We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culture

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Prana?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 19,637
Share

In Hindu tradition, prana is the life sustaining force which pervades all living organisms and the universe. It can be likened to the concept of qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Focusing prana is an important part of mystical Hindu traditions and Hindu religious practice, and pranic energy is also considered in Ayurvedic treatment. This life force flows through the body along a series of channels known as nadis, and it ebbs and flows along with general health.

Prana is a Sanskrit word which is difficult to translate directly, since it encompasses a variety of ideas and concepts. Essentially, it would be taken to mean “energy” or “life force,” but these definitions do not quite do justice to the word. Prana is also associated with breath, although air itself is not prana; rather, breathing can be used to focus and control prana as part of a spiritual practice.

There are three primary nadis; ida, pingala, and sushuma. Various conditions can be diagnosed as problems along the flow of an individual nadi, and various techniques may be used to free the flow of energy. In Ayurveda, a traditional form of Indian medicine, patients may be massaged, treated with various herbs, or taught meditation and yoga to focus and clarify their flow of prana. Dietary measures may be used to correct imbalances as well, as specific foods do certain things to the body. Ayurveda also includes a long tradition of surgery, as texts and artwork clearly indicate.

In the practice of yoga and other religious traditions in Hinduism, prana is an important feature. A big part of yogic traditions includes focusing and strengthening the prana through physical and spiritual exercises. For example, yogis may use a breathing technique called pranayama to control their prana, in the hopes of reaching pranotthana, a sustained period of powerful, uplifting energy. Various yoga asanas or postures are also designed to promote the flow of prana.

Although prana cannot be measured by objective Western means, it does seem to exist. Studies of various cultures which believe in a life force like prana have shown that the medical and spiritual practices related to this life force do seem to have physical effects. Ayurvedic treatment, for example, can help a patient to feel better with the use of massage and meditation. People who are interested in learning more about ayurvedic treatment can sometimes find qualified practitioners in their area; a visit can certainly be interesting.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By MalakAslan — On Jun 26, 2011

When my cousin was having trouble with hair loss after her baby was born a friend of hers suggested that she try the ayurvedic treatment for hair loss. She was very happy with the results she had and since then has found ayurvedic treatment helpful with some of her other health issues.

This article has given me a better understanding of the holistic approach used in ayurvedic treatment. Although I don’t have any major health problems, I can see how an awareness of prana and a holistic approach can be very helpful in improving someone’s total well-being.

By rebelgurl28 — On Jun 24, 2011

I find the concept of prana very fascinating. Although prana is not part of my belief system I do believe in the basic concept of a life force.

Yoga and pranayama techniques are also very helpful. Yoga helps me to relax and maintain flexibility, while the basic breathing exercises are relaxing and help me to focus.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://direct.wisegeek.com/what-is-prana.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.