Prana

 


 ("breath") is a Sanskrit word that means "breath." The moniker for the five "winds" said to be responsible for fundamental biological functions as a collective noun.

The first of them, which is situated in the chest, is known as prana.

Its term is commonly used to identify all five winds since it accomplishes those functions vital for life—respiration, the transport of food into the stomach, and the circulation of blood through the body.

The other four winds are apana (in the anal region), samana (in the navel), udana (in the throat) that transmits things out of the mouth—like speech, singing, burps, and so on—and vyana that circulates throughout the body, mixing everything together.

The yoga technique known as pranayama focuses on these winds, with the goal of gaining mastery over life's primary forces.