09/01/2026
Why do we do Yoga?
Because it makes us feel good.
But how?
Firstly, and an obvious physical reason is that, stretching releases neuroendocrine factors (endorphins) that permeate the body and give us a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Secondly, by moving Prana (our life-force) through our bodies.
When we move our bodies, we move our Prana.
Prana moves in many ways, but there are five main ways called pancha vayu (five winds). They are: prana vayu (inward movement): apana vayu (outward movement); samana vayu (assimilation); vyana vayu (distribution) and udana vayu (growth).
Conscious controlled movement, linked with the breath, is how we can manipulate our Prana.
Life is a movement of Prana.
Prana is the energetic force that is with us from conception to death (and even for a short time following death).
Prana moves through our subtle body (1) along energy channels called nadis. These energetic pathways are most likely located in our fascia, which is the connective tissue that envelopes every organ and structure in our bodies.
When we move and stretch our bodies, in concert with the breath, we clear blockages to the flow of Prana, and the results are a feeling of relaxed wellbeing.
That’s why we do Yoga!
Hari Aum Tat Sat. Ken
(1) Yogic knowledge reveals that we are made up of three bodies (tri sarira). Namely: the gross body (the body of substance – the meat and bones of us); the subtle body (the energetic (pranic) body and the causal body (our souls or higher self).
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