Yoga is the ancient art of unlocking your hidden mental and physical potential. The numerous techniques and methods help you keep numerous health issues at bay.
One of the subtle yet deep concepts of the yogic tradition is Prana. Don’t know what that is? Let yoga experts help you out.
Prana – The Sacred Life Force
The foundation of all life, and universe is the sacred life force known as Prana in yoga circles. You can never touch or see it, but as a yoga practitioner you can experience it with the right technique.
The mystical Prana flows throughout your body and permeates every action you perform, from simple physical movements to deep biochemical processes. Moreover, for you to reap the benefits of this ancient art, you have to understand what this subtle life force is. Enroll in certified yoga schools in Rishikesh to learn more about Prana.
Let us now understand what Prana is.
What is Prana?
Prana comes from the Sanskrit language and means life force energy. It is mostly used in yoga lessons as a general reference to the energy of the entire universe. In the human body, breathing is the most subtle form of this sacred energy. Prana has the responsibility of regulating all of your body’s physical functions.
What Makes Prana So Important?
Given below are a few reasons why understanding Prana is important for a yoga practitioner.
- Helps with physical alignment and subtle adjustments during yoga practice
- Helps develop vitality and the strength to physically and mentally engage in yoga asanas and other yogic practices
- Offers feedback on the effects of yoga poses and helps choose the right yoga asanas to practice
- Helps develop body’s ability to heal
- Lays the foundation for numerous Pranayama exercises
- Helps keep your awareness in the present moment
- Affects the quality and quantity of your thoughts
- Impacts your ability to meditate
How Does Prana Manifests in Human Body?
If you are a beginner or intermediate yoga practitioner, knowing all types of Prana is not that important. However, if you are fully committed to a yoga practice for years then understanding this subtle concept helps a lot.
That said, yoga experts have come up with three manifestations of Prana.
- Smaller energetic parts known as Vayus (Winds). These 5 Vayus are subtle and contain energetic qualities, not to forget individual functions and benefits. The 5 winds include Prana Vayu, Apana Vayu, Samana Vayu, Udana Vayu, and Vyana Vayu.
- The second manifestation of Prana comes in the form of Kundalini. This is the dormant spiritual energy coiled at the base of your spine. Kundalini is also the potential energy which you can activate only through intense yogic practices. You should enroll in the best Indian yoga schools to learn more about this subtle manifestation of Prana.
- Lastly, the more dense form of universal energy is referred to as Shakti. It has a stronger effect on your physical body and the environment. According to yogic tradition, the complementary force to Shakti is Shiva, the universal consciousness.
How Does Prana Flow Through Your Body?
The sacred Prana enters your body in the form of food you eat, the air you breathe, and from absorbing the energies of the earth. This sacred energy travels to every cell of the body through numerous energy channels known as Nadi.
The three main Nadis in your body are Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. All three criss-cross each other as they spiral and connect to the opposite nostrils. The Sushumna nadi travels straight up your spine and to the crown of your head.
Keep in mind, the 7 energy centers are located where the Ida and Pingala nadi criss-cross each other and intersect with Sushumna. These chakras are responsible for distribution and circulation of the sacred Prana throughout your body.
Is There a Link Between Prana and the Mind?
Yes! The quality and amount of prana in the body has a strong impact on your ability to focus and concentrate. Yoga philosophy describes a connection between the Chitta Vritti and fluctuation of energy.
With a still mental energy, your mind also enters into the same state. Enroll in certified yoga schools in Rishikesh to understand more on the link between this sacred energy and your mind.
Conclusion
Prana is the life force that permeates every cell of your body. It is the same energy which is found in the cosmos that yogis try to manifest. You should enroll in Yoga Alliance certified yoga schools in Rishikesh to learn the techniques to manifest this sacred life energy.
