We have already discussed 3 of the 5 elements of nature: earth, water, and fire. Continuing our discussion on the five elements of nature in yoga, air is our fourth topic.

Air is all around us. We need air to breathe and maintain life. As a human, I would say that the air element is pretty important to staying alive. In yoga and its sister science Ayurveda, the air element is described as vayu or wind. Air flows through you like the wind and sustains life.

Air is responsible for all movement in the body, vibration, expansion, contraction, and more. Air is essential to life, but is so often overlooked because it is invisible. Yet we experience air during every second of life of every moment we are alive. The air surrounds us even though we cannot see it.

We use other sensations as proof that air exists. We feel the temperature of its touch on our skin. On a windy day we hear the wind howl. We feel air via wind whether internal or external. and notice how our body reacts to these external unseeable conditions. We experience the air in our breath as we observe our inhalations and exhalations. We see balloons float in the wind as visible evidence of air.

The breath is one of the few systems in the body that are both involuntary, and voluntary. The body controls the natural breath without us having to do anything. It just happens automatically. It keeps you alive. You breathe every second of every day in this way.

When we practice yoga asana (poses) and yoga nidra we are asked to focus on the breath. When cued by the yoga teacher to "become aware of your natural breath," you are focusing your mind on that involuntary breathing system. The body is breathing itself. This type of breathing is the breath that is life-sustaining because the body does it all on its own. We are simple witnesses when we notice the breath without changing anything.

Later on in this mythical yoga class, the teacher cues you to do 3-part breath (dirga) or perhaps, alternate nostril breathing or some other technique. These controlled breathing exercises are considered voluntary. Voluntary in that you consciously and deliberately ask your mind to treat your breathing in a certain way. That is, your conscious brain takes over the control of your breath. These yogic breathing exercises can help to cool down or warm up the body, strengthen the lungs, and maybe even build some muscle.

For yoga asana, pawanmuktasana, wind-releasing pose is where we may experience the air. Lying on your back, bending the knees, wrapping your arms around the knees as you squeeze the knees up toward the torso. This action, massages your intestines and thus may allow you to release your wind. There are many, many variations to this pose. But what if you can't get onto your back? Wind-releasing pose can be done seated in a chair, one leg at a time, or standing doing one leg at a time. Remember to always consult with a medical professional first before attempting any yoga asana or other physical movements.

The air is all around us. The evidence is in the air that we breath and the wind we experience. Use the air element to remain calm and peaceful. Just breathe.

Further Reading & Resources:

O'Brian, E.G. (2022). Air Element: Use Your Open-Hearted Healing Power

JKYog Natural Care (2022). The 5 Elements of Nature and Their Relationship with The Human Body