The Shala Daily

Working with the five prana vayus is like tuning into the hidden movements beneath your breath and body—more a matter of listening than willpower. These subtle currents shape our yoga practice from within, offering a pathway for energy to flow more freely and consciously (Yoga International, Clara Roberts-Oss). For a deeper context, see the Ashtanga Tech Prana Vayus study guide.

Approaching vayu work is less about forcing energy or achieving results, and more about gentle awareness. Practices center on sensation, imagery, and breath, with safety and progressive pacing as priorities—especially when experimenting with bandhas and breath retentions (Stillness in Yoga).

💗 Prana Vayu: Receiving & Inspiration

Try heart-focused inhalations: three-part breath that expands into the chest, or soft ujjayi with the feeling of receiving (Online Yoga School). Mild backbends like Bhujangasana or supported bridge help open the chest (Clara Roberts-Oss), while visualizing warmth or light gathering at the heart on inhale strengthens Prana Vayu’s current.

🌱 Apana Vayu: Grounding & Release

Work with exhalation-focused breathing, feeling the breath and awareness pour down into the pelvis and legs (Shvasa). Gentle mulabandha (root lock) can help contain and direct this downward flow. Practice grounded poses like malasana (squat), forward folds, and hip openers (Newburgh Yoga Shala), visualizing tension and waste flowing into the earth on exhale.

🔥 Samana Vayu: Balancing & Digesting

Bring breath awareness to the navel, using gentle breath ratios (like equal inhale and exhale) to build balance (Clara Roberts-Oss). Core-focused asanas (Navasana, plank), twists, and seated forward folds help stimulate Samana (Yoga International, Newburgh Yoga Shala). Imagine all your experiences drawing inward to a luminous center at the navel.

🔊 Udana Vayu: Expression & Growth

Support upward movement with sound: hum, chant, or use mantra (Lauren Leduc). Gentle kumbhaka (breath retention) can create a sense of lift through the throat and head (Stillness in Yoga). Practice upright meditation, supported inversions, or any pose that lengthens the spine, while visualizing breath rising from base to crown, carrying your intention upward.

🌐 Vyana Vayu: Integration & Expansion

As you breathe, imagine prana radiating outward through your limbs and skin. Whole-body flows—sun salutations, standing sequences—or even savasana can help you sense the body as a unified field (At the Core). Visualize prana moving in all directions, integrating every part of yourself.

🧭 Practice Templates & Suggestions

Start with a 20–30 minute practice focusing on one vayu—a few poses, breath, and visualization as described above (Yoga International). As you become familiar, try a “full spectrum” mini-sequence, touching on each vayu to notice how energy shifts and integrates. The key is subtlety, patience, and curiosity.

— MJH