Yoga treats Prana as the vital life energy which animates the body and sustains life. Prana is not merely breath, but a subtle force which is associated with movement, vitality, perception, digestion, elimination, and mental activity. Prana is basically cosmic in nature. It is all pervasive. Ancient Yogic texts describe mainly five major types of Prana. They are Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, and Vyana. Although the concept of Prana arose much before the modern physiological understanding, many of their descriptions can be viewed from the lens of modern science as far as nervous systems and the brainbody regulation are concerned. Prana is associated with the chest region. It is related to inhalation, respiration, and sensory information. From neuroscientific perspective, breathing is closely related to the brainstem respiratory centres, autonomic nervous system, and networks involved in attention, emotions, and arousal. Slow and rhythmic breathing can influence vagal activity and autonomic function.

 

It provides a possible physiological correlate to the Yogic understanding of regulating Prana. Apana is the vital energy which has downward and outward flow, particularly associated with elimination, urination, reproduction, and childbirth. Modern physiology recognises neural mechanisms which control lower gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive systems. Pelvic neural networks correspond with the functioning of Apana. Samana is located around the abdomen. It is traditionally responsible for digestion, assimilation, and metabolic balance. Interestingly, modern physiology considers the gut as the second brain centre. It is the region of the gut - brain axis. Udana is an upward moving force associated with speech, expression, growth, and consciousness. Speech and vocalisation remarkably depend upon sophisticated coordinated activity involving cerebral cortex, brain stem, respiratory system, and laryngeal muscles. It is a great body brain integrated function. Vyana is considered all pervasive, governing circulation, movement, and coordination.

 

The Pancha Prana theory of Yoga is not the anatomical structures or direct equivalents of modern physiological systems. But it certainly provides an ancient insight into the different physiological processes of the human body. The comparison between the theory of Pancha Prana and modern physiology becomes fascinating in the sense that they deal with the brain, breath, circulation, cognition, perception, reproduction, and elimination of the human body. Yogic practices enhance Prana and regulate their flow in the body. Asanas, Pranayamas, meditation, Mudras, and Bandhas have been said to facilitate the control over Prana. Any deficiency in the flow of Prana causes physical and mental disorders. In the ancient Ayurveda texts also we find very interesting and detailed descriptions of Prana.

 

Herbs and other natural medicines have been prescribed in the Ayurvedic texts to correct the flow of Prana and cure diseases. Ayurvedic texts prescribe the practice of Yoga also to improve the Pranic flow. This is the reason that Yoga and Ayurveda are twin systems of Indian traditional medicine. Food has been given great significance in the Ayurveda system of medicine to regulate Prana. The dietary prescription of Ayurveda is very comprehensive and effective. Ayurveda recommends different foods in different seasons, believing that seasonal impact changes the flow of Prana in the body. We also find a very interesting description of Pancha Mahbhutas, earth, water, fire. air, and ether associated with the flow of Prana. This theory is a beautiful contemplative framework of human physiology. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■