WHAT IN PRANA IS APANA?

WHAT IS PRANA/APANA AND WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO WITH KUNDALINI?

Prana is a word we hear often in the yoga spiritual community due to Pranayama which is often translated to ‘breathwork’. Now although we are working with the breath in the same way we use the body in a physical yoga practice we are actually doing YAMA or control/discipline on Prana. So what is prana?

Essentially prana is the life force of the universe. That which gives life.

Think of Prana as the upward-moving energy in the body. It is associated with the inhalation of breath and is therefore responsible for energising the body and mind. Prana is believed to flow through the body's energy channels or nadis, which are similar to the meridians used in traditional Chinese medicine. A subtle network similar to the nervous system and circulatory systems which lie parallel to each other. When prana flows freely, it can enhance mental clarity, boost physical vitality, and improve overall well being.

SO IF PRANA IS LIFE FORCE, WHAT IS APANA?

Apana is often referred to as the downward-moving energy in the body. It is associated with the exhalation of breath and is responsible for grounding the body and eliminating waste products. Apana is believed to flow through the lower part of the body and is associated with the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. When apana flows freely, it can improve digestion, promote healthy elimination, and enhance sexual health.

Therefore for optimum health it is important to have these two energies in balance with each other otherwise we risk overwhelm or stagnation.

BUT WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH KUNDALINI ENERGY?

Kundalini energy is often described as the life force or spiritual energy that resides at the base of the spine. This energy can be awakened and raised through the practice of certain techniques, including pranayama, meditation, and yoga. To effectively raise Kundalini energy, it is important to understand the role of these two essential energies in the body: prana and apana.

To raise Kundalini energy we often talk about the chakra system being in balance but it is just as necessary to balance and harmonise these two energies in the body.

We can do this through the practice of specific pranayama techniques that focus on regulating the breath and activating prana and apana. One such technique is the practice of alternate nostril breathing, also known as Nadi Shodhana. This technique involves breathing through one nostril while closing the other, and then switching sides. By alternating the breath through each nostril, you can balance and harmonize prana and apana in the body, thereby awakening Kundalini energy.

Practising specific Kundalini Kriyas such as Prana Apana Balance which incorporate both breath exercises as well as physical exercises.

Another technique that can be used to raise Kundalini energy is the practice of Mula Bandha or root lock. This technique involves contracting the muscles of the pelvic floor while holding the breath. By engaging this energy lock, you can redirect apana upward, thereby facilitating the awakening of Kundalini energy because we are drawing the apana energy up to meet the prana energy. This happens at the navel centre. When prana and apana have met and are balanced we need to heat them in order for them to open the root chakra and release Kundalini. We do this through breathwork and exercises to stimulate this region (our navel centre and third chakra) such as breath of fire or abdominal exercises.

In conclusion, the practice of pranayama, meditation, and yoga can be powerful tools for raising Kundalini energy. By understanding the role of prana and apana in the body, and using techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, Mula Bandha and specific Kundalini kriyas, you can balance and harmonise these energies, and awaken the spiritual energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine. With consistent practice and guidance from an experienced teacher, you can tap into the full potential of your Kundalini energy, and experience profound states of consciousness and spiritual awakening.

I hope you have found this helpful, until next time. Have a beautiful day x