The Five Currents of Life: Exploring the Prana Vayus
Yoga invites us to look beyond the physical postures and into the subtle layers of our being. One of the most profound yet less-discussed aspects of yoga is the prana vayus—the five currents of life force energy that flow through the body. Rooted in the Upanishads and expanded upon in classical yogic texts, these vayus reveal how energy moves within us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. By understanding them, we can add intention and depth to our practice on and off the mat.
What Are the Prana Vayus?
Prana = vital life force energy, harnessed through the breath.
Vayu = wind or movement.
Together, the prana vayus are five directional flows of energy that govern different aspects of life—intake, elimination, assimilation, expression, and circulation.
The Five Vayus
1. Prana Vayu – Intake
Direction: inward & upward
Location: chest, lungs, heart
Role: governs breath, vitality, inspiration, and the intake of food, impressions, and experiences.
Practice: heart openers, pranayama, meditation on the inhale, cultivating openness to inspiration.
2. Apana Vayu – Elimination
Direction: downward & outward
Location: lower abdomen, pelvic floor
Role: governs digestion, elimination, menstruation, grounding, and release.
Practice: forward folds, hip openers, mula bandha, exhale-focused breathwork. Poses like malasana (yogi squat) and supported bridge are especially grounding.
3. Samana Vayu – Assimilation
Direction: inward & centering
Location: navel center
Role: governs digestion, metabolism, discernment, and integration. Balances prana and apana.
Practice: twists, core strengthening, fire-building pranayama, and cultivating balance between stability and ease.
4. Udana Vayu – Expression
Direction: upward & outward
Location: throat and head
Role: governs speech, expression, growth, clarity, and upward momentum of consciousness.
Practice: chanting, shoulder stand, throat openers, visualization, and Ujjayi breathing.
5. Vyana Vayu – Circulation
Direction: outward & expansive
Location: flows from the center of the body to the periphery
Role: governs circulation, coordination, and energetic integration. Ties all vayus together.
Practice: expansive vinyasa flows, synchronized breath and movement, walking meditation, and standing postures.
Why They Matter
Awareness of the prana vayus builds subtle intelligence in practice and life:
Prana Vayu reminds us to stay open to inspiration.
Apana Vayu teaches us to release what no longer serves us.
Samana Vayu strengthens discernment and integration.
Udana Vayu inspires self-expression and alignment with purpose.
Vyana Vayu helps us feel whole, present, and connected.
By intentionally working with the vayus, we cultivate energy balance, nervous system regulation, and deeper connection to self.
Reflection
Ask yourself: Which vayu needs the most attention in my life right now?
Is it intake, letting go, integration, expression, or circulation? Let that awareness guide your next practice.
For yoga teachers who want to explore subtle energetics in depth, the True Love Yoga 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training dives deeply into the vayus, chakras, and energy body as tools for teaching and personal growth.
You can also listen to more wisdom and practices through Deepen Your Yoga Practice.
