Prana
Prana is your vitality. It is the energy of life within all beings. Prana is the life force within the breath. It permeates through the whole universe and originates from the creator.
Prana is the vital force that makes up the entire cosmos; it is the Parashakti or cosmic power, it is the original creative power. The entire universe is a manifestation of prana.
We take in Prana through the food we eat, fresh vegetables are full of prana. Older vegetables have less prana. We get prana from the sun and the air we breathe. Prana travels through our body through the nadis.
The oxygen atom is soaked with prana; a particle charged with life energy. When we breath in oxygen we are breathing in life giving energy. The oxygen gets diffused in the lungs, then into the bloodstream, and takes the prana throughout the body. It enters every area—physical, vital, and mental. That is why correct breathing is so important. When we cease to take in prana, we die.
Pranayama is the regulation of the prana, or life force. Breath is the external manifestation of the prana.
A strong ratio to elevate prana is the pranayama, or breath control of 1:4:3 Puraka: 1, Kumbhaka: 4, Rechakam: 3 or Inhalation: 1, Retention: 4, Exhalation: 3
The Nadis
Nadis are energy channels that carry prana. If your nadis are clear then energy can flow through your body. If your energy gets blocked, physically, emotionally or energetically, it can manifest as pain and dysfunction in your body.
Prana is carried through the nadis, which are subtle energy channels in the body. We have 72,000 nadis or energy channels in our body. They are counted by the Indryas,
There are three main nadis, that are concentrated on today: the Shushumna, Ida and Pingala nadis. These three nadis are the most important because they are the central channels of energy. The The pathway of kundali energy is through Shushumna nadi when Ida and Pingal cross over each other at each of the chakras, spinning them in the oposite way. Kundalini shakti, the snake that lies coiled 3 and a half times around the sacrum, raises its head and travels up the spinal cord, activating each chakra and reaching Sahasrara chakra , and beyond to unite with the cosmic energy. This is a major stepping stone on reaching Samhahdi and enlightenment.
When your energy is activated you can feel energy all through your body.
Prana is carried through the nadis, which are subtle energy channels in the body. We have 72,000 nadis or energy channels in the body. Shushumna, Ida and Pingala nadis are the most important in raising kundalini energy.
Sushumna: The central channel, running along the spinal cord, is the main path for prana.
Ida: The left channel, associated with the moon and feminine energy, is cool and passive.
Pingala: The right channel, associated with the sun and masculine energy, is hot and active.
Some other nadis your might feel energy moving through are:
Varuna Nadi: Channels energy to the whole body. It begins at Muladhara chakra and ends at the Anahata chakra.
Gandhari: Is the the left channel that guides energy to the left eye. It carries prana through Muladhara chakra from the left big toe bringing energy from the lower part of the body to Ajna chakra. Gandhari is located behind ida nadi and has similar functions. Its complementary structure is hastajihva nadi.
Hastijihva Nadi:The “elephant-tongued energy channel,” is the right channel located behind Pingala Nadi. It goes from the right eye through Muladhara chakra to the right big toe. It brings energy from the lower body to the right eye and Ajna chakra Its complementary structure is gandhari nadi.
Pusha Nadi: The “nourishing energy channel, provides energy to the right ear. Prana flows from the left big toe through Muladhara to the right ear.
Yashaswini: The “splendid energy channel,” provides energy to the left ear. Prana flows from the right big toe through Muladhara to the left ear.
Sarasvati Nadi: Begins at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Vishuddhi chakra. Powers up the tongue, mouth, and throat. Located on the sides of Sushumna, potentially related to communication and wisdom.
Alambusha: Is the channel that carries energy to the organs involved in waste elimination.
Kuhu: The “new moon energy channel,” begins in the throat (or soma chakra,) and ends in the genitals. In tantric practices sexual energy is transformed into spiritual energy by bringing energy from the ginitals to the higher chakra
Vishvodhara Nadi: Begins at the Muladhara chakra and ends at the Manipura chakra. Provides energy to the digestive system.
Payaswini: A subtle nadi, potentially associated with milk-producing glands and breasts.
Nadis are crucial in the flow of prana and energy throughout the body. Activating them an wonderful part of yoga practice. Feeling the energy moving through your body in yoga postures is energizing and exciting.