When prana and apana unite in the equalizing force of samana, udana is activated and rises as Kundalini into the higher centers. These centers open and feed down energy, which then spreads and expands throughout the body through the movement of vyana. In this way, the yogi becomes filled with the power of Spirit.

Udana vayu is the upward-flowing aspect of our life-force. It is most influential in the upper chest and throat. When active, udana can lift us into higher dimensions of consciousness.

Udana vayu is often associated with Kundalini Shakti, the dormant soul force that, when awakened, purifies our awareness and guides us toward Self-realization.

Apana vayu is the exhale, the letting go of all we don’t need. Flowing down and out, away from the body, it’s the aspect of Prana that allows us to eliminate toxins and waste products and release psychic tensions.

The main area of apana’s influence in the body is below the navel. It grounds and stabilizes us, connecting us with the earth.

Vyana vayu flows outward from the navel chakra into all 72,000 nadis (subtle energy channels), circulating Prana throughout the entire body. This expansive force serves as the counterpart to the contracting power of samana vayu and integrates each of the other four vayus, bringing them into a coherent whole.

“By mastery over samana vayu, radiance is attained.” ~ Patanjali

Samana vayu is the inward movement of energy toward our core. Located in the navel center, it’s the force that merges polarizing energies. Samana helps us digest all that we take in and works to keep us centered and balanced.