Understanding Prana: One of the Core Concepts of Ayurveda

Introduction

Literally translated from Sanskrit, Prana means life force. Seemingly an esoteric concept, it refers to the all-pervasive energy within the universe that exists also within every individual, giving them life. The ancients believed that aligning one’s Prana with the universal energy brought good health. Therefore Prana is a key concept in the science of Ayurveda.

The two types of Prana

The ambient Prana is often described as the nutrient Prana, reflecting upon its ability to nourish a being. It replenishes the vital Prana contained within a life form in two ways: one being through the process of respiration, and the other through ingestion.

Replenishing Prana through respiration

Respiration, or the process of breathing, refreshes the vital Prana through the exchange of energy. Therefore one of the centres of absorbing nutrient Prana is the respiratory system, more specifically the lungs. The oxygen breathed into the body brings an influx of good energy, whilst the expiration of carbon dioxide expels the stale or negative energies contained within the body. Proper respiration is so vitally important to the concept of Ayurvedic principles that it has spawned an entire branch of yoga, known as Pranayam.

Pranayam, in brief

One of the core tenets of Pranayam is the belief that every life form has a limited number of breaths per lifetime. As a result, proper breathing techniques prescribed are intended to not only improve health, but to add longevity to one’s life.

Pranayam consists of a series of exercises designed to take in the maximum amount of nutrient Prana into the body, while reducing the effort involved as well as making each breath last longer. The exercises performed by a Pranayam practitioner involve slow, measured breathing where the lungs are expanded to their fullest extent and filled with the nutrient Prana. These exercises have a calming effect on the individual, and are sometimes used as meditative techniques as well.

Replenishing Prana through ingestion of food

The second method of absorbing replenishing energies is ingestion. While the principle of food supplying energy for the body is not a concept unique to Ayurveda, the right nutrition is more emphasized in its practices. Energies are absorbed while the food is in the large intestine, making that the second centre for energy absorption. The waste products leaving the body also contain within them the negative energy from that area.

Understandably diet is an important limb of Ayurveda. Specific foods and food groups are considered to be better to the acquisition of Prana, and the overall maintenance of good health. Not surprisingly, fresh produce like vegetables and fruits are considered the best fare for the body. Non-vegetarian foods like meat and fish is considered to be bad for the Prana, as the food is dead when taken in. Dead food means that there is no nutrient Prana to be absorbed from the meal. In fact, meat and fish is said to drain vital Prana away from the body.

Conclusion

Prana is an essential part of the make-up of a being. Most of the principles expounded in the ancient Ayurvedic texts are now finding a way into the modern allopathic practices, as more and more people turn to esoteric teachings for answers that modern science may not hold.

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