I Prescribe ……. learning about the Vayus . Pt 2.
Activation of the Primary vayus
Activating the vayus (vital winds or energy currents) in the body is an important aspect of yoga and Ayurveda. According to these systems, there are five primary vayus, or energetic movements, that govern various functions of the body and mind. The vayus help with physiological balance, including digestion, breathing, and circulation. Here’s an overview of the five vayus, along with exercises, foods, and references to help activate and balance them.
The Five Vayus
1. Prana Vayu
– Governs: Inhalation, intake of energy, heart and lungs, sensory perception, mental clarity
– Location: Chest (moves inward and upward)
– Purpose: Energizing and life-giving force
2. Apana Vayu
– Governs: Exhalation, elimination, reproductive system, downward movement of energy
– Location: Pelvic region (moves downward and outward)
– Purpose: Grounding, removing toxins, and supporting elimination
3. Samana Vayu
– Governs: Digestion, metabolism, balancing energy, and assimilation of nutrients
– Location: Navel area (moves inward and outward)
– Purpose: Transforming and integrating energy
4. Udana Vayu
– Governs: Speech, growth, exhalation, expression, and upward movement of energy
– Location: Throat and head (moves upward)
– Purpose: Expression, communication, and spiritual growth
5. Vyana Vayu
– Governs: Circulation, nervous system, peripheral movement of energy throughout the body
– Location: Whole body (moves outward)
– Purpose: Distributing energy and vitality
Exercises to Activate the Vayus
1. Prana Vayu Activation
Pranayama (Breath Control):
Practice deep inhalations using Ujjayi Pranayama or Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) to increase prana in the chest and enhance vitality.
Meditation:
Focus on the heart center (Anahata Chakra) and visualize energy moving inward and upward.
Asanas:
Chest-opening postures like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Ustrasana (Camel Pose) help activate prana vayu.
2. Apana Vayu Activation
Mulabandha (Root Lock):
Engage the pelvic floor muscles to bring awareness and energy to the lower body.
Asanas:
Grounding postures like Malasana (Garland Pose), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), and Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) help in activating and balancing apana vayu.
Pranayama:
Exhale slowly and fully, focusing on releasing tension in the lower body.
3. Samana Vayu Activation
Agnisara Kriya (Fire Cleansing):
A rapid stomach pumping exercise that stokes the digestive fire.
Asanas:
Twisting postures like Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) and Parivrtta Utkatasana (Revolved Chair Pose) help activate digestion and balance samana vayu.
Pranayama:
Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breath) can stimulate digestion and metabolism.
4. Udana Vayu Activation
Chanting or Bhramari Pranayama:
Engage the throat by producing sound vibrations, which stimulate and balance udana vayu.
Asanas:
Inversions like Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) or Halasana (Plow Pose) help stimulate upward-moving energy.
Focus:
Concentrate on the throat center (Vishuddha Chakra) during meditation or breathing exercises.
5. Vyana Vayu Activation
Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations):
A full-body flow that stimulates circulation and distributes energy throughout the body.
Asanas:
Expansive postures like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose) activate the outward-moving energy.
Pranayama:
Slow, rhythmic breathing in synchrony with movements like in Vinyasa Flow can help balance vyana vayu.
Foods to Support Vayu Balance
Prana Vayu:
Fresh, whole foods, especially fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and herbs like basil and mint
Hydrating foods like cucumber and coconut water
Apana Vayu:
Grounding foods such as root vegetables (carrots, beets, sweet potatoes) and legumes
Warm, cooked grains like quinoa and brown rice
Samana Vayu:
Digestive spices such as ginger cumin, and fennel
Easily digestible foods like steamed vegetables and lentils
Udana Vayu:
Light foods that support clarity such as herbal teas, and lighter fruits like apples and pears
Avoid heavy or greasy foods, as they can block upward energy
Vyana Vayu:
Foods rich in circulation-boosting nutrients like nuts, seeds, and berries
Healthy fats like olive oil and avocados to nourish the nervous system
References and Texts on the Vayus
1. Hatha Yoga Pradipika
One of the most important classical texts on yoga, discussing the role of pranayama and energy control through the vayus.
2. The Upanishads
Ancient texts that provide insight into the prana system, including the vayus as components of vital energy in the body.
3. Prashna Upanishad
Specifically describes the functions of prana and its subdivisions (the vayus) in relation to human physiology and spiritual growth.
4. Ayurvedic Texts (Ashtanga Hridaya and Charaka Samhita)
These provide extensive guidelines on diet, lifestyle, and practices that help balance the vayus and other aspects of prana.
By focusing on specific exercises and incorporating balancing foods, you can work on activating and balancing each of the vayus to support overall health and well-being. Let me know if you’d like further details on any of these practices!
