Chakras are vortexes of pranic energy at specific areas in the body which
control the circulation of Prana (vital energy) entering the entire human structure. Each
chakra works like a switch which turns on or opens up specific areas of the
brain. In most people their psychic centres lie dormant and inactive.
The main aim of hatha yoga is to bring about a balanced flow of prana (vital energy) in our Nadis also know as our nervous system.
Ida is our Parasympathetic nervous system and Pingala is our sympathetic nervous system. Ida and pingala represent the two opposing forces flowing within us.
Ida Nadi - Emanates from the left side of
mooladhara also commonly know as the root chakra, ida spirals up the spinal cord, passing through each chakra in turn,
forming a criss-cross pathway which ends at the left side of ajna chakra also known as our third eye chakra .
Ida is passive feminine and introverted; it is also known as the chandra or moon
Nadi. Ida flows through the left nostril. It has a cooling effect.
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
● Reducing the heart beat
● Constricting the blood vessels
● Slowing respiration down
Pingala Nadi- ( sympathetic nervous system) Pingala nadi emanates from the right side of mooladhara and passes in an opposite manner to that of ida, also forming a criss-cross pathway which terminates at the right side of ajna chakra.
Pingala is active extrovert and masculine and is called the surya or Sun nadi.
Pingala flows through the right nostril and it has a heating effect. It digests the food and is a fieryred.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
● Speeding up the Heart rate
● Dilate the blood vessels
● Increase respiration rate
● Efficiency of the eyes ears and other sense organs
Sushmna Nadi - (Central nervous system )
Sushumna nadi is the spiritual channel at the centre of the spinal cord. It originates
from the mooladhara chakra at the perineum and terminates at sahasrara at the
crown of the head.
If pingala flows the body and mind will be active. If ida flows
the body and mind will be calm and balanced, then when sushumna flows Kundalini
awakens and rises through the chakras.
Kundalini is a form of divine feminine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine, in the muladhara.