Prana is the vital life force that radiates in our bodies and minds. It is the most basic unit of energy maintaining life.

Prana moves thru the body performing distinct functions.  These specific functions consist of 5 vayus which move in a specific way and area in the body.  When practiced with balanced action, proper alignment, and awareness, asana and pranayama optimize the functioning of these vayus.  On the contrary, if one’s prana is obstructed from flowing properly thru the energetic channels – whether physically or mentally – the health of the body breaks down and loses its brilliance.

Prana is the energy that sustains the manifestation of the universe.  As Baba Muktananda said, “Prana is the most important thing in the body; it keeps us alive.  Without it, even the individual self will have no force; it is the power of animation.”

The breath is our vital connection to prana, so, the main method for working on prana is pranayama.

“One should consider the roles of all 5 pranas in asana practice.  An integral asana practice should work on all the pranas.  It requires energization (prana), expansion (vyana), contraction (samana), upward movement (udana), and downward movement (apana) in the right proportions and balance.”1

1     Yoga For Your Type, David Frowley, p.247.