In this 4 minute read, we explore the difference between Prana and Qi

We look at the modern definition of Prana and Qi, compare Ayurvedic and Chinese energetic systems and finally, look at how to weave this knowledge into your Yin yoga classes.

 

Prana definition

According to Yogapedia, Prana is

a Sanskrit word that has a number of interpretations in English, including life force, energy and vital principle

 

Qi definition

Whereas, Qi again according to Yogapedia, Qi is

the life force energy or vital life of a living being in traditional Chinese philosophy, religion and medicine

 

See the difference?

Yep, me neither!!!

Whether we call it Prana, Qi, Chi or life force, these terms all describe the same thing: ‘intelligent energy.’ As I see it, the only difference is the terminology.

In Ayurvedic medicine terms, practitioners describe our body’s energetic system as made up of energy centres called ‘Chakras’ and energy pathways called ‘Nadis.’

Whilst in Chinese medicine terms, practitioners describe our body’s energetic system as made up of energy centres called ‘Dantiens’ and energy pathways called ‘Meridians.’

Both schools of thought are describing the same thing, they’re just using different labels.

In both Chinese and Ayurvedic medical thinking, energy ‘gives life’ to all things. It’s an intelligence to life that is beyond our comprehension. It forms the blueprint for all living beings and is something beyond human control – although we do keep trying to control it!!!

If you’d like to see this ‘intelligent energy’ in action, try this experiment:

 

You’ll need:

  • A jar of the purist or highest quality NZ honey you can find
  • A tin of syrup or jar of low quality honey
  • A small cup of water
  • 2 small plates
  • 2 teaspoons

The experiment:

  1. Place a teaspoon of pure/high quality honey on one of the small plates
  2. Using the other teaspoon, place a spoonful of syrup/low quality honey on the other plate
  3. Keeping each spoon and plate separate, dilute each plate with 2-3 teaspoons of water and mix together until it easily swirls around the plate
  4. Now swirl the syrup/low quality honey mixture around the plate and observe. You’ll likely just see syrup-y water swooshing around the plate.
  5. Now swirl the pure honey mixture around the plate and observe.
  6. If it’s a high grade honey, you’ll notice a subtle honeycomb shape reappear in the mixture as you swirl. This is the genetic memory of honey, the intelligent energy stored in each cell, which reforms into the hexagonal shapes from its original hive.

 

How does this experiment relate to the yin yoga classes I teach?

All living things are made up of energy that can organise and reorganise itself based on the unique blueprint that energy contains. That principle can be applied across a whole spectrum – right from a humble teaspoon of honey all the way through to a full human body. The intelligent energy they both contain is designed to ‘heal itself’ – to reform to its original self, whenever the right conditions arise.

And those conditions often occur when we add water!

Yin yoga is like slowly adding water to our bodies.

When we stay still in long-held stretches, we nourish our deep tissues (muscles, tendons and bones). Tom Myers – who pioneered our current understanding of fascial tissues – talks of how long stretches (aka yin yoga) rehydrates these deep structures.

And we can bring this all the way back to the mat. When the yogis we teach have a consistent yin yoga practice, they’re essentially helping their body return back to its original blueprint. By slowing down, by mindfully breathing, by staying still and holding deep yin stretches: muscles, tendons and ligaments release and reshape themselves.

Let’s recap:

Prana and Qi are labels that describe ‘intelligent energy’ that moves through the energetic systems that exist in all living beings. This was originally observed by ancient Oriental practitioners, but people all over the world are now feeling and observing these energetic principles in action.

Yogis are especially equipped to experience these changes during their yin yoga practice, because they have the time to witness, the time to feel and the time to adapt to these subtle physical changes. As their guide, you have the opportunity to gently draw their awareness to these changes – so they can experience these energetic shifts for themselves.

 

Looking to deepen your energetic knowledge?

If you’re interested in exploring the energetics of Yin Yoga, Fiona and Sal’s 50hr Yin yoga teacher training is a two-weekend training specifically designed to help beginner Yin Yoga teachers safely explore their own energy, then teach Yin from a place of confidence and ease.

About the author

Sal Flewelling is a mid-Canterbury acupuncturist with a deep love of yoga. She studied ‘the science’ of body energetics during four years of Chinese medicine, Tuina massage and Tai-chi study with NZSAO then went on to train as a Yoga teacher with Inspire YTT. Read more about Sal here



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