Udana Vayu

Udana vayu is the upward-moving energy located in the diaphragm. It moves upward through the lungs, bronchi, trachea, and throat, and also ascends into the brain where it stimulates memory. Udana represents the nerve impulse that takes place at the solar plexus and tracheal plexus.

Udana governs the movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, helping the process of exhalation. While prana vayu brings oxygen into the lungs, udana vayu is responsible for the exhalation of carbon dioxide. This function of oxygenation means udana maintains normal skin color and complexion. When oxygenation is good, a person appears fresh and vital; insufficient oxygen leads to cyanosis with a purple discoloration.

Udana is responsible for speech and expression — a person cannot speak without exhalation. It is also responsible for moving oxygenated blood upward. When a child crawls and tries to raise its head, that is udana vayu at work. Udana also helps a person rise from confusion, attachment, and depression.

Yogasanas that stimulate udana include shoulder stand (Sarvangasana), cobra pose (Bhujangasana), and camel pose (Ustrasana). These asanas bring udana upward. If udana is weak, vigorous activities like jogging or jumping are counterproductive.

Udana vayu is the upward-moving subtype of vata, operating in the diaphragm, lungs, bronchi, trachea, and throat. It governs exhalation, speech, expression, and any action requiring effort, and helps a person rise from confusion, attachment, and depression.