What Exactly is Prana?
You’ve probably heard the word prana tossed around in yoga class. Maybe you know it as “life force energy,” or maybe you’re not entirely sure what it means. Even if you think you’ve got prana figured out, I’m willing to bet there are a few things you might not know. So let’s dive a little deeper into this subtle, yet powerful, energy.
The Subtle Energy that Moves Us
Prana is the energy that moves the breath—like the energy that creates waves in the ocean. You can’t see it, but you can feel it. When prana isn’t flowing intentionally through the body, we start to feel stuck, scattered, and even anxious. Our thoughts become chaotic, and decision-making feels harder.
This is where breathing practices, or pranayama (literally “control of prana”), come in. When we practice controlling our breath, we move prana through the body, which is why we feel so good afterward! You’ve probably heard the saying: “where attention goes, energy flows.” The same is true with prana.
Feeling Overwhelmed or Anxious?
If you’re feeling a little scattered, anxious, or unsure of your next steps in life, breathwork is a powerful way to redirect prana and bring clarity. But did you know there’s more to prana than just breath?
Prana + Vata Dosha: The Connection
Prana is also linked to Vata Dosha, which is made up of the air and ether elements. When Vata is in excess, we feel its light, fast-moving, and rough qualities. In the body, this can show up as:
- Forgetfulness
- Anxiety
- Dry skin
- Bloating
- Disconnection
To balance Vata and get prana flowing smoothly, we turn to opposite qualities: grounded, moist, oily, and smooth.
Three Ways to Balance Vata and Move Prana
If you’ve been feeling those scattered, anxious vibes, here are three simple ways to calm Vata and get prana moving in a way that supports clarity, inspiration, and self-love:
- Self-Massage (Abyangha)
- Start your day with an oil massage.
- The Daily Massage oil is perfect no matter what your constitution is.
- Let the oil soak in while you practice pranayama.
- Alternate nostril breathing is so good for this!
- Get 15% off your entire Banyan Botanicals purchase using the code: JillNelson15
- Eat Grounding Fall Foods
- No more cold salads! Focus on warm, cooked foods like sautéed kale with butternut squash, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Get all the nourishing Ayurvedic cleanse foods and herbs
- Join us for the Intro to Ayurveda Workshop
- This Saturday, 1-4 PM, I’m hosting a workshop where we’ll dive deeper into these principles and how they can support your well-being.
- Register by Thursday, Sept 26 by 11:59PM
- Come prepared and find out our body’s constitution with this Dosha Quiz
Curious? Then, Share!
Did anything new about prana stand out to you? I’d love to hear what resonated the most. Your curiosity helps me understand how to support you better!
I hope to see you this Saturday at 1 PM! Let’s explore the wisdom of Ayurveda together and unlock more ways to support your body, mind, and spirit.