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What Is Prana in Yoga?
Prana is the yogic term for life-force or vital energy — the subtle energy said to flow through all living things and to be carried mainly by the breath. Much o
Prana is the yogic term for life-force or vital energy — the subtle energy said to flow through all living things and to be carried mainly by the breath. Much of yoga, especially pranayama (breath practices), aims to increase and balance prana so that body and mind feel clear, energised and calm.
From Sanskrit, prana means life-force or vital energy. In yogic philosophy it animates the body and moves through subtle channels (nadis) and centres (chakras).
Because the breath is seen as prana's main vehicle, breath practices (pranayama, literally 'extension of prana') are the main way yoga works with this energy.
Frequently asked questions
- Is prana the same as breath?
- Closely related but not identical: the breath is considered the main carrier of prana, the underlying life-force.
- How do you increase prana?
- Through pranayama (breathwork), asana, a calm lifestyle and sattvic food, according to yogic tradition.