About our vital breath (prana-vayu)

When we explore the five energetic winds, we often start practicing with the inward moving wind, called prana-vayu. This energetic wind differs from the all encompassing group of the five winds, called the prana vayus. Here we are now moving from the general group to one of its specific forms.

This inward, forward moving energetic wind is situated in the thoracic region of our bodies from our navel to our throat. It powers our respiratory system and closely relates to our hearts, lungs and diaphragms.

In Yoga, you will generally feel the effects of prana-vayu when taking a deep inhale whilst feeling your belly and ribs expand and lift up. You can practice by noticing the enlivening quality of your inhalation each time you breathe in.

On a more subtle and psychological level, it relates to how we take in sensory information or what gives us inspiration and fuels our vitality.