Prana the Subtle Essence of Vata

September 7, 2023

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The Subtle Doshas: Prana

The subtle body is the connection between the body and consciousness. It can't be seen, it's more felt than anything.

Prana is associated with vata dosha

Tejas is associated with pitta dosha

Ojas is associated with kapha dosha

Prana

Is the breath in the body. Prana flows through the nadis the energy channels of the body. It can be manipulated through pranayama practices. This is also one way you can shift your subtle energy by incorporating various breath practices.

Ways to shift prana

 

Vata Pranayama Practices 

  • Alternate Nostril Breathing
  • Bhramari
  • Making exhale twice as long as inhale

 

Pitta Pranayama Practices

  • Shitali
  • Sheetkari
  • Alternate Nostril Breathing

 

Kapha Pranayama Practices

  • Kapalabhati
  • Bhastrika
  • Alternate Nostril Breathing

 Kriyas

There are 6 cleansing kriyas. Each of the kriyas are meant to cleanse various parts of the mind and body.

  • Neti- Purification of the nose
  • Dhauti- Purification of stomach and esophagus
  • Nauli- stomach churning
  • Basti- Intestine Cleansing
  • Kapalabhati- Cleansing breath practice
  • Tratka- Candle Gazing

Shitali Karana

Daily Routine: Shitali Karana Benefits:

  • A method of balancing prana like pranayama and kriyas
  • A deliberate and intentional practice of rest and relaxation
  • Helps restore the energy levels of the body, breath, mind, and emotion, thus adding to the Prana
  • Referred to as the 75 breaths exercise

Contraindications:

Individuals with low blood pressure, respiratory disorders (such as asthma, bronchitis, or excessive mucus),and anyone with chronic constipation.

 

The practice is about 15-20 minutes in length.

  • It is best done lying on your back on a hard, comfortable surface, such as a carpeted floor
  • Put a small cushion under the back of your head
  • Lie in such a way that your head, neck, and spine are straight
  • Place your arms a comfortable distance to your sides, and have the feet a comfortable distance apart.
  • 10 breaths from the soles of the feet to the crown of the head, crown to the soles
  • 10 breaths from the ankles to the crown, crown to the ankles
  • 5 breaths from the knees to the crown, crown to the knees
  • 5 breaths from the base of the spine to the crown
  • 5 breaths from the navel
  • 5 breaths from the heart center
  • 5 breaths from the throat center
  • 5 breaths from the eyebrow center
  • 25 breaths in the nostrils and out through the crown of the head and beyond
  • Then go the opposite way back ending at crown to toes - breath is inhale down, exhale up.

After the exercise, rest for as long as you need to or sit in meditation Imagine that the breath is ascending through the body from the base point to the crown of the head on Inhale and descending from the crown of the head to the base point on Exhale. Around of breath is considered one complete rise of Inhale and fall of Exhale. There is no need to pull the breath in or push it out. Ride the current of your natural breath. As you move through the practice the breath will become shallower and more relaxed. As the breath becomes quieter the mind will as well.

 

A recording to practice: https://www.oakwoodyoga.co.uk/resources/yoga-nidra/shitali-karana-ascending- breath/

Resources: Indu Arora, “Ancient Heritage, Tomorrow’s Wisdom”

Conclusion

Prana is the subtle dosha that helps shift energy in the body. It's something we notice when we don't feel quite right in the mind and body. When your prana is low you feel it and it doesn't feel like you're best self. These daily practices can help you keep your prana high and balanced.

Join our 5 day Ayurvedic seasonal jumpstart

Live Coaching all week- September 11th-15th, 2023

I wanted to create the Five Day Seasonal Fall Challenge to give you a taste of what Ayurveda can do for you. Often people aren't quite sure of what to expect with Ayurveda, or still don't quite understand what it is but you want to know more. This five day challenge is the perfect starter for beginners to intermediate Ayurvedic students to find your right flow this Fall season.

The Seasonal Fall Challenge will help you reduce stress while balancing your vata dosha energy. You will leave having quick and easy tools to help you stay on top of your wellness routines this Fall season.
In Ayurveda we recognize we are always changing and shifting with not only the seasons but life circumstances. Each season is a starting point to reflect on what is working in your life and what is not. This five day challenge will help you learn to listen to your body and trust your inner guidance just a little bit more. You will leave with your Fall Ayurvedic action plan to help you pacify your vata dosha (think scattered, ungrounded, and sporadic energy) all season long.

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I'm here to help you integrate the timeless principles of Ayurveda, lunar wisdom, and menstrual cycle alignment effortlessly into your daily routine.

I'm Andrea - your Seasonal living guide

LEarn My Story

I specialize in pre/postpartum wellness through an Ayurvedic lens. Pre/postpartum fitness has been something I've focused on for 17 years now and is my passion & calling in life. 

I host a weekly podcast, Peaceful Power Podcast and have written two cyclical living books- Divine Body Wisdom and Ayurvedic Approach to Healing Your Menstrual Cycle. 

I graduated from Shakti School in 2019 as an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor. I'm a 500 HR Yoga Teacher and Ayurvedic postpartum doula graduate from Inner Sun & Moon AyurDoula Program. 

My other interests are playing tennis, watching the Hallmark Channel, and enjoying my morning cup of coffee. I also love exploring my favorite nature trail with my two boys and hubby. 

I'm an Ayurvedic Wellness counselor, Ayurvedic postpartum doula & 500 HR Yoga Teacher and Personal trainer since 2007.

I'm Andrea — your Ayurveda & Yoga  Guide to Postpartum Healing.

Learn what practices are best to live in alignment with the current season. You will also receive a yoga asana practice, seasonal tips, two Ayurvedic seasonal recipes and dosha pacifying practices. 

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