Energy, Prana, Chi and Ki

Many people in the fields of Yoga, martial arts, the complementary therapy world talk of energy, but is really meant by "energy"

Of all the traditions that see subtle energy as the underpinning of the universe and our existence, probably Yoga has had more to say on this matter then any other tradition.

Why does knowledge of this subtle enlivening force matter? Well to have a good quality life and to be able to assist others in their search for health and happiness, a "road map" of the "glue" that holds the manifest world together can give very profound insights and direction to our life!

For Yoga practitioners Prana is especially important because of the practice of breathing exercises or “pranayama” – literally restraint of Prana.

Types of Prana

According to the Yoga scriptures, there are five types of prana within the human body: Udana circulates in the throat and above, Prana in the chest region, Samana in the stomach region, Apana in the intestinal region and Vyana, in the entire body.

However in the human body, Prana is the upward movement of energy and apana is seen as the downward movement.

Prana in the Human Body

Many early Western writers saw prana as electricity in the body and thus synonymous with the nervous system for it’s transport.  Indeed even today many see prana in physical terms.

Every living organism is suffused in prana – it is in the human body as in all organic living matter.  The ancient Yogis saw this energy flowing through predefined paths (or nadis), where these nadis cross (the “junction boxes”) vortices of energy are said to exist, which were termed chakras (or “wheels of energy”). 

It is said that full mental, emotional and physical health can only be achieved if there is a regular flow of prana throughout the organism.  Indeed this is also necessary for spiritual evolution.  However age, wrong living, poor diet, injury, disease and illness can disturb this harmonious system and lead to blockages, depletion and excess of prana in various parts of our body.  PRANAYAMA IS A SERIES OF TECHNIQUES DEVELOPED BY THE ANCIENTS TO FREE UP PRANA – acupuncture with the breath if you like!!

There are 3 main prana absorbing systems in the body.  These are –

• The respiratory system – airways, especially the lungs
• The digestive system – the gut is most important, but the tongue also absorbs prana.
• The skin – particularly important when exposed to the sun (“sunbathing” involved prana absorption).

Sources of Prana

According to esoteric Yogic tradition, there are 3 sources of prana.

• The prana we inherit from our parents at conception.
• The prana we take in from food.
• Prana in the air.  It is believed the air is saturated with prana.

It is this 3^rd form of prana that concerns us in pranayama.

Climate, Environment and Prana

Since air is a vast reservoir of prana, the question must be asked “as climatic conditions vary, do prana levels vary geographically?”  The simple answer is YES!!

Areas of high prana concentrations – high plateau, mountains and windy sea coasts.  Vegetation is often scarce.  Typical trees would be conifers.  Many monasteries, ashrams and spiritual retreats are built in these areas.

Areas of medium prana concentrations – valleys or sheltered plains.  Many temperate areas are in this category.  Often deciduous trees and pastures.

Low pranic areas – heavily vegetated.  Very warm still air.  Ferns and evergreens are abundant.