Yoga and Ayurveda: Prana Vayu
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In the next few weeks, we’re turning our attention to the five pranas, also known as the five vāyus. This week, prana vayu, the nourishing wind. The main seat of prāna vāyu is the head. Prāna vāyu governs thinking and the movement of thought. It also regulates the inbreath and swallowing. Prāna is responsible for the appropriate and timely beating of the heart and for the electrical impulses of the heart.
In the text Ashtanga Hridaya, it is described thus:
Prana is located in the head and moves in the chest and throat; supports the mind, heart, sense organs and intelligence, attends to expectoration, sneezing, belching, inspiration and swallowing of food.
When prāna vāyu becomes vitiated, we may experience heightened mental chatter, insomnia and other sleep problems, ringing in the ears, difficulties with comprehension, headaches, and problems swallowing. Take care; prana vayu can be disturbed by excessive or incorrect practice of pranayama. Make sure you are not being aggressive in pranayama practice and that you have a good teacher and follow their instructions. If you do notice issues such as ringing in the ears after pranayama, Hatha Yoga Pradīpika advises us to practice viparita karani mudra to get back in balance.
Your Ayurvedic practitioner can also recommend a special nasya oil for you to balance prana vayu.
Other simple ways to calm and support prana vayu include: Apply 10 drops of warm sesame oil to one ear, lie for 10 minutes with the ear up, then roll over and drain. Repeat on other side.
As a simple home remedy, oiling the feet with warm sesame oil or a medicated oil is very helpful in pacifying prāna vāyu.
And in general, getting good sleep, fresh air, sunlight and moderate exercise will support prana vayu.
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
