Pranamaya Kosha: Boost Your Energy and Inner Balance

Published:

November 12, 2024

Updated:

January 21, 2025

Quick Facts

Yoga Type: Hatha Yoga

Age Group: 12 to 60 years

Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Mental Benefit: Improves mindfulness and body awareness by concentrating on breath and energy flow

Physical Benefit: Increases energy flow and improves physical health

Hey! My name is Elyce Elowen, and I’m a certified yogi who has been practicing and teaching yoga for the last few years.

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In today’s practice, let’s talk about the Pranamaya Kosha. It is a vital aspect of yoga that focuses on the body’s energy layer, enhancing body awareness, balancing energy flow, and promoting overall vitality.

We discover that the Pranamaya Kosha is a critical field of energy that affects our mental clarity, emotions, and physical well-being, and that it is more than just a sheath of breath

To achieve balance in the body and mind, one must master this kosha.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a complete beginner to yoga or have been practicing for several years; connecting with your Pranamaya can deepen your experience and support physical and mental well-being.

By joining us, you are ready to improve your yoga practice and have fun while trying it together.

What is Kosha Yoga?

Vedantic philosophy describes a kosha as a “sheath” or covering of the Atman, or Self. Panchakosha, the five sheaths, are described in the Taittiriya Upanishad as onion layers.

Eastern philosophers term your body’s energy layers koshas, which surround your soul. Ancient yoga text Taittiriya Upanishad describes them. Vedic literature from the sixth century B.C. describes spiritual freedom. ^[1]

The five koshas are nested within each other. Innermost is your joy body or soul, and outermost is your physical body.

What Does Annamaya Kosha mean? — Image Credit: ccefinland

What Does Pranamaya Kosha mean?

Yoga philosophy calls the five body layers, or sheaths, pancha kosha. Pranamaya kosha is the second layer.

Pranamaya combines two key Sanskrit terms: Prana (meaning “life force” or “energy”) and maya (meaning “composed of”) Pranamaya. Life force layer Pranamaya Kosha supports body energy flow.

The pranamaya kosha contains the life force energy (prana) of the annamaya. The third eye, head, and chest are claimed locations.

Since our aura extends beyond the body, it is not contained within the body.

To add to this, it is said that the prana is further split into different forms called vayus. These are prana, apana, samana, udana, and vyana.

Pranamaya kosha is the energy sheath made by prana. Thus, pranamaya kosha is the life-giving body shell. Pranamaya kosha distinguishes life from death.

Pranamaya kosha permeates the body. Body energy pathways, or nadis, carry prana. Yogis say pranamaya kosha has 72,000 nadis.

Pranamaya kosha links body and mind. Food and breath bring prana into the body. Practicing pranayama, or breathing exercises, helps with pranamaya kosha. These may boost body energy.

Pranamaya kosha, like all koshas, interacts with other body layers. Working with pranayama can benefit other koshas. ^[2]

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Pranamaya Kosha Benefits

Boosts Energy Flow

Pranamaya helps clear energy pathways, letting your body feel more lively and balanced. Think of it like opening up all the windows in a room to let fresh air flow through.

Improves Body Awareness

Pranamaya Kosha helps you notice your body’s sensations, like sensations from head to toe during yoga positions, by focusing on breath and energy.

Reduces Stress

Pranamaya promotes slow, conscious breathing to relax and lessen tension. Restarting your day is like taking a deep breath.

Clarifies Mind

Pranamaya Kosha helps you focus and calm your thoughts. Because it releases mental blockages, your thoughts seem lighter and less cluttered.

Better Physical Health

Pranamaya Kosha balances energy, promoting flexibility, strength, and vitality.

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How to Activate Pranamaya Kosha

Here are some practices to help you connect with this energy layer: ^[3]

Pranayama (Breathwork)
Yoga Asanas (Poses)
Meditation
Mindful Movement

Daily Routine for Pranamaya Kosha Activation

Add these practices into your daily routine. Here’s a simple daily plan:

Morning: Start your day with 5-10 minutes of pranayama (e.g., deep belly breathing or alternate nostril breathing).
Yoga Practice: Follow with a 15-20 minute yoga sequence focusing on gentle, breath-centered poses.
Midday Mindfulness: Take a few moments to close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and focus on any sensations in your body.
Evening Meditation: End your day with a short meditation.

Source:

Cronkleton, E. (2020, December 1). The 5 Koshas: What they mean in Eastern philosophy. Healthline.

Yogapedia. (2023, December 21). Pranamaya kosha. Yogapedia.

Jeremy. (2021, February 10). Pranamaya Kosha: The 4th Covering of Your Soul – The Energy Body – Rudra Meditation. Rudra Meditation.

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Andrea Cintulova

Andrea Cintulova is a passionate yoga teacher and has a deep love for movement and mindfulness. She came from a background in modern gymnastics and dance, and yoga was something she discovered in her university years and never stopped. Hatha was her starting point and then she moved on to Ashtanga, Acro, Bikram and Vinyasa, which were her favorites because they were fluid and creative. Andrea is a certified Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher and has taught Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga classes in Europe, corporate yoga in Vienna, rooftop sessions and international workshops.

Elyce Elowen

Elyce Elowen is a certified yoga therapist and instructor (C-IAYT, 500-hour RYT) with nearly a decade of experience helping individuals achieve balance and well-being. She collaborates with medical experts to design programs for mental wellness, chronic pain, and stress management, and provides mindfulness training for communities and organizations. Beyond yoga, Elyce has a passion for creativity and personal growth. She’s a freelance writer, sharing insights on yoga, mindfulness, and self-improvement, and previously worked as an art instructor and community organizer, empowering others through education and self-expression. In her downtime, Elyce enjoys hiking, reading, and creating art, always inspired by her belief that true strength comes from presence and growth.