Vyana Vayu: Expanding Energy and Integration

Vyana Vayu governs the outward movement of energy, responsible for the expansion and integration of all the other Vayus. Think of it as the energy field that surrounds and protects the body—our aura, if you will. This expansive quality also creates a kind of energetic shield, helping to maintain balance and protect against negative influences that may try to penetrate our personal space.

Vyana is the force that harmonises and unifies the expressions of Prana, allowing them to function together seamlessly. If we think of the Vayus as the energetic counterparts of our body’s systems, Vyana is like the fascia in the muscular system. Just as fascia encases and integrates muscle groups, allowing them to communicate and move in sync, Vyana holds and organises the energy that moves through the other Vayus. When Vyana is functioning well, we experience coherence in our energy, and things flow smoothly, both within and around us.

This Vayu also plays a crucial role in helping us shift our awareness between the gross and subtle layers of being. In life, there are moments when our focus must move quickly between tasks and areas of attention. Whether it’s multitasking at work or navigating various responsibilities in daily life, the smoother this transition, the more aligned we feel. When Vyana is strong, we can make these shifts with grace and maintain a sense of flow. If it’s weak, however, transitions become challenging, and we may feel stagnant or scattered, like we’re constantly being pulled in different directions.

When Vyana is weak, life may feel sluggish, and our energetic “bubble” may be easily disturbed, leaving us vulnerable to outside stressors. To strengthen this Vayu, lateral poses are particularly effective, as they encourage the expansion of energy throughout the body. Backbends can also complement this practice by opening the heart and extending energy outward, while inversions and extensions help stimulate this expansive energy on a deeper level.

Cultivating Vyana Vayu brings more flow, clarity, and protection to both our inner and outer world.