Knowledge of Pranas

Prana is the source of Life. Prana opens up the Nadis and is responsible for the actions, perception and expression. The  state of Prana determines the dominant Guna and the subsequent quality of the individual. High Prana is Sattva, low Prana is Tamas and intermediate is Rajas. The Nadis are thus responsible for interest in the world or spirit, a feeling of gratitude or complaints,  mainly depending on the level of Prana in the system. The Prana body is bigger than the gross body. When the Prana goes lower & lower, and fear and doubts occupy the mind, a feeling of constriction ensues. When the Prana body constricts to a level which is smaller than the gross body, there is a sense of suffocation and extreme unrest. When this is not handled by techniques to increase the Prana, a tendency of suicide can ensue. A high Prana state results in Bliss, as the Prana starts dropping down you experience states varying from enthusiasm, apathy, fear, anger and aggression, and finally depression.


There are five Pranas - Prana, Apana, Samana, Vyana and Udana
Prana enters the body with the breath as a vehicle and once it touches the heart center, the life force is activated. This then activates the energy center at the base of the spine, which through various Nadis that branch out sustain the functions of the human system. So Prana energises the body. it is related to the space element. Increase in Prana brings lightness & expansion.
Apana is the prana that leaves the body through the orrifices taking away the impurities or Mala. it is related to the earth element. Apana relaxes or unburdens the body. Increase in Apana creates heaviness and unpleasantness.
Samana is related to the digestive fire and is concentrated around the navel. it is related to the fire element. Increased Samana brings greed, jealousy, anger and heartburn.
Udana more concentrated in the chest, head and neck region and is responsible for emotions and expressions. it is related to the water element. Increased Udana brings passion & craving.
Vyana is in the extremities and is responsible for movement including circulation. it is related to the air element. Increased Byana creates restlessness.

There are five Upa Pranas - Naga, Kurma, Krikala, Devadutta and Dhananjaya.

• Naga is the air that regulates burping.
• Kurma controls contracting movements e.g. blinking.
• Krikala governs sneezing.
• Devadatta controls yawning.
• Dhananjaya controls the functioning of heart valves.

Yoga is bringing harmony among the Pranas and Upa pranas. Pranayamas especially Mudras and Bandhas cleans the Nadis and help the smoothflow of Prana. Nadi shodhan balances the Nadis.