The idea of spiritual energy is embodied in the practise of yoga. The goal of every aspect of the Yoga practise is to gain control over the energy that flows through the body, mind, and spirit. Chakras and Nadis are names that were used in ancient Yogic writings to describe the energy system of the body. The term "nadi" refers to both the blood vessels and the nerves that are found in our bodies. In Sanskrit, the word "nadi" denotes a pipe.
In yoga, what exactly is a Nadi?
Nadis are channels that allow energy to flow from one area of our being to another. Chakras are the energy centres of our bodies, and nadis are the pathways that allow this energy to flow. The notion of a blocked or unblocked Nadi may also be understood via yoga. It is possible that part of our physical, emotional, or cosmic energy is not being properly channelled if we are said to have a "blocked Nadi." Through the use of asanas, pranayamas, shatkarmas, and mudras, one is able to release blockages in their nadis and access their full potential.
Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna are the three principal Nadis.
The subject has been discussed in a variety of ancient books, some of which offer conflicting accounts of the specifics. For example, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika refers to 72,000 nadis, but the Shiva Samhita states that there are 350,000 of them. On the other hand, the vast majority of books believe that there are three fundamental Nadis that go from the base of the spine all the way up to the head: Ida on the left, Pingala on the right, and Sushumna in the middle. Each of these Nadis is associated with a different chakra.
In addition to having a calming influence, the Ida Nadi is connected to the moon and the feminine qualities it embodies. It exerts influence over the portion of the brain known as the right hemisphere. The Pingala Nadi is a sun nadi, thus it is connected with male characteristics, and it has a heating impact. It exerts its influence over the part of the brain known as the left hemisphere. The Sushumna Nadi is the most essential of all the Nadis since it connects the Root Chakra to the Crown Chakra. It travels down the length of all of the Chakras. It is linked to enlightenment as well as a state of perfect equilibrium. When it comes to nadis, the purpose of yogic practise is to direct prana, also known as the life energy, into the Sushumna nadi, which will ultimately lead to freedom.
What exactly does it mean for your Nadis to be unblocked?
The goal of achieving moksha, also known as freedom or salvation, lies at the heart of yogic philosophy. This process is disrupted when Nadis get blocked because prana is unable to flow into the sushumna nadi. The various aspects of yoga all collaborate to find a solution to this problem. Clearing the Primary Nadis requires a combination of the yogic purifying rituals known as Shatkarmas and the yogic breathing techniques known as Pranayamas. Prana is moved from the Ida and Pingala Nadis to the Sushumna Nadi when the required mantras (hymns) are chanted. Mudras and Bandhas are yogic seals and locks, and they are used to cover up the entrances of nadis and keep prana contained inside them. When prana comes to live in the Sushumna Nadi, it is stated that the other nadis are also unblocked, and one can then make progress toward freedom.
The method, on the other hand, is not very simple. In order to be able to follow the process of purification and energy transfer, one must first have perfect mastery over both their body and their mind. Pratyahara is a condition that may be attained by the consistent practise of asanas, which refers to physical postures, yama, which refers to outward discipline, niyama, which refers to interior discipline, and pranayama, which refers to breath control. Through the practise of Pratyahara, a person is able to detach themselves from the reactions caused by the stimulation of their senses. The way to enlightenment will become accessible after this state has been reached.
What are the advantages of clearing out blocked Nadis?
The cleaning and unblocking of Nadi has a number of advantages, both bodily and mental, in addition to its ultimate purpose, which is to achieve redemption. By carrying out the appropriate Pranayamas or Shatkarmas, a person is able to either bring the mind and body into a state of peace or stimulate them to become more active and invigorated. In addition, the associated meditation practises help increase attention and self-control while simultaneously lowering levels of stress. The purification of Nadis can also assist in the management of problems relating to the respiratory system, digestive system, nervous system, or heart. People who suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, and so on have reported feeling better after regularly and correctly practising pranayamas.
Which Pranayamas can assist me in clearing the blockages in my Nadis?
Each pranayama is connected, according to the Yogic literature, to the movement of prana, or energy, in the nadis. The following are the three fundamental Pranayamas that you may perform in order to directly influence the Nadis:
In the Pranayama known as Nadi Shuddhi, also called Anulom Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing), the practitioner begins breathing via the left nostril and then alternates between the two nostrils in order to purify both of the body's breath pathways. The fundamental step is to take a leisurely breath in via the left nostril, then gently exhale through the right nostril. This is followed by taking a breath in through the right nostril, and lastly taking a breath out through the left. When necessary, you can seal your right nostril with the thumb of your right hand, and your left nostril with the last two fingers of your left hand.
Chandra Bhedana, also known as Moon Breath or Left Nostril Breathing, is a kind of Pranayama in which the practitioner breathes in and out exclusively via the left nostril, while closing the right nostril with their right thumb. The rate and pattern of your breaths need to be consistent. This has a cooling impact on the body and is used to cleanse the Ida Nadi at the same time.
Surya Bhedana, also known as "Sun Breath of Right Nostril Breathing," is a kind of Pranayama in which the practitioner breathes in and out exclusively via the right nostril, while simultaneously closing the left nostril with their left thumb. The rate and pattern of your breaths need to be consistent. This stimulates the production of heat within the body and is employed in the process of purifying the Pingala Nadi. If you have hypertension, you should not attempt to conduct this activity.
It is highly advised that you do them under the supervision of a yoga instructor because the posture, tempo, and technique are extremely critical in order to achieve the outcomes you want. When you have reached a point where you are confident with these Pranayamas, you may progress by slowing down your breathing, holding your breath after inhaling or exhaling, or increasing the number of times you go around the circle. You won't have to wait long before you start noticing the positive impacts that constant practise has on both your body and your mind.