About Prana

Prana: The subtle essence of vata!

We have discussed the doshas (vata/pitta/kapha) but did you know there are also subtle essences to these doshas?! They are closely related but also serve their own purpose. We already looked at ojas, which is the subtle essence of kapha. Today read about prana - the subtle essence of vata! 

Prana is often mentioned in yoga classes in relation to pranayam (breathing exercises), so this word may be familiar to you. Prana reflects the subtle essence of the air and space elements, which make up the vata dosha. Prana is the breath of our life and moves subtle energy throughout the body. So while it is physical, it is also metaphorical in our body. Everything that is living has prana - the food we eat, for example. Prana nourishes our cells and is responsible not only for our breath but for the movement within our body (such as blinking our eyes, cellular activity etc). Those with healthy prana have good lung capacity, are active and alert, and are cheerful.  

Those with low prana can feel exhausted, depleted, and fatigued. Long Covid has recently been another cause of low prana in addition to stress and over-exertion. 

Ways to cultivate a healthy prana include: pranayam and yoga, meditation, daily nasya oil and neti pot. Also taking walks in nature in oxygen rich environments such as a forest and near water. Additionally, eating foods that are organic & freshly picked and not preserved have the most prana.