Prana – Our Life Force

 

If you’ve ever wondered what really keeps you alive beyond the beating of the heart and the firing of neurons, yogic traditions have a word for it: Prana. Often translated as “life force” or “vital energy,” prana is seen as the subtle current that animates every cell. Think of it like electricity – invisible, yet the very thing that powers the body’s inner circuitry. Without it, there’s no spark.

Where does prana come from?

Prana is said to flow in with every breath, absorbed through food, water and even the natural environment around us. Ancient texts such as the Upanishads describe prana as the thread linking the physical to the spiritual, the gross to the subtle. Yogis mapped the body’s energy channels, or nadis, showing how prana travels through us much like rivers feed into a vast ocean.

Here’s the thing: although prana flows naturally, it can be blocked or weakened by stress, poor lifestyle, or emotional strain. When the flow is restricted, so too is our vitality. Ever felt drained for no obvious reason? That’s often understood as stagnant prana.

Harnessing and shaping prana

The good news is that prana can be worked with. Yogic breathing techniques (pranayama) are specifically designed to expand, regulate, and direct this vital force. For instance:

• Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) balances left and right brain hemispheres, calming the nervous system.
• Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) pumps oxygen and stimulates the solar plexus, flooding the body with energy.

Even simple awareness of the breath is a way of tuning into prana. As the Buddha himself emphasised in the Anapanasati Sutta, mindfulness of breathing leads to clarity of mind and freedom from agitation.

The Benefits 

When prana is flowing freely, the body feels lighter, the mind steadier and emotions less overwhelming. Modern science has started catching up: breath-based practices are now linked to reduced anxiety, lower blood pressure and improved focus. Put simply, working with prana helps us reset – almost like recharging a battery.

Bringing it into daily life

You don’t need to retreat to a Himalayan cave to feel prana’s effects. Even here in Scotland, a mindful walk by a river or slow breathing at the kitchen table can restore balance. Pairing energy practices with healing modalities like Reiki in Glasgow deepens that sense of connection. And for those curious about hands-on support, Reiki healing sessions can help clear energetic blockages and restore the natural flow of life force.

So, the next time you pause for breath, remember: it’s not “just air.” It’s prana, the subtle current that carries you through each moment – unseen, but profoundly felt.