Ever heard of the word Prana? It is the conscious energy which flows throughout your body. However, many wonder how this sacred life force moves from one part of the body to another. It is through the energy channels which are responsible for transmitting this consciousness.
But, do you know what these energy channels are called? Let’s find out.
The Subtle Energy Channels
There is a word in the Sanskrit language – Nadi.
Nadi translates into tube or flow. These are the astral channels which are responsible for the transmission of Prana to different parts of your body. Just like your physical body has a vast network of nerves, the subtle body too has a network of Nadis.
Since Nadis are not tangible like blood vessels, you cannot touch or feel them physically.
How Many Nadis are There?
Do you know how many nadis are there in your body? Yoga experts will help you understand.
According to ancient yogic texts, there are at least 72,000 nadis which help circulate the Prana in your body. However, this number can be greater than 350,000.
Yoga experts have categorized 14 of the most important Nadis and 3 main Nadis. First, let us check out the 14 important nadis.
- Alambusha Nadi
Starting at the anus, this nadi passes through the Muladhara Chakra and ends at the mouth. It provides energy to the organs to remove waste from your body.
- Gandhari Nadi
Gandhari Nadi starts at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Ajna chakra. This Nadi provides energy to your left eye.
- Hastijihva Nadi
This Nadi starts at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Manipura chakra. It transfers energy to your left limbs.
- Ida Nadi
The Ida Nadi travels up the Muladhara chakra and ends at your left nostril. It is also known as Chandra energy, and is feminine in nature. Ida Nadi promotes feelings of emotion, attachment, and love.
- Payaswini Nadi
Starts at the right side of your body and ends at the right ear. This nadi flows through the Saraswati and Pusha Nadis and is complimentary to Ida nadi.
- Kuhu Nadi
Kuhu nadi starts at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Svadhisthana chakra. It provides energy to your genitals.
- Pingala Nadi
The Pingala nadi travels up the Muladhara chakra and ends at your right nostril. Pingala is also known as Solar energy and is masculine in nature. It deals with perception, discrimination, reason, and analysis.
- Pusha Nadi
Pusha nadi provides energy to your right eye. It starts at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Ajna chakra.
- Saraswati Nadi
Starting at the Muladhara chakra and ending at Vishuddhi chakra, the Saraswati nadi provides energy to your tongue, mouth, and throat.
- Sushumna Nadi
The Sushumna nadi starts at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Sahasrara chakra, which is located on the crown of your head. This nadi is the main energy channel through which the life force travels to other Nadis.
- Sankhini Nadi
Sankhini Nadi starts at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Ajna chakra. It provides energy to your left ear.
- Varuna Nadi
The Varuna Nadi starts at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Anahata chakra. It provides energy to your entire body through the nervous system.
- Vishvodhara Nadi
Starts at the Muladhara chakra, the Vishvodhara nadi ends at Manipura chakra. It is responsible for providing energy to your digestive system.
- Yashaswini Nadi
Yashaswini nadi begins at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Manipura chakra. This nadi provides energy to your right limbs.
Now, it is time you understand the three main nadis.
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The 3 Main Subtle Energy Channels
As stated above, there are three main energy channels which play an important role in transmission of prana throughout your body.
Let us check out all three.
- Ida Nadi
Known as the lunar energy channel, Ida nadi represents the feminine energy in your body. This flows on left side of Sushumna nadi and is located at the base of the spine. The Ida Nadi merges with the Pingala Nadi at the Ajna chakra and ends at your left nostril.
This Nadi deals with the mental energy. If Ida energies are dominant, you might lack confidence, bravery, and certainity to attain worldly awareness.
- Pingala Nadi
The Pingala nadi, known as the solar energy channel represents the masculine energy in your body. It flows on the right side of Sushumna nadi and carries energies which are complimentary to those of Ida nadi.
Pingala starts from Muladhara chakra and crosses path with Ida nadi at the Ajna chakra. It ends at your right nostril. If Pingala energies are dominant, you become confident and creative. At the same time, you might lack empathy, perception, and self-awareness for spiritual awakening.
- Sushumna Nadi
Known as the most gracious energy channel, Sushumna nadi passes through the center of your spine in the pranic body. The Sushumna nadi represents the perfect balance amongst solar and lunar, male and female energies in your body. It is also known as the Brahma Nadi, the passage to Brahman or the ultimate being.
Conclusion
Want to unlock your full mental and spiritual potential? Enroll in a certified yoga school to learn everything about the Ida, Pingala, Sushumna nadi. Learning under the guidance of a skilled yoga teacher would help you know everything about these subtle energy channels.