Vayu – directions and flow of energy:
Ancient text describes five movements or functions of prana known as the vayus (literally “winds”)—prana vayu (not to be confused with the undivided master Prana spelled with a capital ‘P’)
These five vayus govern different areas of the body and different physical and subtle activities. When they’re functioning harmoniously, they assure the health and vitality of the body and mind, allowing us to enjoy our unique talents and live life with meaning and purpose.
Prana Vayu - upward movement; governs intake, inspiration, propulsion, forward momentum; area of the body is chest, head.
Apana Vayu – downward movement; governs elimination; area of the body is pelvis
Samana Vayu – inward movement; governs assimilation, discernment, inner absorption, consolidation; area of the body is navel.
Udana Vayu – outward movement; governs growth, speech, expression, ascension; area of the body is throat.
Vyana Vayu - Surrounding; governs circulation on all levels, expansiveness and pervasiveness; area is all over the whole body.
THE THREE VITAL ESSENCES OF THE DOSHAS: PRANA, TEJAS AND OJAS
In Ayurvedia the Doshas (see separate tab) correspond to subtle forms of the body. They undergo constant change in response to our food, emotions, thoughts, seasons, age and other factors. Prana, Tejas and Ojas are the subtle forms of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha as they influence the mind. Each are interrelated.
Prana – “Lifeforce”, easy to raise prana; is a form of Vata Dosha; it is responsible for vitality such as respiration digestion, circulation and excretion. It maintains a state of harmony between the body and mind and therefore is responsible for the psyche-physcial functions of the body. It relates to wind and spirit. (You may explore how this would apply to the Chakras).
When there is an increase of Prana, it may lead to hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention mood instability, impatience or restlessness.
When there is a decrease of Prana, it may lead to lack of energy, enthusiasm, curiosity or creativity.
Restricted Prana makes the mind and senses dull and there is a lack of motivation, and attitudes can become stuck.
Tejas – Radiance, glow, luster; form of Pita; is the heat and light energy; it is responsible for intelligence, reasoning, focus, self-discipline, perception and mental clarity. It is also responsible for digestion and metabolism.
An increase of Tejas can lead to doubt, anger, irritability and short-tempered.
When Tejas is decreased a person may loose the ability to distinguish, unable to criticize and loses power to learn from experience.
It may make the person passive and easily influenced and may have lack of purpose. (Note we don’t want too much or too little).
Ojas – Nectar; form of Kapha; is responsible for immunity; the essence is all over the body tissues. Formation of Ojas is related to the digestive fire and will be impacted positively or negatively by it.
Healthy balance of Ojas promotes mental strength, immunity, stability, endurance, patience, calmness, good memory, sustained concentration, happiness, contentment, and joy.
A decrease in Ojas makes us fearful, weak and worried.
Increased Ojas can cause heaviness, and dullness in the mind; complacency and unwillingness to change.
High Ojas is much less a problem than excess Prana or Tejas which are main factors in mental disorders.
It is important to assess and determine your present state which requires awareness of the moment. Choosing the best plan of care and practice based around all this. Need to notice and be aware of all 3 to find balance. Ojas exists in Prana and Tejas.
For example:
Maybe packing Prana down to balance out the Ojas. Not allowing yourself to raise the Prana too high as it may not be healthy for you both mentally & physically.
Or nothing a lack of Tejas; feeling kind of dull. Making wise decisions to balance this with slow and moderate movement and then longer rest.
Ojas may be low if experiencing high stress which also compromises the immune system
Other thoughts:
Prana is easy to raise or lower. Best decisions can be chosen from deciding how to balance Tejas or Ojas. Therefore not allowing our ego or thoughts pick your plan of care.