Prana, their Vayus, and Pranayama

The ancient yogis discovered that the manifest universe is permeated and sustained by a matrix of etheric life force energy called prana.

They found:

• a great pranic field, called maha prana, which sustains and creates universes
• a milder pranic field within human beings that makes up our subtle system.

There are five types of prana in the human subtle system known as the pancha pranas. Pancha literally means five.

The vitality of the pranas directly relates to our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. 

In this article, I outline the 5 types of prana, their vayus, and their effects on the physical body.

I conclude with a brief introduction to pranayama, why it’s used, it’s benefits, and how it aids in the “experiencing” of yoga.