THE NADIS
the nadis within the subtle energy body
The sanskrit word nadi means "flow" or "current". The ancient texts say that there are 72,000 nadis in the subtle energy body. Like the chakras, the nadis are part of the subtle energy body, and correspond to the nerves - but the nadis are not the nerves (as is often mistaken).
Nadis are the subtle channels through which the pranic (chi, ki, quantum) energy flows.
Out of the 72,000 nadis within the subtle energy body, only the three major ones are used by the practitioner: Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
Sushumna is the central channel with ida and pingala forming a spiral pattern around the chakras.
| NADI | CORRESPONDING NERVOUS SYSTEM | BIOLOGICAL FUNCTION |
| Ida | Parasympathetic | Passivity, relaxation and rest |
| Pingala | Sympathetic | Activity, alertness, and movement |
|
Sushumna Central Channel |
Central Nervous System | Balance |
The current flowing at any particular time may be gauged by noting the flow of breath in the nostrils.
When the left nostril has a greater flow of air, then ida nadi is predominant; mental energy is dominant, the mind is introverted, and mental work may be undertaken.
When the flow is greater in the right nostril then pingala is predominant; there is more vital energy for physical work, digestion of food, the mind is extroverted, and the body generates more heat.
If the flow is equal, then sushumna is predominant and the system is in a balanced harmony (sattvic mode).
Alternate nostril breathing can bring the nadis into a balanced flow.
The cycle of alternate nostril breathing is:
- The right nostril is closed with the thumb. Air is exhaled through the left nostril, and inhaled back through the same nostril.
- The left nostril is closed with the ring finger. Air is exhaled through the right nostril, and inhaled back through the same nostril.
This is repeated at a normal breathing rate. It is advisable to have an inhale:exhale ratio of 1:2. Changing nostril after exhaling is considered wrong.
One of the aims of hatha yoga is to purify and balance ida and pingala nadis then sushumna can flow, placing the practitioner in the sattvic mode of purity, harmony, balance, virtue, wisdom, peace, love, and Self Realization.
Meditation becomes easier and more fruitful when the nadis are balanced.
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