Vayus

Vayus, in traditional Indian yoga and Ayurveda, refer to five fundamental currents of prana, or life force, that pervade the body. These guidance energies are described as discrete yet interrelated forces that govern respiration, digestion, circulation, movement, and cognition. Proper balance among the vayus is said to support health, vitality, and mental balance.

- Prana vayu: located in the chest and upper body, it governs inhalation, intake of life force, and the upward movement of energy.

- Apana vayu: centered in the lower abdomen, it governs elimination and downward or outward energy flow, including excretion, reproduction, and childbirth.

- Samana vayu: centered near the navel, it governs digestion, metabolism, and the processing of ingested substances.

- Udana vayu: resides in the throat and upper chest, it governs speech, expression, and the upward movement of energy, including aspects of breath control and cognition.

- Vyana vayu: pervades the entire body, it governs circulation, the distribution of prana, and the coordination of bodily functions.

In many traditions, the vayus are seen as dynamic aspects of the same life force that can be harmonized through practices such as pranayama, yoga postures, meditation, and mindful living. Imbalances in one or more vayus are sometimes described as contributing to physical or mental disharmony, with restoration sought through targeted breathing, movement, and lifestyle adjustments.