Moving with Purpose: The Power of Prana Flow

The Life Force: Prana

Movement is essential for supporting the proper flow of prana, or life force, throughout your body.

Prana is the vital energy that animates everything, from the smallest cell to the vast cosmos. When prana flows freely, you experience vitality, balance, and well-being.

Ayurvedic Movement: A Holistic Approach

We like to think about Ayurvedic movement with three key components

Pranayama:

Breathwork is the foundation of Ayurvedic movement.

This practice supports the organized flow of prana, clearing of channels, and activating subtle parts of our being. By regulating your breath, you can influence the flow of prana and balance your mind and body.

Yoga:

This ancient practice is intentional movements to promote physical flexibility and strength towards mental flexibility and strength for the purpose of unifying the mind, body, and spirit.

While the Ayurvedic practice focuses on yoga, any intentional movement practice for this purpose, whether it be martial arts or dance, can support this component.

General Movement:

Move throughout the day so that there isn’t stagnation which blocks prana.

This can be walking, gardening, and any general activity.

Principles of Ayurvedic Movement

Excessive physical activity can lead to stress and increased cortisol levels, disrupting prana flow.

And, at the same time, insufficient movement can hinder the clearing of energy channels and prevent prana from flowing freely.

To that end:

  • Focus on the present moment, connecting your breath with your movements.
  • Find a comfortable pace that allows you to maintain a steady breath and avoid fatigue.
  • And pay attention to your body's signals and adjust your activity level accordingly.

Here are signs that your movement is just right.

  • There is light sheen of sweat on your forehead
  • You retain the ability to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth throughout your practice
  • You feel energized and refreshed after your movement session, and not depleted or wiped out

Ayurvedic Dosha Kapha

Personalized Yoga Routine for Your Dosha

Kapha movement will incorporate some of the following qualities:

  • Favor more active and faster paced movement!
  • Focus on the upper portion of the body with chest openers, as this is a place of kapha stagnation.
  • Have movement throughout the day and especially first thing in the morning.
  • Endurance and team sports are great for kapha!
  • Turn your gaze upward when doing yoga.

Test Your Understanding

  1. True or False: The goal for the move pillar is to have good cardiovascular health
  1. True or False: Yoga is the only recommended movement practice in Ayurveda.
  1. True or False: Organized, regular flow of prana that unifies the mind, body, and spirit is the goal of this pillar.

Answers: 1.F 2.F 3.T

Asheville Yoga Center

Heart-Centered Yoga

Banyan Botanicals Nasya Oil
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Nasya Oil
Banyan Botanicals Muscle Balm
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Muscle Balm
Banyan Botanicals Joint Balm
BANYAN BOTANICALS
Joint Balm

Moving with Purpose: The Power of Prana Flow

The Life Force: Prana

Movement is essential for supporting the proper flow of prana, or life force, throughout your body.

Prana is the vital energy that animates everything, from the smallest cell to the vast cosmos. When prana flows freely, you experience vitality, balance, and well-being.

Ayurvedic Movement: A Holistic Approach

We like to think about Ayurvedic movement with three key components

Pranayama:

Breathwork is the foundation of Ayurvedic movement.

This practice supports the organized flow of prana, clearing of channels, and activating subtle parts of our being. By regulating your breath, you can influence the flow of prana and balance your mind and body.

Yoga:

This ancient practice is intentional movements to promote physical flexibility and strength towards mental flexibility and strength for the purpose of unifying the mind, body, and spirit.

While the Ayurvedic practice focuses on yoga, any intentional movement practice for this purpose, whether it be martial arts or dance, can support this component.

General Movement:

Move throughout the day so that there isn’t stagnation which blocks prana.

This can be walking, gardening, and any general activity.

Principles of Ayurvedic Movement

Excessive physical activity can lead to stress and increased cortisol levels, disrupting prana flow.

And, at the same time, insufficient movement can hinder the clearing of energy channels and prevent prana from flowing freely.

To that end:

  • Focus on the present moment, connecting your breath with your movements.
  • Find a comfortable pace that allows you to maintain a steady breath and avoid fatigue.
  • And pay attention to your body's signals and adjust your activity level accordingly.

Here are signs that your movement is just right.

  • There is light sheen of sweat on your forehead
  • You retain the ability to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth throughout your practice
  • You feel energized and refreshed after your movement session, and not depleted or wiped out

Ayurvedic Dosha Kapha

Personalized Yoga Routine for Your Dosha

Kapha movement will incorporate some of the following qualities:

  • Favor more active and faster paced movement!
  • Focus on the upper portion of the body with chest openers, as this is a place of kapha stagnation.
  • Have movement throughout the day and especially first thing in the morning.
  • Endurance and team sports are great for kapha!
  • Turn your gaze upward when doing yoga.

Test Your Understanding

  1. True or False: The goal for the move pillar is to have good cardiovascular health
  1. True or False: Yoga is the only recommended movement practice in Ayurveda.
  1. True or False: Organized, regular flow of prana that unifies the mind, body, and spirit is the goal of this pillar.

Answers: 1. F 2. F 3. T

Asheville Yoga Center

Heart-Centered Yoga

Banyan Botanicals Nasya Oil
BANYAN BOTANICALS
Nasya Oil
Banyan Botanicals Muscle Balm
BANYAN BOTANICALS
Muscle Balm
Banyan Botanicals Joint Balm
BANYAN BOTANICALS
Joint Balm

Dive Deeper into Yoga

Asheville Yoga Center Yoga Teacher Training

Ready to explore the transformative power of yoga? Consider joining one of our teacher trainings or workshops at the Asheville Yoga Center (AYC). AYC is a beloved local landmark known for its welcoming and community-oriented approach to yoga.

  • Heart-centered classes and workshops: Explore a variety of yoga styles and practices.
  • Transformational teacher training programs: Deepen your understanding of yoga and become a certified teacher or further your yoga studies.
  • Community-oriented atmosphere: Connect with like-minded individuals and find a sense of belonging.

By incorporating movement into your daily routine, you can cultivate a harmonious flow of prana and enhance your overall well-being.

Ready to explore the transformative power of yoga? Consider joining one of our teacher trainings or workshops at the Asheville Yoga Center (AYC). AYC is a beloved local landmark known for its welcoming and community-oriented approach to yoga.

  • Heart-centered classes and workshops: Explore a variety of yoga styles and practices.
  • Transformational teacher training programs: Deepen your understanding of yoga and become a certified teacher or further your yoga studies.
  • Community-oriented atmosphere: Connect with like-minded individuals and find a sense of belonging.

By incorporating movement into your daily routine, you can cultivate a harmonious flow of prana and enhance your overall well-being.