Yoga, as a contemplative science, can be thought of as a laboratory — a space for experimenting with and experiencing the vividness of life, experimentation with the formless dimensions of prana. Deep research into the realms of the subtle body.

Photos by Lauren O’Neill.

These energetic constructs are not esoteric; in fact, they are accessible technologies to understand and refine the mindful mechanics of the way the life force is balanced and distributed through the nervous system.

It’s been said that this era of practice in the industry of yoga, and the potential awareness and insights that are available, is unlike any other time on the planet.

As yogis, I really feel we chose to be positioned here and now as practitioners in a collective awakening.

As a species, we are at the precipice of groundbreaking, evidence-based research in mindfulness and neurological function (in fact, they called 2010 to 2020 the decade of the brain for all the advancements we made in understanding cognitive development), coupled with thousands of years of introspective and contemplative practice under our collective belt as meditators, practitioners and insight seekers.

This means we are at the frontier of “understanding the mystery” through wedding both compelling Western gains and compassionate Eastern insights.

Before outlining the principles of prana, it’s helpful to describe this term which can often feel abstract and elusive. Prana itself is indescribable, which is why embodies practices are the most effective in emphasizing its impact on the system. However, analytically, we can feel into the vibrational body and the subtle realms.

Prana is vibrational energy. In Sanskrit, pra means with, while na means movement. It’s the galvanizing of foundational awareness as it moves through the subtle body systems.

Breath is not prana but merely a vehicle to move prana. We often conflate the two, but in actuality, prana follows the breath. The two are strong allies.

THE 3 IMMEASURABLES OF PRANA

Yoga and prana interact with one another; there are specific ways in which the practice of yoga movements, or asana, relates to our pranic patterns. I call these “the three immeasurables,” because the more you harness this relationship, the more infinite its activity and benefits, a boundless depth of practice life. In short, there are three ways yoga asana stimulates qi, or the movement of prana.

1. YOGA CIRCULATES PRANA

There are specific pathways of pranic circulation called meridians, or nadis, the streams/channels for prana’s path to flow, translated as “little rivers.”

Looking close up at a leaf, or the blood vessels of a human or the river networks on Earth, we can see clearly these natural processes all established the same mode of carrying energy, water, prana, blood flow, life force — whatever is essential — through.

We use asana to stimulate this circulation. In yin yoga specifically, we hold each shape, practicing stillness to observe the flow of prana through tissues, the inner circulation and inner dialogue of the organs and the streams which nourish those organs.

These meridians run through the fascia, or connective tissue, which covers the musculo-skeletal system. As our objective of yin practice is to lengthen connective tissue through muscular relaxation, we can open the fascia under muscle to access fluid tubes of meridians.

2. YOGA BALANCES PRANA

Prana has two aspects: yin and yang. The yang of prana (simply called prana) is experienced as an ascension, carried on the wings of the in-breath; it’s an opening, an expansion and vigor and revitalization. It often comes with muscular lengthening, fascial lubrication and a levity in the system.

The Yin of prana (called apana) descends through the body-mind on an exhale. It’s downward moving, a closing contracting and returning to our basic ground of being. It’s often accompanied by a sense of surrendering or letting go. The organs prolapse slightly; even the skeleton softens and the bone marrow releases blood, and the field of the practitioner widens as it settles in.

With this in mind, we can sense that yoga isn’t stretching or strengthening or softening; it’s pranic management, organizing the skillful movement and distribution of prana.

In a relaxed state, prana can flow unimpeded and balance the system. When flowing in and out of specific asanas, it’s essential to remember that a pose is never in and of itself complete. Rather, it’s a way to notice the balance of prana/apana through the system and how to cultivate and balance it in each posture. (Am I assuming a stimulating/yang-centric pose? Where can I ground? Does this next pose engender more lethargy/sinking in my system? If so, where can I increase stimulation and focus?)

3. YOGA INCREASES OUR ACCESS TO PRANA

This is a principal concept in the shapes we take, as yoga asana becomes a mechanism to build and distribute power/awareness. It’s been suggested that the vital center of the body is the low belly, what the Japanese call hara. Some joke the Buddha was always pictured with a full round belly, because he was so full of prana!

In asana, we play with the movement of meridians from the center, so that awareness of the storehouse of prana is emphasized. From the center of your being, this wide abidance is where prana flows outward. In fact, in each pose you might inhale into the center of your low abdomen and exhale to distribute the qi.

Originally published in Summer + Fall 2023 issue of Colorado YOGA + life.

KALI BASMAN
Yoga Teacher + Program Facilitator
@kali_durga • kalidurgayoga.com