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Prana moves in the human body through three main channels. These main channels are called “nadis” and include:
- Susumna
- Pingala
- Ida
The susumna channel starts at the base of your spine and moves up through the center of your spinal column. Pingala and Ida also start at the base of your spine; and as they move up they crisscross in a helix-like shape around the central susumna channel. The rising energy that moves through these channels is called kundalini, also known as “serpent power,” probably because of the snake like way it weaves up through your body.
The seven points where the pingala and ida channels intersect is the site of one of the major chakras. Chakras perform important energy and regulatory functions for your body and are closely associated with your endocrine system.
The flow of energy through the ida and pingala is also related to the hemispheres of your right and left brain. The ida rises up and ends in your left nostril. The ida channel is known for it’s calming ability and is related to the “moon.” The pingala ends in your right nostril. It is known for it’s heating ablity and is related to the “sun.” Your right hemisphere is stimulated when you breath through your left nostril and your left hemisphere is stimulated when you breath through your right nostril. You can learn a lot more about how your breathing can impact these channels and your physical and emotional self by reading GreatYoga.com content on Pranayama.
