Practical Ayurveda: Wellness Wednesdays

The Five Pranas! Balancing the Life Force

Ayurveda is the Science of Life, and the Life Force is known as Prana. A central focus of Ayurveda is assisting, enhancing, and harmonizing the Life Force within and without in order to maximize our overall well-being.

“Disease is a warp in the prana energy.”  ~ Swami Veda Bharati

Prana, the Life Force, functions in five basic ways in our body/mind complex. They are called prana, apana, samana, udana & vyana. They are subcategories of vata dosha, or five ways that the air element may tend to fall out of balance. 

• Disturbances of the air element are the most common causes of illness. 

• Knowledge of the five pranas helps us understand imbalances, so we may restore natural harmonies.