Prana Boost
It is amazing how uplifting a morning “pranayama” practice can be. As you sit quietly with yourself and inhale the life force at dawn your entire being charges with vitality and clarity of purpose. Prana – a very trendy word nowadays can be best described as the sustaining force of the universe. It is the connecting link between the material world, consciousness and mind. It is what makes life on the material level possible. Prana regulates all physical functions for example, the breath, the supply of oxygen, digestion, elimination and much more. The function of the human body is much like a transformer, receiving energy from the Universal flow of Prana, distributing that energy, and then eliminating it. The Chinese call it “Qi” or all pervading potency. In Hawaii it is referred to as “mana” – the celestial star-dust. In short “prana” is the building essence of all life forms. It is an electric current that flows through our meridians. These highways of energy can often become blocked, stagnated, over-stimulated or simply imbalanced. Pranayama is the art of breath extension and conscious respiration. Most people have a rapid and shallow breathing pattern, devoid of awareness. As we train ourselves to take in air slowly and profoundly and to hold it, we expand the lung’s capacity, and in turn, slow down the negative effects of natural deterioration by strengthening the heart, lowering blood pressure, dissipating tension, and nourishing the nervous system. As a result of Pranayama, the newly oxygenated blood spreads from the lungs to the heart; the heart then propels this blood through the arteries to each portion of the physical body, permeating every cell. In this manner we are able to eliminate excess toxins including uric and lactic acid and restore the body’s alkalinity to its natural PH balance.
However, the most fascinating discovery about the art of breath control for me was when I learned that every breath moves in five directions, linked to the five senses. In Sanskrit these tangents of energy are known as prana, apana, samana, udana and viyana. Prana resides in the heart and is associated with the sense of sight and the element of fire. It constitutes the all-pervading, ascending flow. Apana influences the lower part of the body from the navel to the soles of the feet. It regulates the elimination process. Diseases that affect the lower abdomen, intestines, kidneys, urinary tract, legs, etc., are the result of disturbed Apana Prana. It is related to the earthly element and constitutes the downward current of energy. Samana is centered in the navel. It is related to the water element, the sense of touch and transports even breath and digestive air, distributing the energy of nutrition. Udana is the ascending energy that flows from the heart to the head and brain. It accompanies the awakening of the Kundalini Shakti. It permeates the throat, interrelated to the sense of taste, and the unleashing of creative energy. Vyana flows through the nerve channels of the human body. It has an effect upon the whole body and particularly on the meridians or “nadis.” Poor circulation, impaired nerve stimulation and nervous breakdowns, originate from a deficiency in Vyana Prana. It permeates the entire body and is linked to space and the sense of hearing.
As we become consciously aware of all five “pranas” we can harness and channel these forces for greater health, strength, vitality and a more expanded awareness. Speaking of awareness it is important to draw a distinction between “prana” and “kundalini”, which are mistakenly regarded as identical forces. Prana is the all encompassing life force. It facilitates the flow of breath, and opens the subtle, etheric body stimulating the various “chakras” or energy wheels. A regular pranayama practice opens the nerve channels and in turn fosters creativity by unleashing the energy of awareness also known as “Kundalini Shakti”. Once Kunalini rises up the spine and reaches the crown of the head an all-inclusive state of consciousness is attained. And all this is accomplished simply by changing our breath pattern. As we extend the breath we create space in the mid brain, we shift perspective and begin to resonate with all of creation. We purify our body and mind and allow life to flow through us, achieving internal harmony, improved focus and enhanced creativity.
Yogea Energizing Breathing: Prana Boost
This Yogea pranayamablend is especially designed to promote healthy circulation, flush away toxins, restore your PH balance and boost your energy for the day. “Kapalabhati” or fire breath variations intensify the abdominal fire to stimulate digestion and elimination and provide oxygen to the brain. A series of “bellows” breath” opens space in the pelvic region and facilitates the alternating of breath retentions and extensions. Hyperventilation breathing amplifies the lung’s capacity and releases tension residue. Full yogic breathing lifts the pelvic floor and activates the Earth lock for eliciting a sense of grounding in the now. A closing meditation accompanied by special “mudras” helps tune the focus in and harness massive amounts of life force that bring balance and vitality.
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