Prana: Supporting Vitality

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Today I’d like to introduce the topic of prana.

We’ve spoken before about the three doshas. There’s also a subtle essence related to each dosha.

The subtle essence of vata is prana, our vital force. Prana is the breath of life, the primary mover of cosmic energy, the subtle form of vata. The characteristics of healthy prana are:

  • Good lung capacity

  •   Active

  •   Alert

  •   Attentive

  • Responsive

  • Cheerful

When prana is depleted, we feel listless, tired, fatigued, exhausted or depleted.  This can happen due to overwork, overexertion, stress or illness. Lately, I’ve been seeing many people who’ve had COVID, often more than once.  And I’ve been seeing that, whether or not they are complaining of Long COVID, they do have low prana.

So, what are some of the ways we can support prana?

Here are a few suggestions.

Take ten full, conscious breaths in the morning, breathing into your belly, your chest and your upper chest.

Spend time outside. Eat your meals outside as often as you can.

Spend time near trees and plants, in the park, your garden or in nature.

Hug a tree.

Walk by flowing water, breathing in the good prana from the water.

Keep plants in your home and workspace. Plants purify the atmosphere and increase prana.

While exercise is always good, strolling is particularly good for prana. Stroll mindfully and look at the beauty of the neighbourhood gardens.

Take the air, as we say, by sitting outside—not scrolling your phone—just sitting and enjoying the fresh air.

Eat fresh foods, especially fruits.

Avoid frozen and packaged foods.

Put your phone away and be present with the birds and insects.

Take some time in silence. Much talking expends prana.

And reach out to your Ayurvedic Doctor for some herbs and teas to increase prana.

Next week, we’ll talk about tejas, the subtle essence of pitta.

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!