NadisNadis

Dr.Shamantakamani NarendranDr.Shamantakamani Narendran M.D. (pead), Ph.D. (yoga science)

What are NadisWhat are Nadis

► Word Nadi is derived from Word Nadi is derived from Sanskrit word ‘Nad’ meaning Sanskrit word ‘Nad’ meaning hollow stalk, sound vibration hollow stalk, sound vibration and resonanceand resonance

► Nadis are ducts, channels Nadis are ducts, channels which carry air, water, blood, which carry air, water, blood, nutrients and other substances nutrients and other substances throughout the bodythroughout the body

► They connect at special points They connect at special points called “Chakras”called “Chakras”

► There are 101 main Nadis There are 101 main Nadis (channels for Prana). Each of (channels for Prana). Each of these has 72,000 nadis eachthese has 72,000 nadis each

► Varahopanishad says that the nadis Varahopanishad says that the nadis penetrate the body from the soles of penetrate the body from the soles of the feet to the crown of the head. In the feet to the crown of the head. In them is prana, the breath of life.them is prana, the breath of life.

► All nadis originate from one of two All nadis originate from one of two centres: The Kandasthana – a little centres: The Kandasthana – a little above the navel and the heart. above the navel and the heart. Twelve digits above the anus and Twelve digits above the anus and genital organs and just below the genital organs and just below the navel, there is an egg shaped bulb navel, there is an egg shaped bulb called kanda.called kanda.

► On the physical level there is a On the physical level there is a physical body, an organ and on the physical body, an organ and on the subtle level there prevails a Nadi and subtle level there prevails a Nadi and they almost occupy the same space, they almost occupy the same space, thus influencing one anotherthus influencing one another

Functions and Activities of NadisFunctions and Activities of Nadis

► Nadis carry a life force energy Nadis carry a life force energy known as Prana in Sanskrit. Prana known as Prana in Sanskrit. Prana circulates inside Pingala while circulates inside Pingala while apana circulates inside Ida. apana circulates inside Ida.

► Sushumna circulates kundalini in Sushumna circulates kundalini in when awakenedwhen awakened

► The rhythmical breathing and The rhythmical breathing and special breathing techniques special breathing techniques influence the flow of nadis, the influence the flow of nadis, the energy currentsenergy currents

Five PranasFive Pranas

Prana takes five separate forms. These five vital forces breathe life into our body:Prana takes five separate forms. These five vital forces breathe life into our body:

► PranaPrana is inward and downward motion. Seated in the heart, it governs is inward and downward motion. Seated in the heart, it governs respiration, swallowing and movements of the gullet.respiration, swallowing and movements of the gullet.

► Apana Apana is downward and outward motion. Seated in the anus, it governs is downward and outward motion. Seated in the anus, it governs excretion and the kidneys, bladder, genitals, colon and rectum. It regulates excretion and the kidneys, bladder, genitals, colon and rectum. It regulates the sense of smell, makes the body stable.the sense of smell, makes the body stable.

► Samana Samana is horizontal motion. Seated in the navel, it maintains digestive fire is horizontal motion. Seated in the navel, it maintains digestive fire and regulates stomach, liver, pancreas and intestine. By maintaining Samana and regulates stomach, liver, pancreas and intestine. By maintaining Samana Vayu, all parts of our body are properly nourished and the energy supplied by Vayu, all parts of our body are properly nourished and the energy supplied by food is evenly distributed.food is evenly distributed.

► Udana Udana is upward and outward motion. Seated in the throat above the larynx, is upward and outward motion. Seated in the throat above the larynx, it regulates sleep, controls all auto functions in the head and maintains body it regulates sleep, controls all auto functions in the head and maintains body heat. Udana is responsible for speech, music and humming, for “kundalini” heat. Udana is responsible for speech, music and humming, for “kundalini” rising up in the spine.rising up in the spine.

► Vyana Vyana is circular motion, a combination of Prana and Apana by which these is circular motion, a combination of Prana and Apana by which these two are held. Vyana is responsible for blood flow and lymph detoxification, two are held. Vyana is responsible for blood flow and lymph detoxification, sweating and coordination of all systems. Vyana means “pervading onesweating and coordination of all systems. Vyana means “pervading one”.”.

Nadi Channels in our bodyNadi Channels in our body

Purification of NadisPurification of Nadis

► In order to awaken the kundalini, we need In order to awaken the kundalini, we need to be able to withdraw the life force (prana) to be able to withdraw the life force (prana) from the Nadis and concentrate it at the from the Nadis and concentrate it at the point between the eyebrowspoint between the eyebrows

► If the Nadis are blocked, then the prana If the Nadis are blocked, then the prana also encounters blockages when we try to also encounters blockages when we try to withdraw it withdraw it

► Nadis are cleansed through performance of Nadis are cleansed through performance of Kriyas and also mantras. Kriyas and also mantras.

► With more cleansing the body becomes With more cleansing the body becomes stronger. One must begin to see a 5 point stronger. One must begin to see a 5 point star, surrounded by blue light, surrounded star, surrounded by blue light, surrounded by yellow. One needs to penetrate this star by yellow. One needs to penetrate this star to enter the realm of cosmic consciousnessto enter the realm of cosmic consciousness

Types of NadisTypes of Nadis

► Alambusa:Alambusa: Connects the mouth and anus Connects the mouth and anus

► Chitra: Chitra: One of the nadis emanating from the heart through which One of the nadis emanating from the heart through which the creative energy (Shakti) of Kundalini passes to reach the the creative energy (Shakti) of Kundalini passes to reach the Sahasrara (crown).Sahasrara (crown). Of the 101 nadis, only the chitra splits into two Of the 101 nadis, only the chitra splits into two parts at the root of sushumnaparts at the root of sushumna

► Gandhari: Gandhari: One of the nadis is behind the One of the nadis is behind the IdaIda nadi, terminating near  nadi, terminating near the left eye, regulating the function of sightthe left eye, regulating the function of sight

► Hastijihva: Hastijihva: located in front of the located in front of the IdaIda nadi, terminating near the  nadi, terminating near the right eye, regulating the function of sightright eye, regulating the function of sight

► Ida: Ida: Starting from the left nostril, moving to the crown of the head Starting from the left nostril, moving to the crown of the head and descending to the base of the spine. In its course it conveys and descending to the base of the spine. In its course it conveys lunar energy and is therefore called lunar energy and is therefore called ChandraChandra nadi. Its function is  nadi. Its function is cooling (tamas), inertia.cooling (tamas), inertia.

► Kausiki : TKausiki : Terminates at the big toes.erminates at the big toes.

► Kuhu : Kuhu : This is located in front of the This is located in front of the SushumnaSushumna, its function is to , its function is to evacuate faeces.evacuate faeces.

► Kurma : Kurma : Subsidiary nadi whose function is to stabilize the body and Subsidiary nadi whose function is to stabilize the body and the mind.the mind.

► Payaswini : Payaswini : One of the nadis terminating at the right big toe, One of the nadis terminating at the right big toe, located between the located between the pusapusa (which is behind the  (which is behind the pingalapingala nadi and  nadi and the the Saraswati Saraswati (behind (behind SushumnaSushumna).).

► Pingala : Pingala : (= tawny or reddish) starting at the right nostril moving to (= tawny or reddish) starting at the right nostril moving to the crown and down the spine to the base. As the solar energy flows the crown and down the spine to the base. As the solar energy flows through it, it is also called through it, it is also called SuryaSurya nadi. Its function is burning (rajas),  nadi. Its function is burning (rajas), action.action.

► Pusa : Pusa : nadi situated behind nadi situated behind PingalaPingala, terminating at the right ear. Its , terminating at the right ear. Its function is hearing.function is hearing.

► Raka : Raka : nadi creates hunger and thirst and collects mucus at the nadi creates hunger and thirst and collects mucus at the sinuses.sinuses.

► Samkhini : Samkhini : Terminates at the genital organs, is situated Terminates at the genital organs, is situated between between GandhariGandhari and  and SarasvatiSarasvati. It carries the essence of food.. It carries the essence of food.

► Sarasvati : Sarasvati : Nadi which is behind Nadi which is behind SushumnaSushumna nadi, terminating at  nadi, terminating at the tongue, controlling speech and keeping the abdominal organs the tongue, controlling speech and keeping the abdominal organs free from disease.free from disease.

► Sura : Sura : Nadi which is between the eyebrows.Nadi which is between the eyebrows.

► Surya : Surya : The nadi of the SunThe nadi of the Sun

► Sushumna : Sushumna : From the base of the spine to the crown of the head, up From the base of the spine to the crown of the head, up the centre of the spine. Its function is Agni, Fire (sattva), illumination.the centre of the spine. Its function is Agni, Fire (sattva), illumination.

► Varuni : Varuni : Nadi flows throughout the body. Its function is the Nadi flows throughout the body. Its function is the evacuation of urine. Its position is between evacuation of urine. Its position is between Yasasvini - Yasasvini - and and KuhuKuhu..

► Vijnana - Vijnana - Nadis are vessels of consciousness.Nadis are vessels of consciousness.

► Visvodhari - Visvodhari - Nadi has the function of absorption of food. Its position is Nadi has the function of absorption of food. Its position is between between Hastijivha Hastijivha and and KuhuKuhu..

► Yasasvini - Yasasvini - nadi. (Before nadi. (Before PingalaPingala, , between between GandhariGandhari and  and SarasvatiSarasvati situated between the left ear and the left  situated between the left ear and the left big toe. In addition to the various primary and minor nadis, the Shakta Tantra big toe. In addition to the various primary and minor nadis, the Shakta Tantra and Kundalini/Laya Yoga traditions emphasis is placed on the central nadis and Kundalini/Laya Yoga traditions emphasis is placed on the central nadis which represented concentric (hence increasingly subtle) channels along or in which represented concentric (hence increasingly subtle) channels along or in front of the spine, and along which are strung the 7 chakras. These front of the spine, and along which are strung the 7 chakras. These 4 'central4 'central' ' nadisnadis are; are;

Sushumna-nadi -Sushumna-nadi -Starts from the Kanda-mula , lying just below the Muladara Starts from the Kanda-mula , lying just below the Muladara chakra and goes upward centrally within the vertebral column.chakra and goes upward centrally within the vertebral column.

Vajra -nadi - Vajra -nadi - Starts from the starting point of Starts from the starting point of SushumnaSushumna and goes upwards,  and goes upwards, lying within lying within SushumnaSushumna

Chitrini -nadi -Chitrini -nadi -Starts at the starting point of the Starts at the starting point of the VajraVajra nadi and goes  nadi and goes upward, lying within the upward, lying within the VajraVajra nadi. nadi.

Brahma-nadi or Brahmarandra-nadi - Brahma-nadi or Brahmarandra-nadi - Starts from the orifice of Starts from the orifice of Swayambhu-linga in the Muladhara chakra and goes upwards, lying Swayambhu-linga in the Muladhara chakra and goes upwards, lying within within Chitrini - Chitrini - ..

The chakras are actually said to be strung along the fine The chakras are actually said to be strung along the fine ChitriniChitrini nadi, rather  nadi, rather than the than the SushumnaSushumna as is commonly stated in the West. as is commonly stated in the West.

Nadi Therapy (Chikitsa)Nadi Therapy (Chikitsa)

► Nadi Chikitsa is the oldest Indian traditional method of healing Nadi Chikitsa is the oldest Indian traditional method of healing different ailments for which it provides permanent cure for different ailments for which it provides permanent cure for most of the declared incurables.most of the declared incurables.

► It is a system of kneading, stroking and activating different It is a system of kneading, stroking and activating different parts of the body. parts of the body.

► It can relieve pain, stimulate, relax and tone the muscles.It can relieve pain, stimulate, relax and tone the muscles.

► Massage work help the muscles under the skin and also the Massage work help the muscles under the skin and also the deeper layers of muscles well.deeper layers of muscles well.

► It also stimulates blood circulationIt also stimulates blood circulation

Types of Diseases Cured by Nadi ChikitsaTypes of Diseases Cured by Nadi Chikitsa

All diseases are the result of blocks or congestion in the nadi All diseases are the result of blocks or congestion in the nadi system.system.

► Cervical dystoniaCervical dystonia► Brainstem strokeBrainstem stroke► Knee problemKnee problem► RA ProblemRA Problem► PolioPolio► MigraineMigraine► SciaticaSciatica► Back painBack pain► Cervical SpondylitisCervical Spondylitis► Frozen ShoulderFrozen Shoulder► Slipped DiscSlipped Disc► Parkinson’s DiseaseParkinson’s Disease► Neuromuscular DisordersNeuromuscular Disorders

Beneficial Effects on the bodyBeneficial Effects on the body

► Wonderfully beneficial for de-stressing the whole body by dispersing Wonderfully beneficial for de-stressing the whole body by dispersing toxins from knotted muscles, improving blood-circulation and helping toxins from knotted muscles, improving blood-circulation and helping to oxygenate the brain.to oxygenate the brain.

► Total relaxation, producing a state of calm, peace and tranquility, Total relaxation, producing a state of calm, peace and tranquility, reducing nervous tension (stress, anxiety).reducing nervous tension (stress, anxiety).

► Deeply relaxes the muscles, reducing aches and pains, neck rigidity Deeply relaxes the muscles, reducing aches and pains, neck rigidity and headaches.and headaches.

► Increases and improves the circulation of blood to the head, neck, Increases and improves the circulation of blood to the head, neck, shoulders and face, with vital nutrients to repair and rejuvenate skin shoulders and face, with vital nutrients to repair and rejuvenate skin tissue, cells and muscles.tissue, cells and muscles.

► Stimulates the immune system from the break down of toxins in the Stimulates the immune system from the break down of toxins in the muscles and cells.muscles and cells.

► Increases flow of Oxygen to the cells, opening and releasing physical Increases flow of Oxygen to the cells, opening and releasing physical and emotional stress.and emotional stress.

► Stretches and mobilizes the tissue in the neck and shoulders Stretches and mobilizes the tissue in the neck and shoulders to alleviate the rigidity and replace it with flexibility.to alleviate the rigidity and replace it with flexibility.

► Improves circulation to the scalp, stimulating the skin and Improves circulation to the scalp, stimulating the skin and helping hair growth.helping hair growth.

► With increased blood and oxygen flow one can reduce neck With increased blood and oxygen flow one can reduce neck rigidity, headache, eye strain and enhances concentration.rigidity, headache, eye strain and enhances concentration.

► Irritability is reduced after receiving a massage and deep rest Irritability is reduced after receiving a massage and deep rest is felt, helping sleep problems.is felt, helping sleep problems.

► It is a healing technique that focuses on the deeper layers of It is a healing technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue.muscle tissue.

► It releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through It releases the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas. It is used to release chronic muscle tension through areas. It is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction.slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction.

Diagnosing disease – Nadi ShastraDiagnosing disease – Nadi Shastra

► Nadi Shastra is the art of pulse reading.Nadi Shastra is the art of pulse reading.

► Nadi readings were practiced to diagnose the disease of the patient. Just by Nadi readings were practiced to diagnose the disease of the patient. Just by reading the pulse, the disease and ailment is diagnosed along with what reading the pulse, the disease and ailment is diagnosed along with what might have caused the problem.might have caused the problem.

► The best time to check the pulse is in the early morning, physiologically the The best time to check the pulse is in the early morning, physiologically the least active time of the day. Three fingers are used to check pulse points, the least active time of the day. Three fingers are used to check pulse points, the middle, index, and ring, with the index finger placed closest to the wrist middle, index, and ring, with the index finger placed closest to the wrist creasecrease

► At first, the three positions are palpated simultaneously, lightly, with medium At first, the three positions are palpated simultaneously, lightly, with medium pressure and stronglypressure and strongly

► After this, each position is checked separately. Different systems are used After this, each position is checked separately. Different systems are used where the pulse at each position is identified with certain organswhere the pulse at each position is identified with certain organs

► When the pulse is taken, attention is given to the frequency, amplitude and When the pulse is taken, attention is given to the frequency, amplitude and quality of the pulse.quality of the pulse.

► A normal pulse is distinct, discernible to the fingertip upon medium pressure, A normal pulse is distinct, discernible to the fingertip upon medium pressure, and can still be palpated with the application of heavy pressureand can still be palpated with the application of heavy pressure

► Nadi Shastra has two critical aspects - one is the identification and Nadi Shastra has two critical aspects - one is the identification and the other is the treatment. Treatment is a very critical aspect.the other is the treatment. Treatment is a very critical aspect.

► Treatment is largely in the form of kadas. Treatment is largely in the form of kadas.

► Kadas are made from herbs that are boiled in water. The treatment Kadas are made from herbs that are boiled in water. The treatment aims ataims at

cleansing these channels, pacifying the disease and nourishing the cleansing these channels, pacifying the disease and nourishing the body.body.

► It provides longevity, immunity against the disease.It provides longevity, immunity against the disease.

► Successful pulse reading involves touching, feeling, observing, and Successful pulse reading involves touching, feeling, observing, and experiencing not only the rate, rhythm, and volume of the pulse; but experiencing not only the rate, rhythm, and volume of the pulse; but also its movement, amplitude, temperature, force, and consistency in also its movement, amplitude, temperature, force, and consistency in the body.the body.

► VVarious problems such as infertility, obesity, hypertension, paralysis, arious problems such as infertility, obesity, hypertension, paralysis, mental disorders, severe joint pains and skin diseases can be mental disorders, severe joint pains and skin diseases can be detected by Nadi shastra.detected by Nadi shastra.

How is Massage different from Nadi ChikitsaHow is Massage different from Nadi Chikitsa

► Nadi Chikitsa is a system of kneading, stroking and activating Nadi Chikitsa is a system of kneading, stroking and activating different parts of the body. It can relieve pain, stimulate, relax and different parts of the body. It can relieve pain, stimulate, relax and tone the musclestone the muscles

► Massage therapy helps the muscles under the skin and works under Massage therapy helps the muscles under the skin and works under deep layers of muscles. It stimulates blood circulationdeep layers of muscles. It stimulates blood circulation

Acknowledgement:Acknowledgement:

• SVyasaSVyasa