Vayu

Wind, air, vital current. In Haṭha Yoga, vayu refers to the currents of prana circulating through the subtle body. The five main vayus (pancha vayu) regulate different vital functions.

Prana vayu governs inhalation and reception; apana vayu, exhalation and elimination; samana vayu, digestion and assimilation; udana vayu, expression and ascent; vyana vayu, circulation and distribution.

Control of the vayus through pranayama is fundamental in Haṭha Yoga. When the vayus are balanced, the mind naturally becomes still.