Energy Pathways in Yoga: The Nadis

In the yoga tradition, the body is far more than a simple physical shell. It's considered a true energetic ecosystem, running through with a vital force called prāṇa, comparable to what some traditions call chi or qi. This energy flows through a subtle network of invisible channels: the nadis.

Understanding the energy passage points in yoga means entering a deeper dimension of the practice. It allows you to feel an overall sense of well-being, a harmony between body, mind, and environment. If this notion still feels unclear, don't worry: here's a gentle, enlightening dive into the fascinating world of the nadis.

The nadis: invisible yet essential channels

The word nadi means "current" or "flow" in Sanskrit. According to ancient texts, the subtle body is run through by 72,000 nadis, true channels through which prāṇa, the vital energy, circulates. This energy is essential to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.

Among these thousands of nadis, three are essential:

Idā nadi (left): the lunar channel, associated with relaxation, intuition, coolness, and the parasympathetic nervous system.
Pingalā nadi (right): the solar channel, linked to action, heat, energy, and the sympathetic nervous system.
Sushumnā nadi (center): the main channel, located along the spine, on which all the chakras depend. It's the channel activated during deep meditative states.

These nadis cross at several points in the subtle body. Each major crossing corresponds to a chakra, an energy passage point where energy can stagnate… or flow freely.

Why does it matter to pay attention to these energy passage points?

Imagine your body as a river. If the current is blocked at one point, the whole system becomes unbalanced. The same goes for prāṇa: when one or more nadis are obstructed (by stress, bad habits, held-back emotions…), energy flows poorly, causing fatigue, nervousness, pain, or a loss of vitality.

That's why yoga, in its full dimension, isn't limited to physical postures. It also acts on the energetic planes, releasing blockages and facilitating the harmonious flow of energy through these passage points.

Activating these circuits helps you:

feel more grounded and aligned,
balance your emotions,
regain mental clarity,
support overall health.

How to stimulate the nadis in your daily practice?

For the nadis to be active and the chakras open, the practice must be regular, mindful, and gentle. Here are a few simple, accessible approaches:

1. Alternate nostril breathing – Nadi Shodhana

This pranayama exercise, which could be translated as "purification of the nadis," consists of breathing alternately through each nostril. It helps balance Idā and Pingalā while calming the mind. Ideal in the morning, or before a meditation session.

2. Alignment asanas

Certain postures, especially those that stretch or align the spine, act on Sushumnā nadi, the central channel.

A few examples:

Tadasana (mountain pose)
Bhujangasana (cobra)
Ardha Matsyendrasana (seated twist)
Ustrasana (camel pose)

For these practices, favor a natural yoga mat that respects your body and your energy. Our organic cotton yoga mats are free of chemicals, handmade through an ethical, artisanal process.

3. Meditation on the chakras

By visualizing the chakras as points of light situated along the spine, you can strengthen their activation. You can meditate in silence or with a mantra, imagining energy rising from the base (Muladhara) to the crown (Sahasrara).

The nadis and yoga mats: a subtle connection

This link may seem abstract, but it's very real: a respectful mat, made of natural materials and free of chemical treatments, is a stable, neutral base for your energetic circulation. MAHOLA Yoga's ethical yoga mats, made primarily of woven cotton, support this search for authenticity and alignment.

For your travels or retreats, our 3 mm travel yoga mats are perfect: lightweight, supple, easy to carry, all while keeping excellent grip on the floor.

A holistic approach to well-being

By exploring the energy passage points in yoga, you adopt a more holistic, more mindful practice. Beyond the posture, you enter an art of living, a return to the essential.

At MAHOLA Yoga, we believe in this vision of yoga: deep, ethical, natural. A yoga that nourishes the body but also the soul, in respect of the environment and your well-being.