finding balance may be just a breath away, understanding
Prana: the science of energy healing
Prana has many meanings in Sanskrit but primarily it is understood to mean ‘life’ or ‘energy’. It is the unseen, innate biological and universal force or vital energy flowing through and available to all beings. All matter in creation is fundamentally made up of this energy. It brings ‘essence.’ With prana we are ‘alive’. Without prana, there is no life. This inexhaustible universal energy is boundless, it can be neither created nor destroyed. It can only be transformed.
Pranic energy healing is a holistic approach that utilizes the potent force of prana to accelerate, enhance and transform the body’s energy, effectively treating imbalances and illnesses at their root. This comprehensive modality of Ayurvedic and Yogic traditions, offers a powerful means to elevate overall well-being across physical, emotional, mental, psychological, financial, spiritual and relational aspects of life.
The Three Subtle Bodies
As a human, we often think of ourselves and our body as just what we see and feel but the holistic sciences of Ayurveda and yogic philosophy understands that the human being actually consists of much, much more.
Our energy system is explained as being composed of three subtle bodies. These are known as the Causal or Karmic body, the Subtle or Astral body and the Gross or Physical body. Each of these bodies are energetic fields of different densities and each vibrate at different frequencies and together, constitute everything about us. From the obvious, gross elements of our flesh and bones to the most subtle layers within our unconscious mind, and each are connected by the vital life force energy; prana.
The Causal or Karmic Body
The Causal body is the subtlest, most expansive and complex body. This elemental energy surrounds the other two bodies in an egg or oval shape and is made up of our deepest subliminal thoughts, desires, aspirations and intentions which are yet to be formed or sensed. Often commonly referred to as the inner mind or soul, it vibrates within the core being of all creatures. It is not born and cannot die and is accessed usually only during very deep sleep or profound meditation.
It is the ‘seed’ or root motivation. A bit like DNA holds our genetic code for the body, these vibrations also hold ‘samskaras’ or karmic imprints and lessons from past life incarnations. As it is germinated by higher aspects of ourselves, our physical and subtle bodies sprout and evolve from it. This magnetic sphere of the soul possesses three fundamental powers. These are: life (jiva in Sanskrit) which brings energy, light (or jyoti) illuminating us and offering insight and wisdom, and love (or prema.) bringing us together at our very core. These powers give rise to vitality, valour and endurance and three vital forces (subtle doshas) which are understood in the principles of yoga as Prana, Tejas and Ojas.
The Subtle or Astral Body
From magnetism comes electricity and so a new subtle body is manifested out of the causal body with each birth. It becomes an energetic template of the physical body consisting of the same components but with far less density. These 17 subtle components or essences include; the five senses of knowledge, the five senses of action, the five-fold vital breath, the intellect, the ego, the mind and the mind’s heart.
Often referred to as the outer or sensory mind, it is a field of light and highly active energy which is constantly evolving and changing with every fluctuation of our sense and motor organs and our busy minds. It is accessed usually only during inspired thought or dream state.
Ayurveda aims to enhance the healing abilities of the subtle body, especially its various pranas, to rejuvenate the physical body that emerges from it. In contrast, Yoga focuses on elevating the subtle body, transforming it into a means of spiritual awakening.
The Physical or Gross Body
From electricity comes matter and the material elements of space, air, fire, water and earth (using the forces of vata, pitta and kapha) create the dense, gross or physical body. Included in our physical bodies are 16 attributes. These are the five sense organs, the five organs of action, the five elements and the mind, connected via the senses.
This is us in the here and now. It is our flesh and bones. It is our wakened state. In order to survive and to build and rebuild itself, it needs to process food matter.
The density of our physical body obstructs the light and magnetism of the causal body and to some degree also the electric source of the subtle body. Ayurvedic and yogic principles and practices help navigate our journey to a clearer understanding; enlightening and encouraging a more vibrant way of ‘being’ human.
The Five Koshas or Sheaths
Within the three bodies resides our Panchamaya Kosha. Translated from Sanskrit, ‘Pancha’ meaning five, ‘maya’ meaning ‘composed of’ and ‘kosha’ meaning sheath. These five sheaths or layers are Annamaya Kosha, Pranamaya Kosha, Manomaya kosha, Vijnanamaya kosha and Anandamaya Kosha. These five energetic, interpenetrating layers surround our soul and are considered a roadmap for our journey of self-discovery, self-healing and self-improvement.
The Annamaya Kosha : Food Sheath
The Sanskrit word ‘anna’ may be translated as ‘food.’ “Maya’ means ‘composed of.’ This kosha is the outermost physical layer of our existence, encompassing the tangible reality of flesh and bone, sustained by the nourishment of food.
We often identify most strongly with this layer, as our perception of the world is predominantly shaped by tangible objects and driven by emotions and desires. We typically define ourselves by our physical form, personal preferences, age, language, morals, culture, religion, valuing structure and stability. Within this framework, experiences and relationships are often viewed as isolated, individual occurrences rather than interconnected aspects of a unified whole.
Balancing this kosha is crucial for feeling energetic, boosting immunity and achieving overall health. Following an ayurvedic diet and lifestyle and committing to a regular yogic routine will keep this layer in optimal health and encourage a feeling of physical grounding.
The Pranamaya Kosha : Vitality Sheath
The Sanskrit word ‘prana’ may be translated as ‘breath’ or ‘life energy.’ “Maya’ means ‘composed of. This kosha is the second and more subtler layer of our being, playing a crucial role in channelling and regulating the energies that give rise to our physical form, enabling movement and self-expression.
Yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises) and meditation can help restore balance to this kosha and bring clarity, strength and fluidity to the body and mind.
The Manomaya Kosha : Mental Sheath
The Sanskrit word ‘mano’ may be translated as ‘mind’ or ‘life energy.’ “Maya’ means ‘composed of.’ This third layer of our being, governs our mental and emotional processes and shapes how we interpret and interact with the world accordingly. At this level, the mind takes precedence in decision-making.
As our perception of the world is frequently structured by a framework of preferences, aversions, anxieties, convictions and evaluations; we tend to organise our experiences based on what we enjoy, what we dislike, what we fear, what we believe to be true and our inherent judgements of situations and individuals. The ego, the sense of ‘I’ becomes deeply connected with these thoughts and emotions and as we process our experiences through this lens, the ego solidifies reinforcing our personal identity and fostering a greater awareness of ourselves as distinct individuals, separate from others and the environment.
Simple yet effective Ayurvedic and yogic practices such as meditation, gratitude and journaling create emotional stability and mental clarity and may bring balance and enable self-awareness to allow us to shift negative patterns and foster balance moving from reactivity to thoughtful responses.
The Vijnanamaya Kosha : Intellectual Sheath
The Sanskrit word ‘Vijnana’ may be translated as ‘wisdom’ or ‘knowledge.’ “Maya’ means ‘composed of.' This is the fourth layer, or aspect, of our being, dedicated to seeking knowledge that transcends surface-level thoughts and emotions. It enables deeper perception, sound judgement, insight and discernment. Functioning at a level superior to the lower koshas, it guides us to make choices based on universal and profound truths, rather than being driven by personal desires, wants or fleeting emotions.
Balancing this chakra requires cultivating practices that promote clarity and insight, which involves embracing self-reflection, self-enquiry and a commitment to living an ethical and authentic life. Ayurveda and yoga offer a vast array of tools and techniques to support individuals on their journey towards great self-awareness, purpose and a profound connection with themselves.
The Anandamaya Kosha : Sheath of Bliss
The Sanskrit word ‘anada’ may be translated as ‘bliss’ or ‘joy.’ “Maya’ means ‘composed of.’ This is the fifth layer, and finest layer of our being. This allows us to feel the natural, constant state of joy not affected by the ups and downs of life. This pure bliss exists beyond the mind, body and intellect and connects us to something greater. It offers unity and interconnectedness, here there is no cycle of birth and death, only infinite and unchanging consciousness and eternal bliss.
Accessing true liberation is not easily achieved however, and it is not achieved through sheer effort or willpower alone but rather through the gradual removal of the obstacles and veils that obscure its presence. This process demands consistent practice, unwavering dedication, profound devotion and discerning wisdom. By striving to embody our most authentic selves and cultivating that inherent beauty and harmony, we can pave the way for transformative experiences.
Through the cultivation of an evolving and deepening Yogic and spiritual practices, we may dissolve the ego, promote surrender, cultivate grace and love and align with our higher self and we may, even momentarily, experience the life altering touch of Anandamaya Kosha.
Prana & the Five Fold Breath
Prana is the subtle form of Vata Dosha. It is the energy and strength that comes from the subtle dosha ‘Ojas’ after it has been kindled into the subtle dosha ‘Tejas.’ It is the innate, unseen energy required for all bodily processes. Prana enables us to live and experience life and maintains a state of harmony between the body and mind. It gives rise to the sense and motor organs and types of impressions and divides into five types according to its movement and direction. These are:
Prana vayu : Pervading in the head and centred in the brain, it moves inwards and downwards and governs respiration and perception of senses.​
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Vyana vayu : Pervades the entire body as the nervous system, it’s expansive action controls heart function and blood circulation.
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Udana vayu: Located in the chest and centred in the throat this manages our upward actions such as exhalation, crying, vomiting, sneezing etc.
Samana vayu : Centred in the small intestine it has an equalising and balancing action and governs the process of digestion and assimilation.
Apana vayu : Centred in the colon it controls elimination and evacuation of waste and all downward and outward moving impulses of the body.​
The Seven Chakras
The ancient text of Ayurveda does not really mention the concept of Chakras, these are better explored through the practice of yoga. According to yogic tradition, the body has seven invisible energy centres, or Chakras, that serve as conduits for the life force, or prana. These energy wheels are situated just in front of the spine, from the base of the tailbone to a few inches above the crown of the head.
The word ‘Chakra in Sanskrit translates to ‘wheel’ or ‘moving circle of energy.’ These energy centres play a crucial role in regulating our aura, acting like storage and transmitters, and facilitating the exchange of energy with the world around us. Although they are all connected energetically, each is different in shape and size and spin with differing frequencies.
While they are not physical entities themselves, they have a profound impact on our physical well-being. The state of our emotions, for instance, can influence the condition of a particular Chakra, which in turn can affect our physical health. Conversely, the energy emanating from a Chakra can also impact our emotional state. By understanding the workings of the Chakras and how they interact within us, with each other and the external world, we can develop the skills to navigate the complex web of energies that surround us, find balance, promote healing and unlock our full potential.
