Prana, Nadis, Chakra and Bandhas
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Nadis Chakras Bandhas
Prana
Prana is a subtle form of energy that permeates the entire universe. Prana means life force or energy and is physical, mental, intellectual, sexual, spiritual, and cosmic energy.
In yoga, the belief is, through practicing asana and pranayama, prana is brought into the body, increasing vitality. Prana flows through the body mainly in the nadis, or nerve/energy channels of the astral body.
Prana exists as both a negative energy and a positive energy:
- Prana is an upward moving energy.
- Apana is a downward moving energy.
- When, after much practice, prana and apana come together at the muladhara chakra at the base of the spine, kundalini (dormant cosmic energy) is awakened.
Prana does not flow in a random fashion through the body. Prana flows through the nadis. Nadis means nerve or energy channels. According to ancient yogic texts, the human body has approximately 72,000 nadi. For the flow of prana, there are three major nadis:
- Shushumna Nadi is the main channel that correlates to the spinal cord in the physical body.
- Ida Nadi is on the left of shushumna and is feminine or moon energy.
- Pingala Nadi is on the right of shushumna and is masculine or sun energy.
Ida and pingala refer to sun and moon energy just as Hatha (Ha=sun, tha=moon) refers to the complementary energies in the body.
In yoga, the goal is to cleanse, purify, and open the nadis to let energy flow freely throughout the body.
Chakra is the Sanskrit for wheel or circle. Chakras are continually rotating energy or nerve centers within the body.
Each chakra is connected to an emotional and psychological function within the body. They are the seven points along the shushumna where the pingali and ida nadis meet or cross each other. Chakras correspond roughly to the major plexuses or aggregation of nerves and ganglia of the central nervous system.
As you awaken kundalini, it moves up the shushumna nadi, through the seven chakras toward higher states of consciousness.
The Chakras
7. Sahasrara chakra- loacted at the crown of the head and symbolizes infinity. 6. Ajna chakra - located between the eyebrows (third eye). 5. Vishuddha chakra - located at the base of the throat. 4. Anahata chakra - located at the heart. 3. Manipura chakra - located at the navel (solar plexus). 2. Svadishthana chakra - located at the genital area. 1. Muladhara chakra - located at the base of the spine.
Each chakra has certain qualities and associations which are summarized in the following table:
| Chakra Order |
Chakra | Color | Element | Chant | Quality |
| First | Muladhara | Red or Black | Earth | Lam | Security and roots |
| Second | Svadhishthano | Orange | Water | Vam | Sexuality and emotions |
| Third | Manipura | Yellow | Fire | Ram | Will, power, warmth |
| Fourth | Anahata | Green | Air | Yam | Love, devotion, compassion |
| Fifth | Vishuddha | Blue | Ether | Ham | Communication, knowledge |
| Sixth | Ajna | Purple | Thought | Om | Intuition |
| Seventh | Sahasrara | White | Spirit | Silence | Union with the divine |
Banda means lock. It is a muscular contraction used to focus concentration, stimulate heat, and ultimately control the flow of prana.
Two bandhas commonly associated with Astanga Yoga are:
- Mula Bandha
- Uddiyana Bandha
Mula means root. Mula bandha means root lock.
The mula bandha is the contracting and lifting of the perineum and the perineal muscles which are located between the genitals and the anus. Reference to the perineal generally includes the vaginal and anal sphincter as well.
Mula bandha helps you refine your concentration and attentiveness. Through mula bandha you bring together the downward action of ujjayi breathing and the upward muscular force of mula bandha. This brings about a meeting of prana and apana.
Mula bandha is a static muscular contraction. This is strength work. It increases flexibility and generates heat. Concentration alone supports the lock. It helps prevent injury. Mula Bandha takes years to master.
Uddiyana Bandha literally means to fly up. Uddiyana bandha refers to the drawing inward and upward of the area just below the navel. Uddiyana bandha creates a hollow under the rib cage, a powerful toning effect, and internal strengthening. It helps control the breath which controls consciousness. Like mula bandha it demands concentration and produces heat.
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Uddiyana Banda |
When practiced together mula bandha and uddiyana bandha help you refine your breathing, concentration, strength and attention. It takes many years to master them but, without them your yoga practice is just gymnastics.
While the bandhas are an advanced form of yoga practice, there importance, especially when practicing Astanga yoga, is something worth thinking about from the start.