. Its function is cohesive and is associated with the element of WATER.
Vyana is the distributor of energy. Radiating from the heart where the true self dwells, Vyana moves through the myriad of vital currents. The entire body is the seat of the actions of the vyana vayu. It is present in the heart and moves outward circulating prana to the muscles and extremities. It controls functions throughout the entire body by assisting all the other pranas to function. It controls body movement, circulation, heart and aids the function of gross nerves and subtle nadis.
Vyana vayu is associated with the Anahata (heart) Chakra and Swadisthana (water) Chakra. Vyana Vayu is strengthened by the interplay of the muscular and organic energy which coordinates and integrates the mind and body through the actions of asana.
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