Functions & Importance of the 3 Major Nadis for Yoga Sadhana

Nadi in Sanskrit means ‘Channel’ or ‘Tube’ and in yoga, it refers to a network of channels from which energy flows in our bodies. Within the human body, there is a network of 72,000 Nadis that distribute Prana effectively throughout the body, and of all, there are three major Nadis that pass through the spinal cord and the intense energy chakras present in our spinal column. By doing asanas, pranayamas, or chanting, you can help energy flow through these Nadis.

These Nadis are the pathways through which Prana flows as per Ayurveda. Prana is a life-force energy, and can only flow through these Nadis when they are clear and strong enough to hold the Prana, therefore it is very important to keep the Nadis unblocked for Prana to flow through them easily. If these Nadis are blocked, you can perform Nadi Shodhana Pranayama in order to help unblock the Nadis and resume the flow of Prana through them. 

Nadis are similar to the nervous system in our bodies but their significance extends beyond the physical realms into the astral and spiritual planes of our existence. Breath plays a really important role in harmonizing and activating these channels, and at certain places on our spinal column, these Nadis form a knot known as ‘granthi’ which is an important point in our spiritual development. When these knots are untied, then the energy stored in them gives us hidden powers called ‘Siddhi’, and it holds healing powers, seeing auras, seeing past and future. Hence, Nadis play a very important role in our spiritual existence.

Ida Nadi is also known as the left channel. It originates in the Muladhara Chakra from which it flows towards the left and weaves through the other chakras, flowing in and out of them until it’d send in our left nostril. Our mental energy is represented by this Nadi. Ida represents the feminine part of the duality, therefore it is inward-focused or introverted and is associated with mental work. It is also known as Chandra Nadi. It promotes feelings, love, and attachment.

Pingala Nadi also originates in the root chakra just like the Ida Nadi, however, it flows towards the right side. After it weaves in and out through the rest of the chakras, it eventually ends in our right nostril. Importantly, Pingala Nadi is where the Prana originates. Pingala represents the masculine part of the duality in comparison to Ida Nadi. Pingala is outward-focused or extroverted, and it is associated with physical work. It is also known as Surya Nadi. It promotes perception, discrimination, and reasoning.

Also known as the central channel, Shusumna Nadi runs straight up the spine from below the root chakra to the crown chakra. Importantly, this is the Nadi of spiritual awareness, therefore it is the most significant aspect of human physiology. For most people, this Nadi remains dormant as they do not seek out their spiritual existence.