Langhana, Brahmana and Samana
ENERGETIC PRINCIPLES OF YOGA PRACTICE
Yoga practice is all about energy management. We manage the energy in a specific way for specific purposes.
Langhana and Brahmana are principles that address opposite forces. Both of them clarify how to practice and how to address specific problems or issues.
On the other hand, Samana is a principle of Balance.
Langhana (calming down), withdrawal,
Brahmana (activating), expansion,
Samana (balancing), balance.
Langhana represents a Yin aspect of the practice. Langhana is found in prolonged exhalations - surrender, letting go, and releasing negative emotions.
Langhana is connected to the Moon. Langhana means reducing, contracting, withdrawing, coming in, letting go, nurturing, surrendering, and calming down.
Langhana is activated in:
slow yoga flows with many forward folds and twists
long holds of the poses - Yin Yoga
calming breathwork (Pranayama) that activate the parasympathetic nervous system
prolonged exhalations
breathing to the belly or pelvic floor
Who is Langhana best for?
Examples: An active/hyperactive person, a person with anxiety, or someone who is constantly alert or stressed - increased Pitta or Vata.
Brahmana represents a Yang aspect of the practice. Brahmana is found in prolonged inhalations: taking in, energizing, recharging, and receiving the energy.
Brahmana is connected to the Sun. Brahmana means expanding, activating, moving, heating, and energizing.
Brahmana is activated in:
active yoga flow, back bends, extensions, inversions
breathwork (pranayama) that activate the sympathetic nervous system
prolonged inhalations
breathing to the chest
Who is this best for?
Examples: a person who feels lethargic or lazy. Someone with low life motivation and with not much movement - increased Kapha.
Samana means the balance
Samana is a state of evenness and equanimity. Samana supports calmness, alertness, and overall balance.
Samana is activated in:
twists, core work
Sama Vritti Pranayama (box breath)
equal length inhale and exhale
breathing to the belly
All of these concepts help to understand how to build a yoga practice that balances imbalances and brings body and mind into complete harmony. When the body is in harmony, healing occurs automatically. When the mind is in a state of peace, meditation is effortless.
