Vata Subdosha: Apāna Vāyu

Apāna Vāyu is one of the five major prānas or vital energies in āyurveda and yoga philosophy. It is the downward-flowing energy responsible for the elimination of waste products from the body, including urine, feces, and reproductive fluids, as well as elimination of mental and emotional patterns that are threatening to our good health.

Apāna Vāyu governs the lower abdomen, pelvis, and the lower half of the body, and its smooth functioning is essential for maintaining overall health and balance. Apāna Vāyu roots and grounds us, and also allows us to release negative energy and destructive thoughts, providing us with a foundation for a healthy and positive outlook on life. Apāna Vāyu’s work can be reduced by improving the inward flow of prāna vāyu. Prāna Vāyu and apāna vāyu support one another.

Apāna Vāyu supports our spiritual growth by providing security and support that are associated with the root chakra. Without the rooting and grounding nature of apāna vāyu we lack the security and support we need to feel at home as we touch higher planes of consciousness.

When Apāna Vāyu is imbalanced or blocked, it can lead to various physical and mental health disorders. Physically, an imbalance in Apāna Vāyu may manifest as constipation, urinary problems, menstrual irregularities, or reproductive issues. Mentally, it can result in feelings of emotional instability, lethargy, and the inability to let go of negative emotions.

Yoga Practices that Support Healthy Apāna Vāyu
To support the healthy flow and balance of Apāna Vāyu, certain yoga āsana can be beneficial. These postures aim to stimulate and harmonize the energy of Apāna Vāyu in the body, promoting physical and mental well-being. Here are a few yoga āsana that support a healthy Apāna Vāyu:

1. Apānāsana (Knee-to-Chest Pose): This gentle asana involves lying on your back and hugging your knees towards your chest. It promotes the movement of Apāna Vāyu in the lower abdomen, relieving digestive issues and helping to eliminate waste from the body.

2. Mālāsana (Garland Pose): This squatting posture helps open the pelvis and encourages the downward flow of Apāna Vāyu. It stimulates the digestive system, enhances elimination, and relieves congestion in the lower abdomen.

3. Janu Śirsāsana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend): As you fold forward with one leg extended and the other bent, this pose massages the abdominal organs, including the kidneys and intestines. It stimulates Apāna Vāyu and aids in digestion and elimination.