mind, imparting momentum and providing strength.

The five pranas can also be seen in terms of their body region. Prana vayu governs the movement of energy from the head down to the navel, which is the pranic center of the physical body. Apana vayu governs the movement of energy from the navel down to the root chakra at the base of the spine. Samana vayu governs the movement of energy from the entire body back to the navel. Vyana vayu governs the movement of energy out from the navel throughout the entire body. Udana vayu governs the movement of energy from the navel up to the head.

The five pranas can also be seen in terms of their body region.

In brief, prana vayu governs the intake of substances, samana governsfact, the physical body is, in a sense, an extension of the mouth, which is the main organ of eating and self-expression.

Apana vayu creates the openings in the lower part of the body, those of the urino-genital and excretory systems. Samana vayu creates the openings in the middle part of the body, those of the digestive system, centered in the navel. It opens the channels of the intestines and organs such as the liver and pancreas. Vyana vayu shapes the channels going to the periphery of the body, the arms and legs. It forms the veins and arteries and also the muscles, sinews, joints, and bones.

Breathing is the main form of pranic activity in the body.

The navel is the main pranic center for the physical body, or annamaya