Upa Prana: The Subtle Energies That Sustain Life

By Girish Shenoy In the ancient wisdom of yogic philosophy and Ayurveda, life is seen as a manifestation of Prana—the vital life force that permeates every being and governs all physical and subtle functions. While the five main Pranas (collectively known as Pancha Prana) are well-known for their role in sustaining life, another layer of subtle energies exists called the Upa Pranas. These lesser-known but equally significant forces refine, support, and enhance the primary functions of Prana in the body. At Asthithwa Health and Wellbeing Pvt. Ltd., we believe that understanding these subtle energies can help you optimize your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of Upa Prana, its types, and its significance in daily life.

What is Upa Prana?

The term Upa Prana translates to “subordinate or auxiliary Prana.” These five secondary life forces complement and assist the five primary Pranas—Prana, Apana, Samana, Udana, and Vyana. While the primary Pranas govern significant functions such as breathing, digestion, and circulation, the Upa Pranas handle more specific and subtle activities that keep the body balanced.

The five Upa Pranas are:

1. Naga
2. Kurma
3. Krikara
4. Devadatta
5. Dhananjaya

Each Upa Prana has a unique function and plays a vital role in maintaining the harmony of the body and mind.

The Five Upa Pranas and Their Functions

Naga – The Energy of Expulsion

1. Function: Naga is responsible for belching, hiccups, and vomiting. It helps expel gas, toxins, or excess substances from the body.
2. Significance: Naga ensures that the digestive system clears itself of unwanted substances, preventing stagnation and discomfort.

Kurma – The Energy of Blinking

1. Function: Kurma governs the movement of the eyelids, including blinking and keeping the eyes moist.
2. Significance: By protecting the eyes from dryness and external irritants, Kurma ensures vision health and maintains focus and alertness.

Krikara – The Energy of Hunger and Sneezing

1. Function: Krikara triggers hunger, thirst, and sneezing, all essential reflexes for survival and cleansing.
2. Significance: It signals the need for nourishment and hydration, while sneezing removes irritants from the respiratory system.

Devadatta – The Energy of Yawning

1. Function: Devadatta is associated with yawning and releasing excess energy or fatigue.
2. Significance: Yawning helps regulate oxygen intake, cool the brain, and reset the body’s energy levels during tiredness or boredom.

Dhananjaya – The Energy of Vitality

1. Function: Dhananjaya is responsible for processes like decomposition, cellular regeneration, and the functioning of the heart even after death. Significance: This Upa Prana is believed to persist in the body shortly after death, symbolizing the transition of life energy.
2. The Connection Between Upa Pranas and the Primary Pranas

The Upa Pranas work in harmony with the Pancha Prana to ensure the smooth functioning of the body. For example:

• Naga (belching) supports Samana Prana, which governs digestion and assimilation.
• Kurma (blinking) complements Vyana Prana, which manages circulation and movement.
• Krikara (sneezing) aids Udana Prana, which controls upward energy movement, such as speech and exhalation.

This interconnectedness highlights the holistic nature of pranaic energy, where every function—no matter how small—contributes to overall balance and vitality.

The Role of Upa Pranas in Holistic Wellbeing

Physical Health

The reflexive actions of the Upa Pranas, such as yawning, sneezing, and blinking, protect vital systems like digestion, respiration, and vision. The proper functioning of Upa Pranas ensures the body can expel toxins, maintain hydration, and regulate its energy levels.

Mental and Emotional Balance

Actions like yawning and sneezing are physical and help relieve mental tension and reset focus. Recognizing the subtle cues of hunger, thirst, or fatigue (governed by Upa Pranas) helps maintain emotional stability and prevent stress.

Spiritual Awareness

Upa Pranas remind us of the intricate intelligence of the body, fostering a deeper appreciation for life’s interconnectedness. Practices like Pranayama (breath control) and meditation enhance the flow of both primary and secondary Pranas, promoting higher states of awareness.

How to Support and Balance Upa Pranas

At Asthithwa Health and Wellbeing Pvt. Ltd., we recommend the following practices to ensure the healthy functioning of Upa Pranas:

Pranayama (Breathwork)

Techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and Kapalabhati (cleansing breath) improve the flow of Prana and support reflexive functions like sneezing and yawning.

Mindful Eating

Eating fresh Sattvic foods reduces toxins, ensuring the proper functioning of Naga (belching) and Krikara (hunger).

Eye Care Practices

Regularly practice Trataka (candle-gazing meditation) to strengthen Kurma, which governs blinking and eye health.

Adequate Rest

Yawning (Devadatta) signals the need for rest. Listen to your body’s cues and ensure proper sleep to maintain energy levels.

Hydration and Detox

Stay hydrated to support Krikara’s role in signaling thirst and cleansing the respiratory system.

Upa Pranas and Yogic Philosophy

Understanding the Upa Pranas deepens our awareness of the body’s subtle energy systems in yogic philosophy. They remind us that even the smallest functions are part of a larger, intelligent design. Mastering these energies through yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda enhances physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. The Upanishads and Hatha Yoga Pradipika emphasize the importance of refining the flow of Prana (and Upa Prana) to achieve higher consciousness and liberation. When these energies are balanced, the body becomes a vessel for spiritual awakening.

Why Understanding Upa Pranas Matters

The Upa Pranas may be subtle, but their impact is profound. From protecting the body’s systems to signaling the need for nourishment and rest, these energies are essential for maintaining balance and vitality. By nurturing the Upa Pranas through conscious practices, you can enhance your overall well-being and align with the rhythm of life. At Asthithwa Health and Wellbeing Pvt. Ltd., we integrate the principles of Prana and Upa Prana into our wellness programs, empowering individuals to live with greater awareness and harmony.

Begin Your Upa Prana Journey with Asthithwa

The journey to a balanced and vibrant life begins with awareness of the subtle energies within you. Let Asthithwa Health and Wellbeing Pvt. Ltd. guide you on this transformative path through personalized consultations, yoga, breathwork, and holistic practices. Contact us today to learn more about our wellness programs. Your journey to health, harmony, and self-awareness starts here.