Energy circulation techniques have been taught for thousands of years. Taoist techniques of energy circulation and chi gung are taught world wide now. Yoga techniques also include energy circulation and meditation. Unfortunately, very little is known about energy circulation and yoga poses today.
In yoga five energies are acknowledged. These are: the inward flowing energy, outward flowing energy, upward flowing energy, downward flowing energy and circulating energy.
Inward Flowing Energy
In yoga poses, energy flows inward from the breath and the earth. As the practitioner breathes in a pose they are bringing in prana or life energy. Holding the breath either in or out allows more prana to be drawn inward. However, when doing strong poses it is usually best to breathe throughout. In this case the activation of the pose is what allows the prana to be drawn in from the breath.
Outward Flowing Energy
Outward flowing energy can be considered a loss. This loss can have an altruistic/giving component such as in giving energy work. The outward flowing energy can also be a waste of energy. The ancients knew this, and developed yogic techniques for closing those doors.
Upward Flowing Energy
The upward flowing energy is the most important one for the deepest seeker of Truth. It is the upward flowing energy that connects self with the divine. The technique of yoga is designed to purify the energy channels so that this energy can flow upward unimpeded.
Downward Flowing Energy
The downward flowing energy is associated with elimination. In the ordinary sense this is through the feces and urine. Another common direction is for it to flow out of the body through the soles of the feet. During asana practice an undesirable energy can release. This negative energy needs to flow out of the body. This is usually accomplished through the feet, hands or the entire body, whatever is connected with earth. Earth can absorb and neutralize negative energy.
Circulating Energy
The circulating energy flows around in the body allowing movement and purification. When there is movement there is circulation of energy. Sometimes an asana can appear static while there is actually movement within. With yogic techniques the energy circulates around the body purifying and cleaning the 880,000 energy channels that are said to be contained within it.
Working With Energy Flow in Asana Practice
Just as each asana has a final form, the energy circulation of the pose has a final form. In the descriptions of the yoga poses the final form of the energy circulation will be revealed. However, this can and will often vary depending on what is going on with the practitioner.
Start by intending for the energy to flow in the desired direction. If it won’t cooperate then simply allow it and notice what it is doing without trying to change it. Gradually start directing the energy. The ability to direct energy in your body can be easily developed.
What Happens in the Purification Process
As the energy flows, it collides with toxins in the energy channels and breaks them lose. This is the purification process.
The toxins are often emotional energies that are stored in the nadis (energy channels). Eventually, as you continue to focus your attention on the energy flow and the barriers to it, you will become conscious of the cause or causes.
These barriers can show up as a thought, an emotion, a physical activity or as sensation in the body. Yoga poses done with attention to energy and the blockages often allows for a release of whatever is blocking. On a physical level the body can go into a reaction by shaking, losing energy, sweating and sometimes even pain. Emotional releases can happen
As you practice continue direct the energy flow in the direction indicated in the descriptions. Eventually things will shift and your pose will become deeper and more open.
More Energy Work Information to Come
There is much more to working with energy and energy flow in asana practice. There are many meditation techniques for directing the energy. An excellent start in asana practice is to have consciousness of energy and the direction of flow. Add breathing techniques to that and you really have something.
The Basic Energy Circulation Technique Used In Chi Gung And Energy Flow Asana Practice, Part 2
The Basic Energy Circulation Technique Used In Chi Gung And Energy Flow Asana Practice, Part 1
Recommended Reading
- Yoga Videos
- The Basic Energy Circulation Technique Used In Chi Gung And Energy Flow Asana Practice, Part 2
- The Basic Energy Circulation Technique Used In Chi Gung And Energy Flow Asana Practice, Part 1
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thank You. Gracias. Shanti. Toda. Grastsi. Merci. Danka. in every culture and language
You’re welcome, Pedro.
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