The Five Vayus

Question 1

Prana–Vayu

Answer 1

Situated in the head, centered in the third-eye, and its energy pervades the chest region. The flow of Prana-Vayu is inwards and upward. It nourishes the brain and the eyes and governs reception of all things: food, air, senses, and thoughts. This Vayu is the fundamental energy in the body and directs and feeds into the four other Vayus.

Question 2

Apana–Vayu

Answer 2

Situated in the pelvic floor and its energy pervades the lower abdomen. The flow of Apana-Vayu is downwards and out and its energy nourishes the organs of digestion, reproduction and elimination. Apana-Vayu governs the elimination of all substances from the body: carbon monoxide, urine, stool, etc.

Question 3

Vyana–Vayu

Answer 3

Situated in the heart and lungs and flows throughout the entire body. The flow of Vyana-Vayu moves from the center of the body to the periphery. It governs circulation of all substances throughout the body, and assists the other Vayus with their functions.

Question 4

Udana–Vayu

Answer 4

Situated in the throat and it has a circular flow around the neck and head. It functions to “hold us up” and governs speech, self-expression and growth.

Question 5

Samana–Vayu

Answer 5

Situated in the abdomen with its energy centered in the navel. The flow of Samana-Vayu moves from the periphery of the body to the center. It governs the digestion and assimilation of all substances: food, air, experiences, emotions and thoughts.