In the yogic tradition, prana is the vital life force that animates all living beings. It is not simply breath, but the subtle energy that flows through the nadis (energy channels) and sustains all physical, emotional, and mental processes. To better understand and harness prana, ancient yogis identified five distinct expressions or “vayus” (literally translated as “winds”) that govern different functions in the body and mind.

These Five Prana Vayus are:

1. Prana Vayu – The inward moving force

2. Apana Vayu – The downward and outward moving force

3. Samana Vayu – The equalizing or integrating force

4. Udana Vayu – The upward moving force

5. Vyana Vayu – The expansive, circulating force

Let’s explore each in detail—what they govern, how they move, and how we can work with them in yoga and life.

Prana Vayu – The Inward Draw

• Location: Heart and lungs (chest region)

• Direction: Inward and upward

• Function: Governs respiration, reception of energy, and the intake of sensory impressions

Prana Vayu is the energy responsible for all things we take in—from the breath we inhale to the food we eat, to the information we receive through our senses. It supports vitality, enthusiasm, and the heart-lung system. In asana practice, prana vayu is engaged in backbends and heart-opening poses that enhance inhalation and energy reception.

Imbalance may look like: anxiety, breathlessness, difficulty focusing
To balance: Focus on deep, slow inhalations, pranayama practices like Nadi Shodhana, and heart-opening postures.

Apana Vayu – The Rooting Force

• Location: Pelvis, colon, reproductive organs

• Direction: Downward and outward

• Function: Governs elimination, menstruation, sexual function, grounding

Apana Vayu is our anchoring and detoxifying force. It rules excretion and grounding—helping us release what no longer serves us. It’s activated in forward folds, seated poses, and grounding practices that calm the nervous system and stabilize our root chakra.

Imbalance may look like: constipation, reproductive issues, feelings of disconnection or fear
To balance: Practice grounding poses like malasana or paschimottanasana, and work with exhalation-focused breathwork and pelvic floor awareness.

Samana Vayu – The Inner Fire

• Location: Navel center (solar plexus)

• Direction: Inward, drawing toward the center

• Function: Governs digestion, assimilation, and discernment

Samana Vayu is the integrative force that helps us break down and absorb—physically through digestion and energetically through processing experiences. It is the seat of our agni, or digestive fire. In practice, twists and core-strengthening postures stimulate this vayu, aiding in both physical digestion and inner clarity.

Imbalance may look like: indigestion, lack of motivation, confusion
To balance: Practice kapalabhati or agni sara, incorporate twists, and work with intentions around discernment and personal power.

Udana Vayu – The Expressive Lift

• Location: Throat and head

• Direction: Upward

• Function: Governs speech, expression, growth, and spiritual ascension

Udana Vayu governs upward-moving energy related to speech, self-expression, and spiritual development. It is associated with the throat and third-eye chakras, and plays a crucial role in communication, clarity, and purpose. Backbends, chanting, and inversion practices can activate udana vayu.

Imbalance may look like: difficulty speaking truth, thyroid issues, lack of clarity or direction
To balance: Practice chanting (mantra japa), sarvangasana or halasana, and meditation focused on the throat or third eye.

Vyana Vayu – The Circulating Current

• Location: Throughout the body (peripheral nervous system)

• Direction: Outward from the center

• Function: Governs circulation, coordination, and overall movement of energy

Vyana Vayu supports the distribution of prana throughout the entire body. It integrates the actions of all other vayus and governs the expansive movement of energy in asana. It helps maintain balance, coordination, and flow in both physical and energetic bodies.

Imbalance may look like: poor circulation, clumsiness, feeling fragmented
To balance: Practice vinyasa sequences with full-body integration, focus on smooth transitions and mindful breath-to-movement awareness.

The five prana vayus are an elegant map of our inner energetic ecosystem. By tuning into these subtle currents, we gain not only physiological health but also emotional clarity and spiritual alignment. With consistent awareness and practice, the vayus help us create inner harmony—and from that place, our true vitality flows.