Apana Vayu
Firstly let me introduce the concept of Apana Vayu for those who are not familiar with it.
While the prana vayu is the moving force behind the inhalation, the apana vayu is the moving force behind the exhalation. The apana vayu is the aspect of the prana that governs the ability to eject or eliminate what is not needed to the system. Just as with the breath we exhale what is not needed after assimilating the in-breath, the apana vayu is the force behind the elimination of waste in general, working in the kidneys, colon, rectum, bladder and genitals. It is also the moving force in the process of reproduction ? which essentially moves new life 'out' into the world ? from insemination to childbirth. The healthy functioning of the apana vayu is as vital as that of the prana vayu. If waste is not eliminated from the body, there is no room for assimilation of fresh energy, and toxins build up. This slows the body down ? and slows us down on the mental level as well. Without the healthy functioning of apana vayu, one lacks motivation and determination; one feels lazy, dull and even confused, indecisive and befuddled.
In a subtle but vital sense, the apana vayu has much to do with our power of decisiveness and self-determination, both of which turn upon our power of choice. Clarity in defining oneself demands decisiveness in eliminating what doesn't work for us, what is not needed, or what conflicts with our highest goals. It's not surprising that the apana vayu is associated with the element of earth, and is the energy of the Muladhara Chakra, which is concerned with having a strong, sure and reliable foundation, especially in fundamental matters of survival.
The seat of the apana vayu is in the core of the pelvis, and it governs the lower body, from the navel down through the legs, corresponding to the area in which we practice Mulabandha. It's worth noting how our language reflects this awareness; a person whose decisiveness is rooted in real possibilities and clear intentions is said to be very 'grounded', or to have his "feet on the ground." The clearest expression of decisiveness and self-assertion, in fact, is to "put your foot down." This kind of language expresses the power of the apana vayu.
The following is a diagram indicating Apana vayu in our body, I have marked it specifically for you all....

My Take on Apana Vayu
In short,
Benefits of Apana Vayu :-
- Apana vayu determines our power of decisiveness and self-determination, both of which determines our power of choice.
- Clarity in defining one's demands and eliminating what doesn't work for us, what is not needed, or what conflicts with our highest goals.
- It makes us grounded.
Lack of Apana Vayu leads to :-
- Lack of motivation and determination
- One feels lazy, dull, confused, indecisive and befuddled
Such is the importance of Apana vayu in our lives. But how many of us have been able to realize this? Did you ever think that certain vayu in your body can affect the quality of your decisions and various other above mentioned factors 😲?
So by being able to influence Apana vayu in our body, don't you think we will be able to lead our life in a better way and take better decisions?
So in short, it is the quality of your Apana vayu that determines the quality of your decisions, determination and motivation, thereby influencing the quality of life. Such is the marvel of Apana vayu 👏👏! Thus we can safely conclude that 'the right path to healthy and successful living - the path of Apana vayu!'
So let us discuss the various means by which we can influence and control our Apana vayu to achieve best results psychologically, and for a practical living. So what do you think we need to do about it 🤔 ?
Edited by *dewdrop~pearl* - 15 years ago