Prana Apana

[Guest guest]

Hi

 

I was wondering if anyone could explain what prana and apana means. I have seen

sets that balance prana/apana and dont really know what this means or what the

aim of the sets are, so if anyone could explain this I would be really grateful.

 

Also I would like to hear any experiences with Gan Pattee Kriya/meditation.

I am having a lot of stress at the moment that is outside of my control and I

was feeling powerless so started to do a 40 meditation with this. On day 10 now

:-)

 

Thanks for your help

Darren

 

 

[Guest guest]

Good luck on ganpatee!

 

Prana, as far as I have been taught, is life force that is linked to

our breathing. In our bodies prana manifests as oxygenation of the

blood and fuels us for active movement and internal processes like

digestion.

 

Apana is sort of the opposite, as far as I know. It is the energy of

eliminative processes inside our bodies, like excretory functions and

lower digestion, as well as things like dying skin cells and the

production of waste products like facial oil.

 

The importance of balance between the two is, I think, a matter of

what we take in to the body not staying to create toxins, like the

digestion of meat and other heavy foods. Balancing prana and apana

with diet, breath of fire, yoga and meditation makes an energetic

balance to our bodies that frees us from emotions like anger and other

blocks that result in buildup of toxins and can inhibit our ability to

be compassionate.

 

The difference between prana and apana that I have heard is that prana

is a universal life force that " breathes within us " and apana is less

pervasive, less cosmic, and usually linked specifically to the

accumulation of waste products in our bodies. Prana you'll also hear

named Pavan or Pavan guru because linking with the breath is the

source of spiritual practice.

 

Again, this is just my slice of the teachings, from teachers I have

had. I hope it's a start for you.

 

-Baba