The Energy Body: Where Healing Begins

In our earlier blog, we looked at prana as the vital force that powers life. Here we explore it’s functioning within us and its influence on healing.

In yoga, human existence is described as layers or sheaths, called koshas, much like Russian dolls placed one within the other. These include the physical, mental, higher mental and bliss bodies. Connecting and enlivening all of these is the pranic sheath, the pranamaya kosha. This sheath links all the layers of our being as prana flows through all the koshas.

With conscious breathing, the frontal brain is engaged, which in turn effects brain wave patterns. There are four types of brain waves: when we are alert and connected to the outer world, beta waves dominate; as we begin to relax, alpha waves arise; these move into theta as we approach sleep and finally into delta in deep sleep. Through conscious breathing and pranayama, the shift towards alpha states is activated.

In simple terms, prana is the fuel that enhances the capacity of the body, much like a battery being charged. When the systems are well charged, it reflects as improved health in the body and mind.

Pranic Pathways: Nadis & Chakras

Let us now look at how this vital energy flows.
In a house, the structure conceals the electricity that powers it. In a similar way, within the body, there is an underlying network through which prana moves.

Within the framework of the spine, there are three channels known as nadis. Just as electricity has three flows - positive, negative and neutral, the body too has a similar flow.

These three streams of prana move and crisscross at various points along the body, creating centres of energy known as chakras - where prana is concentrated and distributed.

Each chakra is associated with specific organs, nerve networks, endocrine glands that is powered by prana.

When the flow of prana through these pathways is uniform, the system functions smoothly. When there are disturbances or blockages, it reflects as disturbance or disease.

Prana and the Mind

Prana forms the link between the mind and the senses. Every thought, feeling and emotion impacts the mind and the nervous system. The rate of breathing is directly related to the number of thoughts. When the breath is short and irregular, the mind becomes agitated, thoughts increase, and this leads to stress and unstable prana.

Pranayama helps restore this imbalance. With conscious and regulated breathing, the mind and body are quietened, and the loss of energy from constant activity is reduced. As the breath calms, awareness becomes clearer and one begins to experience a state beyond the usual activity of the mind. This is the basis of meditation and a healing inner environment.

Healing through the Energy Body

Healing begins in the pranamaya kosha - the pranic body that underlies and supports all the other layers of our being.

Disturbed prana leads to imbalances in the body and mind, affecting the endocrine glands, nervous system, digestion and circulation. These are not isolated conditions but expressions of blockages in the pranic body. Thus, disease has its origin in prana, manifests at the physical and mental levels.

Through pranayama, the flow of prana is regulated and steadied, blockages begin to clear and the system returns to harmony. The health of the organs and glands improves and the body is able to utilise energy more efficiently.

In this way, the pranamaya kosha becomes the source of healing. When this layer is balanced, the effects are seen across the physical and mental bodies.

Healing is not something that is imposed from outside, it arises from within.