Kundalini Yoga Glossary
Apana
The eliminating aspect of the breath, released on the exhale, paired with Prana.
Breath & energy·
Eliminating, exhale·
Paired with Prana
Meaning
What Apana Means
Apana is the eliminating side of the breath. On the exhale, the body releases the greatest possible quantity of toxins from the bloodstream, apana, while on the inhale it receives the greatest possible amount of pure oxygen, prana.
In Practice
How It’s Used
Prana and apana are worked together in several kriyas to balance the lower triangle of chakras. In Sat Kriya, one of the primary actions is to mix prana and apana at the navel center, generating heat and opening the inner channels to the upward flow of energy.
Other exercises, like Alternate Leg Lifts, are also used specifically to balance prana and apana.
