Stress and Prana

Whether we receive or respond to stimulus, there is need for a medium in which the transaction occurs, like any house needs a foundation on which it is built. This is prana and is a subtle energy which flows wherever identities exist. Whenever the expression of identity occurs, it happens on the back of prana. In Yoga, this is called “prana” or “life force”.

Prana can be sensed as mild pressures over the surface of the entity though they flow as vortices along various intersection points on all objects, known as “energy centers” or "chakras or wheels in sanskrit. In the human body, they exist at various points, but the main ones can be perceived as gateways along the spine through which the energy flows.

In a normal situation, energy flows unimpeded through the center. In a stress situation, one or more centers become congested or depleted, depending on perception of threat. Neither condition is advisable, as prolonged exposure can lead to damage of the related organs in the body.

Centers and Stress: The centers pulse with energy. When the centers are normal, there is are no side effects. When they are depleted (we can feel a sort of emptiness in the region) or when they are congested (we feel heaviness in the region), there are psychosomatic side-effects. Organs in the affected region are affected.

Centers and Motivation: Psychologically, one can correlate the functioning of the centers with the psychological state as propounded by Abraham Maslow in his 1943 paper “Theory of Motivation”. Maslow propounded a hierarchy of needs which motivate or stress us. The psychological states propounded by Maslow correlate very closely with the energy centers.

This correlation comes of use when we try to find solutions to stress because it is known in Yoga and other forms of Oriental healing that rate of energy flow through these centers changes the behavior of the person. Ancient Oriental texts on this subject from India, China, Korea, and Japan speak of many energy centers, but all agree that there are six major centers in the human body that control all major functions.

Base Centre (Muladhara): The first center aligns itself with coccyx between the anus and the genitals. This Center affects the physiological aspects of the individual- the overall energy levels, feeling of safety, and overall health.

Example: Have you noticed that people in difficult situations squirm in their seats? When one is subjected to personal criticism, there is acute discomfort at the region of the anus. There will be an urge to shift in the seat. This is the action of rocking the coccyx with the intention of energizing the muladhara chakra.

Sex Centre (Svadhishtana): This center corresponds to the sacral region around the genital area. This center affects the sexuality and communications skills of the individual. Control of this center results in strong nerves and emotional stability.

Example: When we are in a heated argument, do we notice that sometimes there is an ache in the lower back when the discussion is over? This occurs because, often, we are trying to convince the other person to accept our point of view and there is great tension in the need to effectively communicate. This strains the lumbar arch and results in the stress.

Stomach Centre (Manipura): This center is placed around the navel and corresponds to the lumbar area of the spine. This is a center that controls our social skills.

Example: Often, we hear about taking a decision from the gut, the gut feel! How is that possible? After all it is the brain that decides. Or is it? The stomach does have a role, for the manipura with its acids & bile does signal comfort in a social environment to the person.

Heart Centre (Anahata): Placed at the center of the chest, this center responds to the thoracic region on the spine. This is the center of emotional energy. A clean center is essential for emotional stability.

Example: Blood pressure is directly related to anger and speech. Generally, doctors advise a person to reduce speaking after a heart attack. Why? Because the heart does get excited and the impact of adrenaline has a direct impact on the heart & lungs.

Throat Centre (Visuddhi): This center is placed around the Adam’s apple and corresponds to the cervical region in the spine. This center is the point where the thyroid, parathyroid and lymphatic system reside. It controls metabolic activity. Since metabolism is the ability of the body to convert food into usable energy and rebuilding of cell tissue, this is a critical area.

Example: When we are afraid, we often feel choked! Why? Because the Visuddhi gets depleted of energy and the chocking action impacts the thyroid & parathyroid. Over time, depletion of this centre can lead to cervical spondylitis.

Forehead Centre (Ajna): This center is placed between the eyebrows in the front of the cranium. This is the center that controls centers. It energizes the amygdala, pituitary and endocrine glands. This center is the primary input point for “Fight or flight” stimulus.

Share your opinion and experiences:

• Have you experienced changes to your physiology in times of stress?
• When you are driving any vehicle and wish to cut across traffic, where is the stress felt most on your body? (It should be along the lower back)
• Where is the stress felt when one has a cold?