Wind Removing Posture & Apana

APANA & PRANA
Apana (Elimination Energy) is the energy in the body that eliminates waste through the lungs and excretory systems. It is vital in order to get rid of useless and detrimental elements in our bodies. When our bodies can effectively get rid of waste, we become significantly healthier. 

The opposite energy, called Prana, is the Circulation Energy of our beating hearts, lungs and blood. We cultivate Circulation Energy by containing the energy in the body and not letting it disperse from us. Basically it is the opposite of Elimination Energy. Ideally we will balance these two energies so that we keep what strengthens us and get rid of what weakens us.

WIND REMOVING POSTURE
One of the great Postures for refining our Elimination Energy is called Wind Removing Posture (Pavanamuktasana). In some traditions it is even called Apanasana or Elimination Posture. The belly is compressed by squeezing the legs with the arms, and the body's energy is forced downward and out of a relaxed anus (often accompanied by 'wind,' hence the name of the posture).

Img. 1 - Wind Removing Posture, Bikram

Img. 2 - Wind Removing Posture, Bikram

BIKRAM
I have seen three distinct variations on this posture. In the world of Bikram Yoga, the posture is done laying on the back squeezing one and then both legs into the belly. In this variation, the spine is kept straight with the head on the ground (Images 1, 2).

Img. 3 - Wind Removing Posture, Dharma Mittra

Img. 4 - Wind Removing Posture, Dharma Mittra

DHARMA MITTRA
In Dharma Mittra's book Asanas, he executes the posture similar to Bikram's way - laying on the back - but with the head and shoulders lifted off the ground and pressed into the knees (Images 3, 4). This helps the abdomen compress more completely than Bikram's version.

Img. 5 - Wind Removing Posture, Buddha Bose

BUDDHA BOSE
In Buddha Bose's book Keys To the Kingdom of Health Through Yoga, he demonstrates the posture differently. He sits upright and tucks his legs into his chest (Image 5). Bose was a student of Bishnu Ghosh before Bikram, so it is especially interesting to note the differences within the same tradition, from yogis who had the same teacher.