Nadis

Nadis are a concept in Indian philosophy describing subtle channels through which prana, the life force, is said to flow. The term nadi comes from Sanskrit and can be translated as "channel" or "flow." In yoga and Ayurveda, the body is envisioned as a network of countless nadis through which vitality moves. Classical sources often mention 72,000 nadis, with three primary ones—Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna—that form the main energy circuit.

Ida is associated with the lunar, receptive aspect and is said to travel along the left side of the spine, linked to the left nostril. Pingala is associated with the solar, active aspect on the right side, linked to the right nostril. Sushumna runs along the spinal column and is regarded as the central conduit through which prana moves, particularly in the awakening of spiritual energy. The nadis intersect with chakras, creating energy centers within the subtle body.

Nadi concepts are not aligned with anatomical structures and are treated as part of a model of vitality and consciousness. Practices in traditional yoga—such as pranayama (breath control), asana (postures), bandhas (locks), and kriyas (cleansing techniques)—are said to purify, balance, and optimize the flow of prana through the nadis, supporting physical health and spiritual development. In this framework, the balance and activation of nadis are associated with the rise of kundalini through Sushumna toward the crown chakra (Sahasrara).

In scholarly and traditional texts, nadis appear in various forms across yoga, tantra, and Ayurveda, including the Yoga Upanishads, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and the Shiva Sutras, where they are presented as central to subtle-body physiology.