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P R A N A AND A P A N A
Where Yoga and Ayurveda come together: an energetic physiology and understanding of the human being.
In Yoga, Prana and Apana are two of the five Vayus, namely Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana and Vyana.
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In Ayurveda, the same five Vayus are called the subdoshas of Vata, or the air principle.
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Vayu and Vata are basically synonymous, and their five divisions represent different locations, organs and functions
of the human body.
Prana is located in the brain and heart, and is connected with inhalation and the nervous system.
Apana is located in the lower abdominal organs and pelvis, and regulates all excretory functions like excretion of
wastes, menstruation and birth, as well as exhalation.
Samana is located in the navel and controls digestion, assimilation and absorption.
Udana’s main centre is in the throat and it regulates speech and outward expressions.
Vyana pervades the whole body and controls circulation and distribution of nutrients.
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Although a Yoga practitioner can work and directly stimulate all five Vayus through Asana, Pranayama and other
techniques, Prana and Apana play the most vital role.
They are opposite in nature: Prana moves upward and inward, while Apana moves downward and outward.
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They come together in the practice of Pranayama or yogic breathing.
During inhalation, the rising Prana is made to move downward and therefore surrendered into Apana; during the
exhalation process, the descending Apana
is raised upward and therefore offered into Prana.
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The shifting of Pranic and Apanic currents is what creates energy and enables the practitioner to store it deep inside.
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The yogi shifts the currents of Prana and Apana through the application of the three Bandhas or energetic locks,
which will be explained in the next post.
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