1. Prana Vayu (powers the other four)
PRANA cāyu responsible for intake (air intake). It moves downward and inward, providing the underlying energy that moves us. It is mainly located in the head, lungs and heart. An imbalance of prana flow can manifest as anxiety, fear, anger (head); shortness of breath, asthma, sleep apnea (lungs); fast heartbeat or stroke (heart).
Yoga asanas to focus on balancing Prana Howl:
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Kriya Asana Vanekom – Salutation to the Earth
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Ardha Salabhasana – Half Locust Pose
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Paripurna Salabhasana is the complete locust pose
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Urdva Mukha Svanasana – Facing Upward Dog Pose
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Nindra Kokkusana – Crane Posture
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Ustrasana – camel pose
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Setu Bandha – Bridge Posture
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Urdva Dhanurasana – Upward Bow Pose
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Bhujangasana is the cobra pose
Some breathing exercises to use in conjunction with Prana VAyyu Asanas:
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Ujjaii Breathing
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Bhastrika Pranayama (Breath of Fire)
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Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
It circulates in the head and neck and responsible for growth. It moves upwards and is the result of the proper working of other vayu. It governs our ability to stand, our speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. It is concentrated near the diaphragm and throat and is responsible for certain respiratory functions, speech and mental functioning (by supporting the movement of blood to the brain). Imbalance in the functioning of Udana-vayu includes asthma, emphysema; stuttering, hoarse voice; depression, poor memory, lack of creativity, direction or goals.
Yoga asanas to focus on balancing Good luck to Vayu
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any of the warrior poses
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Gardusana – Stance of an eagle
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Minasana Fish Pose
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Pathi Minasana – Half Fish
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Vilasana is bow posture
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Asana Vibaritarani (Half Shoulder Stand)
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Kalapoi Asana – Plow Pose
Some breathing and other practices to use in conjunction with Good luck to Vayu
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Focus on exhaling, especially diaphragmatic breathing
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Udana Breathing (FOUND: Inhale through the mouth, focus on the throat chakra EX: Chant OM)
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Chants (eg Om Kriya Babaji Namo Aum; So-Hum- Om Namah Shivayah)
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Meditations that emphasize increased awareness of the head and neck
VIANA Vayu is responsible for distribution. It moves outward in a circular, pulsating motion. It is located in the heart and lungs and is involved in cardiac activity, blood circulation and the voluntary nervous system. Imbalance can manifest as poor blood circulation, clogging of arteries, heart attack, edema; peripheral neuropathy, symptoms of MS.
Yoga asanas to focus on balancing Vyana Vayu include:
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Preparatory side bend (on the back) –
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Utthita Trikonasana – Elongated Triangle Pose
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Supta Garduasana – Reclining Eagle Posture
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Balasana-Child’s Pose
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Sukasana is an easy pose
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Parsva Tadasana – Side Bending Mountain Pose
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Parighasana – Gate Pose
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Utthita Parsvakonasana is an extended side angle pose
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Prasarita Padottanasana – Wide Forward Bend
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Janu Sirsasana – Head to Knee Forward Bend
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Parsva Upavistha Konasana is a wide-angle side-sitting pose
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Parivrta Janu Sirsasana – Head to Knee Twist
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Salutation to the Sun
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Namaste prayer
Breathing or Pranayana that balances the Vyana Howl:
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Focus on inhalation and expansion -pulse breathing
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Retention of breath (delay after inhalation) – Wim Hof’s Breathing
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Vyan Breath (Place hands on chest. IN: Extend arms, expanding from center to periphery, filling lungs; hold for 2 seconds; EXIT: Place hands back on chest. Focus on heart center)
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Any breathing action that brings you joy touches your heart
APANA vayu is responsible for elimination. It moves down and out and helps keep things in. It is mainly located in the lower abdomen and is associated with the functions of excretion, reproduction and bone health (regulation of absorption and retention of minerals). Apana flow imbalance can manifest as constipation/diarrhea, IBS; problems with the menstrual cycle, sexual problems; problems with bone density. This helps us get deeper into seated forward folds. It can also bring a sense of peace and inner strength. Awareness of Apana Vayu in any yoga pose creates focus and stabilizes the lower body.
Yoga asanas that focus on balancing the Apana Vayu:
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Standing Poses (Especially Standing on One Leg) – Eka Pada Utkatasana – Figure 4
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Paschimottanasanas-Sitting with folds forward
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Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend | Ardha Baddha Padma Pashimottanasana
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Parivrritta Sukasana – Seated twists
Breathing, pranayama, or other practices that help balance Apana Vayu
SAMANA vayu is in charge of processing things and moves towards the center in a murky motion. It is concentrated around the navel. It is responsible for digestion at all levels including the mind. It is associated with the processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation. An imbalance of the samana-vayu function includes metabolic problems, poor digestion, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Yoga asanas that will help restore the balance of Samana Vayu:
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Twisted postures lying on the back
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Boards
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Postures for arm balance
Breathing, pranayama, and other practices that will help get Samana Vayu back “on track”:
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Focus on exhaling with abdominal contraction (eg Kapalabhati)
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Retention of breath (delay after exhalation)
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Abdominal progressive reduction (fastening)
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Practices similar to uddyana-bandhu
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Saman Breath (FINDING: Imagine you are drawing the energy towards the abdomen. EX: Contract the abdomen, imagine the energy becoming more concentrated; hold the contraction for a moment.)
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Kapalbhati (to stimulate agni)
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High vibration food and fasting
