Samana Vayu - the centralising and harmonising force of Prana

In our previous blogs we've shared with you an introduction to the 5 Prana Vayus, read here, and the functions and importance of the first vayu, Apana Vayu, you can read that one here. If you haven't read these blogs yet, jump back and begin there. 

In this blog we'll dive into Samana Vayu, the centreing and balancing force of Prana. Of all the body’s energetic systems, the vayus are the most accessible and easily transformed. This is why I love sharing the vayus so much and I hope you love exploring them with us.  

Samana Vayu is an equalising force located in the abdomen and responsible for digestion, metabolism and assimilation. When Samana Vayu is strong in the body you will feel grounded in luminosity. This is a different feeling to Apana. Apana is a descending force that is responsible for release and letting go, whereas Samana helps you to feel clear, luminous and centred. 

As Samana is your assimilative and digestive force, it strengthens your ability to take in and digest everything in your life from food to life experience. When Samana has been cultivated, you're able to digest your life, assimilate it and then extract the nutrients from your experiences to turn them into life and spiritual wisdom. This is what keeps you growing and evolving. 

If you feel like you're stuck or making the same mistakes or like life is throwing you the same lessons over and over again this might be an indication that samana vayu is weakened. 

Here are some ways you can develop and deepen your relationship with samana vayu through your yoga practice. 

ASANA: Twists are the greatest way to develop samana vayu in your asana practice and forward folds will also help. Some examples of poses are Parvrtta Trikonasana (revolved triangle), Jathara Parivritasana (supine twist), Ardha Matsyendrasana (half lord of the fish). 

PRANAYAMA: Whilst practicing asana you can practice a balance inhale and exhale. This is called Sama Vritti, equal breathing. Outside of, or after your asana practice you can practice Nadi Shodhana, alternate nostril breathing. This brings perfect harmony and balance to your channels (Nadis). 

MEDITATION: Two of my favourite meditations for Samana Vayu are third eye kriya and Samana Vayu Meditation which is a focused meditation on the navel center.

Hopefully one day I can share these practices with you. 

Love, 

Holly x