Nadi (Yoga)

With Nadi (Sanskrit, नाडि, Nadi = channel tube ) are used in yoga and tantra refers to subtle allegedly present energy channels that run through the body and supply it with prana ( life energy ) to ( similar to the principle of the meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine ). The term Nadi is probably derived from the root nad = motion, drive, vibration.

In the ancient scriptures, there are different data on the number of Nadis. In the Siva - Samhita is mentioned, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (ca. 1500 AD ) mentions 72,000 nadis of 350,000 nadis. In yoga practice, however, only the three main meridians, called Sushumna, Ida and Pingala, of importance. Most Nadis spring from the " Kanda " area referred to the pelvic floor.

Some theories assume that Ida rises on the right side, left of the spine runs up the left nostril Pingala accordingly arises on the left side, the right of the spine extends to the right nostril. According to other theories, they run spirally and intersect at the level of the chakras. According to the Yoga teachings Ida is the feminine principle ( qualities: cooling, calming ) and Pingala the male principle associated with ( qualities: -heating is stimulating).

Nadis in science

There is as yet no scientific evidence whatsoever that Nadis or related to them " energy channels " actually exist. However, the western anatomy recognizes a central spinal canal within the spine, which carries the spinal cord which consists among other things of gray and white (Brain ) substance. This channel may correlate with the central Sushumna Nadi.