Pranayama Practice: Apana Breath
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Pranayama
According to Ayurveda, prana is considered the energy and breath of the universe and all living things. Prana roughly translates to “life force” and ayama translates to “expansion”. Therefore, pranayama means “expansion of the life force”. When we practice pranayama we are working to expand the lungs by filling them with prana or breath.
There are many forms of pranayama in Ayurveda. Some increase lunar energy like Adham Pranayama or Shitali Pranayama. While others increase solar energy like Kapalabhati Pranayama or Bhastrika Pranayama. Finally there are pranayama practices that balance both the lunar and solar energies like Nadi Shodana Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, or Ujjayi Pranayama.
In Ayurveda, there are five pranas or vayus or subdoshas of vata. Vayu is another word for prana and is the cosmic force of the element of air, which is the main element associated with vata dosha. These five vayus control all the movement in our body from the movement of digestion, respiration, circulation, elimination, reproduction, speech and communication plus so much more. The five vayus or five pranas are:
Prana: forward moving air, propulsive in nature, setting things in motion and guiding them, vital energy of the head and third eye, governs reception of all types like eating, drinking, breathing, sensory impulses, mental experiences
Apana: downward moving air, vital energy of lower abdomen, governs elimination and reproduction and is the basis of our immune function
Udana: upward moving air, vital energy in the throat, governs speech, self-expression, growth of body, ability to stand, effort, enthusiasm and will
Samana: balancing air, moves from the periphery to the center through a churning, vital energy in the navel, governs digestion
Vyana: outward moving air, moves from the center to the periphery, vital energy in the heart and lungs, governs circulation
Each one of the five pranas has a corresponding pranayama practice to help bring balance into the powers of the air element. In this post we will discuss Apana Pranayama or the descending breath.
Apana Pranayama (Descending Breath)
Apana Pranayama is also known as “descending breath.” To practice this breathing technique follow these steps or listen to our audio recording of how to practice Apana Pranayama:
Sit comfortably on a chair with your spine straight and your feet firmly planted on the earth. It is recommended that you remove your shoes and socks if comfortable, so that you can feel the earth beneath your feet.
You practice apana pranayama by inhaling through the nose and feeling the breath drawing in through the nostrils, and descending to the base of the spine.
Retain the breath for a moment at the base of the spine. (contraindications: retentions shouldn’t be practiced by people with heart conditions, especially high blood pressure, as well as children and pregnant women).
As you exhale, feel the breath move down your legs and through your feet. Feel as of you are exhaling your toxins through the feet and into the earth, releasing them.
Repeat the cycle again for a total of 10 rounds.
Apana breathing is used in Ayurveda to strengthen and detoxify the urinary, excretory and reproductive systems. Traditionally it has been used for constipation and diarrhea, as well as menstrual and sexual difficulties.
“All that exists in the three heavens rests in the control of Prana. As a mother her children, oh Prana, protect us and give us splendor and wisdom.”