Energy Body & Nadis
Nadis are subtle pathways or channels in the Pranamaya Kosha or Energy Body. In these channels, currents of Mental, Pranic & Spiritual energies or just LIFE ENERGY flows like electricity flows in wires.
The Nadis are not present in the physical body and one cannot locate these channels upon dissection.
These complex network of energy channels permeate the entire physical body. And, provide vital Life Energy to each & every cell, organ and part of the body.
Thus, it is Life Energy that powers the human biological machine and sustains life in it.
Major Nadis
There are over 72000 Nadis in the Energy Body, ten of which are Major for Pranic Flows. Out of the ten, there are three which are most significant and widely utilized in the Yogic Practices.
The three major Nadis are Ida, Pingala and Sushumna. Ida and Pingala coil around like two serpents around the Spinal Column. And, intersect at major junction points known as Chakras.
Maximum Life Energy flows through the three major Nadis. And, they are the main channels of distribution of Life Energy throughout the network of Nadis.
The figure shown in the side is “The Caduceus, symbol of God Ningishzida, on the libation vase of Sumerian ruler Gudea, c. 2100 BCE”.
It shows an image of two serpents that coil around a column. This implies, that peoples perception could visualize subtle aspects of the human system.
Masculine & Feminine Energies
The Pingala Nadi is known as Right or Solar or Masculine Energy Pathway while, Ida Nadi is known as Left or Lunar or Feminine Energy Pathway.
The Masculine or Feminine does not refer to Men or Women but to these subtle energy channels each characterized by its own unique qualities.
When the right and left energy channels get equally balanced, it activates the third channel, Sushumna. This is the path of the Spiritual Energy or the Kundalini Shakti.
Hatha Yoga
In Hatha Yoga, Ha means Solar and Tha means Lunar. The Yoga system is based on purifying and balancing the Pingala and Ida Nadis.
Ultimate aim is to awaken Sushumna or Spiritual Energy Channel to raise Kundalini Shakti for higher spiritual experiences culminating ultimately to enlightenment.