Pranic Living is a modern movement based on the belief that humans can be nourished primarily or entirely by prana (Sanskrit: प्राण, life force) rather than physical food.
Origins and Philosophy
The concept draws from ancient Hindu and yogic traditions that describe prana as the universal life energy. Modern pranic living proponents claim that through specific practices, humans can access this energy directly for sustenance.
Key Figures
- Jasmuheen (Ellen Greve) - Australian author who popularized the movement in the 1990s through books like "Living on Light" and the controversial 21-day process
- Ray Maor - Israeli teacher offering pranic living workshops
- Akahi Ricardo & Camila Castello - Known as the "breatharian couple"
Practices
The 21-day process, popularized by Jasmuheen, involves progressively restricting food and water intake. This process has been linked to multiple deaths and is considered medically dangerous.
Controversies
- Multiple deaths linked to the 21-day process
- Failed supervised observations of prominent practitioners
- Overlap with eating disorder pathology
- No scientific evidence supporting survival without nutrients
Medical Position
Medical science does not support the possibility of human survival without food and water beyond approximately 8-21 days (water) or 30-70 days (food only, with water). Claims of extended inedia contradict established human physiology.