Five Types of Prana

The Sanskrit word Prana describes the Universal Life Force energy or Source energy. According to Hatha Yoga, Pancha Prana is the five main types of energy. With knowledge of the Pancha Prana, we can identify them in our physical and energy bodies.

1. Prana Prana

The first type of prana is called Prana Prana. This refers to breath energy and is ruled by the Air element. Prana Prana works in our bodies between our diaphragm and our nostrils. It supports our chest, heart, and lungs. Prana Prana heals anxiety, depression, insomnia, and shortness of breath. The breath of life helps us follow the flow of the Universe and stay present. Air also rules intellect, so it improves your memory and concentration. Practice with heart chakra healing, chest opening asanas, and pranayama are all great ways to balance and restore our Prana Prana.

2. Samana Prana

Next, Samana Prana is responsible for our personal transformation, ruled by the element of Fire. Stored between our diaphragm and our belly button, Samana Prana regulates our digestive tract and our aura. It connects us with the Sun and allows us to maintain a strong sense of self and a concrete aura. A Fire native may become susceptible to fire diseases upon overworking Samana Prana. This can include heartburn, anger, or overactive Solar Plexus Chakra. Practice with Agnishara or Surya Namaskara (sun salutation) can balance Samana Prana. 

3. Apana Prana

The third prana, Apana Prana, flows from our navel to the soles of our feet. This controls the process of both internal and external beautification, which is everything from going to the bathroom to thinking happy thoughts or brushing our hair. Apana Prana flows through the genitals, kidneys, rectum, and menses. As downward traveling Vayu (Air Element), Apana Prana can be balanced through the practice of sat karma, pelvis opening asanas (malasana for example), and grounding exercises. An imbalance can cause the Vayu to travel upwards, hitting the Pitta (fire/water) and potentially causing heart problems. 

4. Udana Prana

The fourth is Udana Prana (also known as Udyana or Udyadji Prana). This energy is stored in our heart, throat, and head. It rules our many senses, our arms, and communication. Ruled by Space Element, Udana Prana increases our senses and is known to create weight in words. Strengthening Udana Prana heals issues of the thyroid and can assist in weight loss, as it makes your body lighter. Yogi Masters who have been known to float, levitate or walk on water have done so through extreme mastery of the Udana Prana. Udana Prana can be balanced through Bhamari or shoulder/headstand asanas. 

5. Vyana Prana

The fifth Prana is Vyana Prana, the invisible force within the body and the element of flow. Vyana Prana radiates from the heart center and supports all other pranas in the body. It rules involuntary actions such as blood circulation, nutrient absorption, and blinking. Vyana Prana also regulates our immune system and consciousness. Heal Vyana Prana by maintaining balance and practicing moderation. Meditation, eating well, and exercise to protect and strengthen your Vyana Prana. This energy keeps your body from decomposing. There have been records of yogis and energy masters who have passed away without their body decomposing, due to maintaining a strong Vyana Prana in their energy body. 

By becoming aware of the different types of Prana, we can heal ourselves and others. In a comfortable position, gently work on identifying each of the Pranas within your own being. Choose to become familiar with a happy and balanced energy body, and watch it blossom into the 3D.