granthis

Granthis are a concept in yogic and tantric physiology describing energy knots in the body's subtle channels that hinder the ascent of prana through the central channel, the sushumna. The term granthi comes from Sanskrit, meaning knot or blockage. In traditional texts, three main granthis are identified: Brahma granthi, Vishnu granthi, and Rudra granthi. Each is said to act as a blockage at different levels of the subtle body and to be linked with particular aspects of practice and development.

Brahma granthi is commonly described as the knot at the base of the spine that can hinder spiritual awakening by locking energy related to fundamental life processes and attachment. Vishnu granthi is associated with a middle region, often linked to the solar plexus area, and is said to obstruct the smooth flow of prana related to vitality, digestion, and emotional energy. Rudra granthi is connected to the throat region and is thought to hinder the upward movement of kundalini toward higher centers, associated with expression, discernment, and mental discipline.

Practices proposed to balance or dissolve granthis include disciplined pranayama, specific asanas, bandhas (energy locks), and meditation, along with ethical and dietary considerations. The aim is to purify the nadis, balance the flow of ida and pingala, and allow prana to move more freely through the sushumna. In modern contexts, granthis are often described as metaphoric representations of psychological and energetic blocks rather than literal anatomical structures. The concept appears in classical yogic and tantric literature and reflects traditional views of inner awakening, not empirical physiology.