Below is information on the Five forms of Prana, known as the vayus. This information is taken from the class notes of Prana Touch Ayurvedic Massage, class #3. I am actually teaching this class on Wednesday, Sept. 27, if anyone is interested in particpating, please let me know.


How do we work with the vayu's in Ayurvedic Massage?

Vata -Engage Apana and Prana. Avoid Udana

Pitta-Engage Samana and Apana. Avoid Udana and Vyana

Kapha-Engage Udana and Vyana. Avoid Samana and Apana

Once you understand the direction of the vayu flow you can engage that vayu but performing massage strokes in the direction the vayu flows. For example, to engage Apana vayu stroke downward and outward on the body. We do this when we stroke along the colon across the body and then down.

The Five Vayus of Prana

Prana is the master form (also known as subtle form) of the Vata dosha. The five divisions or sub-doshas of Prana are known as the Prana Vayus which are as follows:

Prana Vayu
Responsible for the heart beat, absorption of nutrients and the breath. Prana enters the body through the breath and is distributed to every cell through the blood.

Nature Upward Flowing
Seat Head Marmas and Heart (to a lesser degree)
Physical Nerves
Aspect Solar, Masculine

Apana Vayu
Responsible for the downward movements of prana, elimination of Malas-waste products from the body via the excretory systems, and the lungs. Controls menstruation. Governs Vatas site of accumulation in the large intestine.

Nature Downward Flowing
Seat Abdomen, Base of Spine, Legs and Feet
Physical Bones
Aspect Moon, Feminine

Udana Vayu
Responsible for speaking, singing, and all type of sounds like laughing, and crying etc.
A more subtle aspect of this type of prana is that it represents the conscious energy required to produce sound, the intention behind the words or noise.

Nature Upward Moving
Seat Marmas on Neck and Throat
Physical Muscles

Samana Vayu
Responsible for inward movements of Prana such as digestion of food and cellular catabolism (break down and recycling of old cells) and thermo-regulation. A visible source of the Samana current is the Aura. By meditating on Samana Vayu yogis can produce a lively aura.

Nature Inward Movements
Seat Marmas of the Abdomen and Digestive Organs
Physical Adipose Tissue (Fat)

Vyana Vayu
Responsible for outward movements of Prana, extending the muscles and the pumping action of the blood vessels in the arteries. Governs circulation and the skin. This vayu represents the current that Reiki practitioners and hands on healers of all types use for energy medicine.
Nature Outward Moving
Seat Chest, Arm and Hand Marmas
Physical Ligaments