Nadis, chakras and the distribution of prana

The distribution of prana

In yoga, the concept of prana is very scientific. When we speak of prana, we do not mean the breath, air or oxygen, but life force.  This prana is in constant motion commences in the human being as soon as he is conceived in the mother’s womb. Prana is responsible for the body’s life.

Nadis, chakras and the distribution of prana:

According to yoga, tantra and the science of kundalini, prana originates in pingala nadi. Within the framework of the spinal cord, there are three channels known as nadis in yoga. One is called ida, another is pingala and the third is sushumna. Ida nadi controls the mental processes of the two hemispheres of the brain; pingala represents prana and controls vital processes. The sushumna represents spirit or spiritual awareness. These three nadis originate in muladhara chakra, which is situated at the base of the spine. Pingala nadi flows to the right from muladhara and continues to cross Ida at each chakra all the way up to ajna. Similarly, Ida nadi also crosses at each chakra but in the reverse order.

The Pingala nadi is the distributing channel for prana in the body, and from each chakra the pranas are disseminated to every organ.

Prana is not merely a philosophical concept; it is in every sense a physical substance. Just as radioactive or electromagnetic waves exist even though we can’t see them.

When our prana diminishes, sickness sets in, and when we have plenty of prana, every part of the body is in perfect health. If we have an excess of prana, it can be transmitted to others for healing.

The inner prana can be stimulated and increased by pranayama. Balancing the left and right brain through alternate nostril breathing and therefore increasing prana, is beneficial for the practice of meditation.

Deep breathing alone is not enough to stimulate prana. By breathing deeply, we stimulate the respiratory system, but not the brain. However, when we practise pranayama with concentration, the brainwaves undergo a significant change.

The brain can be split into two parts- the frontal brain and the posterior brain. The posterior brain is the instinctive brain. The frontal brain is the seat of total consciousness. When we breathe without awareness, the breath is registered in the posterior brain, but when we are aware that we are breathing and we are consciously witnessing the whole process, then it is registered by the conscious brain, the frontal brain.

When you practise pranayama, the pranas are stimulated in the lower region of the body, but you must have a means of forcing the pranic energy up.

Let us be aware, that we can enliven the body through conscious breathing.