what is apana vayu

What is Apana Vayu and where is it located?

Each Vayu also has a centralized, physical location in the body, though its effects are seen throughout the entire body. Apana Vayu is most centrally located in the pelvis and the lower abdomen. Energetically, it’s associated with our Muladhara chakra or root chakra.

How can I activate Apana Vayu?

The following selection of poses explores how apana vayu can be activated across several classes of asana and various pelvic alignments. Standing poses use the activation in the legs to energetically integrate the pelvis with the torso and the extremities, rooting us deeper into the pose and directing apana into the architecture of the asana.

What is the difference between Prana Vayu and Apana?

While prana vayu governs the intake functions, apana, which is most active in the pelvis and lower abdomen, governs the eliminative functions (excretion, urination, menstruation) and the downward and outward flow of energy in the body. When apana is weak, we become susceptible to illness, fear, doubt, confusions, insecurity, and loss of purpose.

What is Apana Vayu Chakra?

Apana Vayu is seated in the abdomen and pelvic floor; muladhara chakra and is governed by the element earth. Apana Vayu moves from the navel down to the floor of the pelvis and governs the ability to eject or eliminate what is not needed to the system.

What does apana vayu do?

Apana-Vayu translates as “the air that moves away,” and its flow is downwards and out. Its energy nourishes the organs of digestion, reproduction, and elimination. Apana-Vayu governs the elimination of all substances from the body: carbon dioxide, urine, stool, etc.

How do you balance apana vayu?

Some of the ways to keep your Apana vayu in balance include: Focus on Exhalation and Suspension of breath (holding after exhale) Apana Breath (IN: Pull the energy into the belly EX: Direct the energy from the belly into the feet/ground; hold the air out for a moment. Attention at the root chakra)

What is the flow of apana vayu?

The apana vayu governs the downward and outward flow of energy within our bodies. In pranayama, this refers to the downward moving breath. Located in the lower centre of the body, this channel is responsible for elimination.

What does apana mean in yoga?

Apana is the prana vayu that involves the downward and outward flow of energy from the body. Apana vayu governs the outward flow of energy on the breath, with digestive elimination, and with menstruation. The seat of apana vayu is the muladhara chakra, or the root chakra located at the perineum and pelvic floor.

How is Vata removed from the body?

External treatments to cure vata imbalance: Administer regular body and head massages. Avoid fasting or going empty stomach for long. Take regular steam baths. Practice mild purification procedures like basti or vamana.

What are the symptoms of Vata imbalance?

Signs of a Vata imbalance include:Dryness of skin, hair, ears, lips, joints.Dryness internally – bloat, gas, constipation, dehydration, weight loss.Dry and lightness of the mind – restlessness, dizziness, feeling ungrounded.Cold: poor circulation, muscle spasm or constriction, asthma, pain and aches, tightness.More items...

What is apana in Kundalini yoga?

Apana is the energy or power to eliminate or give back. When the forces of both prana and apana are strong enough to unite and create tappa or heat at the navel center, the heat generated descends to the first chakra and awakens the Kundalini. Kriyas.

What is the opposite of apana?

Apana Vayu flows in the opposite direction of prana vayu, i.e., in the downward direction. Generally, pranayama is aimed to redirect Apana Vayu to the higher energy centres and restrict its unnecessary flow out of the body.

What is apana in Sanskrit?

āpaṇa - आपण The outgoing breath (1); descending energy in the astral (energetic, as opposed to physical) spine. ( 2)

How many types of vayu are there?

The yoga tradition describes five movements or functions of prana known as the vayus (literally “winds”)—prana vayu (not to be confused with the undivided master prana), apana vayu, samana vayu, udana vayu, and vyana vayu. These five vayus govern different areas of the body and different physical and subtle activities.

What is Apana Vayu?

The term Apana Vayu translates to “the air that moves away”. Apana vayu moves the energy downwards and out from our bodies through our breath, digestive system, and menstruation. Apart from the physical elimination process, it also encourages removing of the mental or emotional elimination process.

Functions of the Apana Vayu

Whenever you feel an urge of urination or defecation, are experiencing menstruation, or undergoing childbirth, it is your apana vayu that is working towards the process of outward energy flow.

Symptoms of imbalance Apana Vayu

The apana vayu is said to be unbalanced when any of the above functions are improper. And since this vayu is also connected to the root chakra, any imbalances in the chakra can also lead to a disturbance in the apana vayu.

How to balance the Apana Vayu

Your Apana Vayu can either be in excess or deficient which may result in you experiencing some of the above-mentioned signs. However, it is not difficult to maintain a balance in the flow of apana vayu.

Conclusion

The apana vayu is one of the most important vayu in the body. The elimination process is essential to keep the body free from diseases and healthy from the inside. You will notice many bodily problems can be solved if your digestive system and elimination process is working in top condition.

What is the Apana Vayu?

Apana Vayu. Apana is the prana vayu that involves the downward and outward flow of energy from the body. Apana vayu governs the outward flow of energy on the breath, with digestive elimination, and with menstruation. The seat of apana vayu is the muladhara chakra, or the root chakra located at the perineum and pelvic floor.

Where is the Apana Vayu located?

The seat of apana vayu is the muladhara chakra, or the root chakra located at the perineum and pelvic floor. Not only does apana guide the elimination of physical wastes, but also mental and emotional waste—that which no longer serves us. The balanced function of apana is important so that we are able to release negative energy, ...

What does it mean to exhale with apana?

Each exhalation is a release, and carries apana with it. The act of completely embodying release upon exhalation can help you tap into the outward flow necessary for the removal of negativity you may be holding on to. By utilizing your exhalation to help you find release, you be able to improve the outward flow of apana.

Why do we use breath in prana vayu?

Just like we did with prana vayu, we can turn to our breath to help facilitate the flow of apana. The next time you have a troubling thought, emotion, or sensation, use the breath to help you release it. Each exhalation is a release, and carries apana with it.

Why is the apana important?

The balanced function of apana is important so that we are able to release negative energy, destructive thoughts, and physical toxins. The work of apana will be lessened by improving the quality of prana, or the inward flow of energy. Prana and apana work in a push-pull manner, each helping to balance the other.

How does Prana work?

Prana and apana work in a push-pull manner, each helping to balance the other. Minimizing the input of negativity and maximizing the input of positivity will help improve the balance of prana and apana. Apana is all about release—physical, mental, and emotional release.

What is the Apana Vayu?

Apana Vayu is one of the five Prana Vayus, ruling vital functions of our body. In this article, let’s learn everything about Apana Vayu.

What is the meaning of Apana Vayu?

Apana Vayu: the important Vayu of elimination. In Yoga, Prana means “universal creator energy”. This energy manifests itself in all of nature. Vayu means “internal winds” that circulate in every human being. Apana Vayu is one of the five Prana Vayus, ruling vital functions of our body.

What happens when the Apana Vayu is balanced?

When the Apana Vayu is balanced, the person goes through a difficulty, processes it and is able to release it later. When there is weakness in the Apana, the person carries that memory for too long. So, the mind gets occupied with worries that come back every day.

Why is Apana important?

Apana works hard to drive out all that is bad out, so this Vayu is one of the most important among all. Urine, feces, impurities, sweat and the air that we breathe in need to come out. And besides physical elements, Apana is also responsible for the elimination of heavy and negative thoughts, thus diminishing our mental and emotional baggage.

What is the root lock of apana?

This engagement of apana is the intention behind mula bandha, the root lock—a practice which is often misunderstood as a clenching of the sphincters of the pelvic floor, but which, when properly activated, can awaken and enliven asana. Initially, you can in fact approach mula bandha by contracting the muscles of the pelvic floor between ...

What happens when an apana is weak?

When apana is weak, we become susceptible to illness, fear, doubt, confusions, insecurity, and loss of purpose. On the subtle level, apana eliminates not only physical wastes but anything undesirable or threatening to good health. It supports the immune system and helps keep the mind free of destructive forces.

What is the main goal of asanas?

With a little practice and awareness, almost all of the classical asanas can be done in a way that provides access to apana vayu; indeed, mobilizing apana in the pelvis and then redistributing it is one of the main goals of asana work.

What is Kapalabhati yoga?

Kapalabhati is a pranayama practice as well as a shat kriya —one of the six cleansing actions of hatha yoga. With its emphasis on the exhalation, kapalabhati enhances elimination of volatile metabolic wastes and dispels sluggishness and congestion, while engaging the seat of apana in the lower belly.

Which body part is most active in hatha yoga?

Now we turn our attention to apana vayu—of equal importance in the practice of hatha yoga. While prana vayu governs the intake functions, apana, which is most active in the pelvis and lower abdomen, governs the eliminative functions (excretion, urination, menstruation) and the downward and outward flow of energy in the body.

How to do vrikshasana?

Vrikshasana (tree pose) The legs and sacrum work together to stabilize this pose and awaken and redirect apana. Start with both feet parallel under the hip joints and evenly pressed into the floor. Rotate one thigh open and bring the foot to the top of the groin (or inner thigh if half lotus is hard on your knees).

Which pose is the most powerful for awakening and directing apana?

4. Baddha konasana (bound angle pose) The inner thighs, lower back, and pelvic floor are intimately related to, and governed by, apana. Because bound angle pose activates these regions, it is one of the most powerful postures for awakening and directing apana.

Apana and the Discipline of Mudras

In yoga, a mudra or hand gesture is used to redirect or influence the flow of prana (life-energy). The study of finger and hand arrangements is called Mudra Vigyan (Mudra Science). Mudras have a place in spirituality, yoga, and Ayurveda. They are also used for therapeutic benefits.

Definition: Apana Mudra

Apāna governs the functions of the intestines, bladder, reproductive organs, and colon. It’s responsible for urination, elimination, ejaculation, menstruation, childbirth, and other functions of ousting things from the body in a timely manner.

Apana Mudra Steps

Sit in a comfortable meditative asana like Easy Pose or Siddhasana (Accomplished Pose).

Apana Mudra Benefits and Uses

Touching the index finger to the base of the thumb equals to decrease the air element in the body. The index finger embodies Vayu - the air element. Therefore, Apana Mudra can reduce inflation in the muscles, joints, and the resulting effects such as knee pain, backaches, etc.

Apana Mudra In Yoga, Pranayama, and Meditation

Apana is one of the ten sub-energies of Prana according to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. However, the bulk of the practices for Apana (like the mudra) are found in modern texts, many of which cross over into the Ayurveda realm. Weak or imbalanced Apana Vayu does a sub-optimal job at elimination.

Tips to Deepen Your Practice

When you breathe, prolong your exhalation as much as you can while staying relaxed. The act of exhalation is the act of letting go or eliminating unwanted elements. But don’t force the breath beyond your natural capacity. It may have undesirable effects on heart rate and blood pressure.

Parting Thoughts

This post concludes our mudra series that covers the yoga hand gestures to activate and balance the five sub-currents of prana. Harmony of these sub-energies plays a vital role in our mental and physical health. Hopefully, some of the instructions and complementary practices we have provided will help you in your quest for better health.

What is the 5 Prana Vayus?

The 5 Prana Vayus Chart. At its heart, hatha yoga is more than just flexibility or strength in postures; it is the management of prana, the vital life force that animates all levels of being. Prana enables the body to move and the mind to think. It is the intelligence that coordinates our senses, and the perceptible manifestation ...

How many Vayus are there in yoga?

The yoga tradition describes five movements or functions of prana known as the vayus (literally “winds”)— prana vayu (not to be confused with the undivided master prana), apana vayu, samana vayu, udana vayu, and vyana vayu. These five vayus govern different areas of the body and different physical and subtle activities.

Where is the Apana-Vayu located?

Apana-Vayu is situated in the pelvic floor and its energy pervades the lower abdomen. Apana-Vayu translates as “the air that moves away,” and its flow is downwards and out. Its energy nourishes the organs of digestion, reproduction, and elimination.

What is the Vayu's action?

It governs the circulation of all substances throughout the body and assists the other Vayus with their functions. This Vayu’s action is circulation, its expression is alignment, and its associated chakras and elements are Svadisthana and water.

How many types of Vayus are there in the body?

The ancient yogis found 49 distinct types of Vayus in the body. Only five of the main Vayus or Pancha Pranas are important for yoga practitioners to understand. These five primary currents of vital force are Prana-Vayu, Apana-Vayu, Samana-Vayu, Udana-Vayu, and Vyana-Vayu. Viewing ads supports YogaBasics.

How does Vayu affect the body?

Their subtle energetic movements affect and influence our physical, emotional and mental health and wellness. If a Vayu becomes imbalanced it can create disharmony through the whole energetic system of the body or can negatively affect its associate chakra or the organs linked to its location.

What is the meaning of Vayu?

The Sanskrit word Vayu translates as “wind,” and the root ‘va’ translates to “that which flows.”. Thus a Vayu is an energetic force that moves in a specific direction to control bodily functions and activities. The ancient yogis found 49 distinct types of Vayus in the body. Only five of the main Vayus or Pancha Pranas are important ...

What is the Vayu in the heart?

It nourishes the brain and the eyes and governs the reception of all things: food, air, senses, and thoughts. This Vayu is the fundamental energy in the body and directs and feeds into the four other Vayus. This Vayu’s action is crystallization, its expression is cyclical, and its associated chakras and elements are Anahata and air. When this Vayu is weak, the mind cannot focus and experiences excess worry. Shortness of breath, anxiety, low energy or a poor immune system can be related to disturbed Prana-Vayu.

What are the five vayus?

The five Vayus of prana all have very subtle yet distinct energetic qualities, including specific functions and directions of flow.

Where is Udana Vayu?

Udana Vayu is seated in the throat and the head area ; vishuddha chakra and is governed by the element ether. Udana Vayu is the wind that which carries upwards from the throat to the head and controls the extremities as well as all the sensory functions.

What is the Samana Vayu?

(a) Samana Vayu is the energy that separates nutrients from toxins and is the Vayu that fuses, balances and stabalises Prana and Apana Vayu.

What chakra is Udana Vayu?

Udana Vayu corresponds to the Throat (Vishudha) Chakra and Third Eye (Ajna) Chakra and balances Ether element. Udana Vayu is the Vayu for Meditation. Jalandhara Bandha (The Chin lock) stimulates the energy and movement of Udana.

What does Vayus mean in yoga?

Vayus literally translates to wind, implying unrestricted and universal movement. So the prana vayus represent the inherent quality of motion, which energizes every action from secretion of the digestive juices to the movement of the hand. They flow through all the elements, organs and the mind. The five vayus, namely Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana ...

How does a pranic healer use panch vayus?

Pranic healers make use of these Panch Vayus for physical and mental healing purposes by finding the imbalances and restoring the balance in the movement of energy flow. In case of imbalances in energy flows, there are certain yoga asanas or poses, certain pranayam or breathing exercises and certain hand mudras which can help in balancing these ...

Where is the Vayu seated?

Prana Vayu. The Vitality Breath. Prana Vayu is seated in the heart and chest; anahata chakra and is governed by the element air. Prana moves down and up from the throat centre to the navel centre and energizes and all the other vayus and harmonizes the surrounds.

What are the five vayus?

The five vayus, namely Prana, Udana, Vyana, Samana and Apana, maintain the balance between the physical and mental levels. Their physical locations are relevant in regard to the functions of the body; however, they function more homogeneously in the subtler levels of mind and consciousness, where their distinction is qualitative rather ...