I Prescribe …….Learning about the Vayus Pt. 3 ;
Activation of the secondary Vayus
In yogic philosophy, the “vayus” are pranic forces or “winds” that govern the movement of energy (prana) within the body. There are five primary vayus: Prana Vayu, Apana Vayu, Samana Vayu, Udana Vayu, and Vyana Vayu. We have discussed these in previous posts
Additionally, there are five “secondary vayus,” which play more subtle roles:
1. Naga – governs belching and burping, helping to release trapped air.
2. Kurma – governs blinking and eye movement.
3. Krikara – responsible for hunger, thirst, sneezing, and coughing.
4. Devadatta – causes yawning and promotes relaxation.
5. Dhananjaya – said to govern the expansion and contraction of the heart, lingering after death.
Activating and Balancing the Secondary Vayus
While the primary vayus are more frequently discussed and targeted in yoga practices, the secondary vayus can be subtly influenced through specific practices that calm and regulate the body’s systems
Here are some general ways to balance or activate these vayus:
1. Naga Vayu (Belching/Burping)
Pranayama (Breathing exercises):
Practices like Kapalabhati (Skull-shining breath) or Bhastrika (Bellows breath) can help release excess air trapped in the digestive system.
Postures: Twisting poses like Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) and Supta Matsyendrasana (Supine Twist) can stimulate the release of trapped air in the stomach.
2. Kurma Vayu (Eye Movement/Blinking)
Trataka (Candle-gazing meditation):
Focusing on a flame for a period of time without blinking, followed by closing the eyes and visualizing the flame, can strengthen and balance Kurma Vayu.
Eye exercises: Gentle eye exercises that involve looking up, down, side to side, and diagonally can stimulate this vayu.
3. Krikara Vayu (Hunger/Thirst, Sneezing, Coughing)
Balanced diet and hydration: Maintaining a regular eating and hydration schedule helps balance Krikara Vayu.
Sitali or Sitkari Pranayama : These cooling pranayama techniques help regulate the sensation of thirst and hunger.
Sitali involves curling the tongue and inhaling through the mouth, while Sitkari involves inhaling through the teeth.
4. Devadatta Vayu (Yawning/Relaxation)
Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra: Practices that deeply relax the body and mind, such as Savasana (Corpse Pose) or Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep), can naturally activate Devadatta Vayu.
Relaxed Pranayama: Gentle breathing techniques like Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) help induce a sense of calm and relaxation.
5. Dhananjaya Vayu (Heart Function/Body after Death)
Heart-opening Asanas: Poses like Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Anahatasana (Heart Melting Pose), and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) stimulate the chest and heart area.
Meditation and Self-Inquiry: Meditative practices that cultivate a connection with the heart center, such as loving-kindness meditation or Metta meditation, can help harmonize Dhananjaya Vayu.
General Practices for All Vayus
Asana practice: A balanced asana (yoga postures) practice helps align the vayus naturally.
Pranayama: Deep, regulated breathing helps move prana throughout the body, thereby supporting the vayus.
Meditation and mindfulness: Awareness and observation of bodily sensations can give insight into the flow of prana and the vayus.
Would you like detailed instructions on any of these practices? #NotaDoctor
