The Five Upa-Pranas

The five Upa-Pranas regulate important functions in the human body.

NAGA - Burping

Removes blockages of Prana and Apana and prevents gas formation in the digestive system. Constant suppression of Naga can lead to Cardiac Arrhythmia. Other functions include triggering of the vomit reflex due to indigestion and dissolving blockages of Samana Prana.

KURMA - Blinking

This Upa-Prana functions in the area of the eyes, controlling opening and closing of the eyelids. The energy of this Upa-Prana is active when we are awake and is revitalised when we sleep. Kurma protects the eyes from the penetration of dust and foreign bodies etc. Disturbance of this Upa-Prana causes uncontrolled blinking and twitching of the eyelids. The practice of Trataka provides balance and strength to Kurma, as does the chanting of OM, placing warm palms over the eyes and Asanas where the head is bent forward.

DEVADATTA - Yawning

The function of Devadatta is similar to that of Samana Prana. Yawning expels gas, reducing tiredness after eating. Certain foods such as grains, onions and garlic cause fatigue. Many Yogis only eat vegetables and some milk products in order to sustain their level of vitality and thereby reduce lethargy.

KRIKALA - Sneezing

Clears blockages in the respiratory system. Sneezing can also ease headache as it releases energy blockages in the head and neck. A sneeze should not be suppressed, as this may affect vertebrae in the cervical spine. In folk tales it is said that he who sneezes loudly and strongly, has a long life. Weak sneezes indicate weak vitality.

DHANANJAYA - Opening and Closing of Heart Valves

Dhananjaya resides close to the Heart. It influences the whole body and in particular the muscles of the heart by opening and closing the heart valves. Cardiac Arrhythmia and even Heart Attack may occur due to a serious disturbance of Dhananjaya.

There are four areas in the human body where the flow of Prana is particularly intensive - through the sole of each foot and the palm of each hand. The feet are closely related to the earth element and represent negative polarity. Therefore one should never concentrate on the feet in meditation. Conversely, the energy of the palms originates from the heart. It is related to the air element and produces positive polarity.

There is an exercise through which we can very clearly feel Prana in the hands.

Raise the arms out to the sides of the body with palms facing to the front. Keep the arms straight and move them in a half-circle to the front of the body, slowly bringing the palms towards each other. Remain completely relaxed, slowly reducing the distance between the hands. As the palms become closer, you will be conscious of a growing sensation between the hands, or a feeling of pins and needles in the palms. Bring the palms closer until the distance between them is only about 1 centimetre. Now, due to the energy that streams from your hands, it feels as though the hands are really being pulled towards each other. Prana causes this. If you now move the hands apart again, you will feel pressure on the back of the hands, producing the opposite effect. This is also Prana, because Prana flows without hindrance throughout the entire body.

Prana is distributed throughout the whole body, through the network of the Nadis (nerves). There are 72,000 Nadis in the human body. Of these, there are three Nadis of particular importance.

IDA, the “Moon System”, correlates with the left nostril and the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

PINGALA, the “Sun System”, correlates with the right nostril and the Sympathetic Nervous System.

SUSHUMNA, the “Central Nadi”, penetrates the spinal column and correlates with the Central Nervous System.

The practice of Asanas and Pranayamas, harmonise the Ida and Pingala Nadis and has a purifying, strengthening and balancing effect upon the energy flow in all 72,000 Nadis. Pranayama and Meditation practice enhance energy flow in the Sushumna Nadi. When spiritual energy begins to flow in the Sushumna certain brain centres and Chakras are activated, creating a development and expansion of our consciousness to higher spiritual levels.

Prana itself is totally pure and neutral, just as the spring-water of a river is clear and clean. In its course, the river picks up many substances which change the quality of the water. Exactly the same occurs with Prana. Prana flows into the body clean and pure, but how it departs depends upon the individual - on their lifestyle, their inner qualities and feelings, the type of food consumed and the environment and company in which one lives. The quality of the Prana that radiates from people impacts on both the surrounding environment and the individuals themselves.

The level of vitality existent in the blood and individual cells determines the condition of the human body.

The more cells that die, the weaker one becomes, and the quicker one ages. When the flow of Prana is restricted, the result is the same. The flow of Prana is affected by the worries we create for ourselves. The more we feel disheartened or depressed, the weaker the flow of Prana, leaving us more susceptible to illness, and the aging process occurs more rapidly. On the other hand, those who are balanced and content radiate vitality, and their strength reaches out to touch fellow human beings. Therefore, we should always endeavour to radiate positive Prana.

The Prana that we radiate (our “vibration” or “aura”), is clearly perceptible to others. The type of aura depends upon the purity of our thoughts and feelings, and also our internal Biorhythm and physical state of health. Mental unrest, inner tension and illness are clearly seen in the aura, as is a harmonious balance of body, mind and soul.

It is most advantageous for others, and ourselves to cultivate positive, confident, trusting and good thoughts. Above all else, negative, self-destructive and hostile thoughts are most harmful to us. With such a mental attitude we poison ourselves. That is why Yoga aspirants always endeavour to keep their thoughts and feelings pure and positive. The practice of meditation and Mantra maintains pure Prana and the practice of Pranayama increases our capacity to store Prana.

When the soul leaves the body and death comes, the life energy also escapes from the body. It is our destiny to die one day, but we always forget this fact. When we die we leave everything behind - our body, worldly possessions, friends and also enemies. So wherein lies the meaning of life? The purpose of life is to recognise reality. This reality is the Divine Self (Atma) within us. This is what we seek in meditation, when we ask ourselves the question: “Who am I?”. When we recognise our Self, we have Realised our Self.

In order to achieve this, physical exercises and breath techniques alone are too little. One's whole life must be directed towards the good. When we are free of hatred, greed, anger, envy, jealousy, passion and dependency, and live in love, harmony and understanding with the environment and ourselves, all our problems will be resolved. When daily practice and a positive way of life merge with each other in such a way that they become one, our practice has become effective and successful.