Less Known Facts About Nadis (The

Nervous System)
DR ANADI SAHOO, MAR 20, 2014 06:24PM 22K 47

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The Nadis or Nervous System
The Sanskrit word nadi derives from the root Nad, which means flow, motion, vibration. These nadis
are creative energies of the subtle body. Just as the negative and positive forces of electricity flow
through complex circuits, in the same way, vital force and mental force flow through every part of
our body via these nadis. There are 72,000 nadis in the body with three main channels up the spine,
right, left and centre. These are known as ida, pingala & sushumna. The left nostril is connected to
the ida network of nadis, the right nostril is connected to the pingala network of nadis and when both
nostrils flow together, the main channel or sushumna network is stimulated. They connect at special
points of intensity called chakras. When these nadis flow freely, we are vital and healthy; when it
becomes weak or congested, we struggle with poor mental and physical health. The brain & the
spinal cord along with the nerves emanating constitute the nervous system of the body. The nervous
system is divided into two main systems: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral
nervous system (PNS). Central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. Peripheral
nervous system consists of the nerves which gather information while others transmit orders.
Peripheral nervous system is divided into two systems: somatic nervous system & autonomic nervous
system. Somatic nerves participate in the organism’s relationship with its external environment.
Autonomic nerves are more involved in regulating vital internal functions. The autonomic nervous
system is divided into two categories: sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous system. The
sympathetic nervous system goes into action to prepare the organism for physical or mental activity.
The activation of the parasympathetic nervous system causes a general slowdown in the body’s
functions in order to conserve energy. The Nadis determine the nature and the quality of the nervous
system, with its extensive network of nerves and plexus covering the entire physical body. A healthy
nervous system is the secret of vitality and rejuvenation.

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THE GROSS & SUBTLE BODY
The subtle or sukshma body is within the gross or physical body. The gross body cannot do anything
without the astral body. Every gross centre of the body has its astral centre. Ida, pingala & sushumna
nadis originate from mooladhara chakra at the anus and the root of the reproductory organ. From
there they separate and proceed into different directions to meet again at the ajna chakra located at
the root of the nose between the eyebrows and approximately 2 1/2 inches into the brain. Ida nadi
emerges from the left side of mooladhara and spirals upwards to the spinal cord, passing through
each chakra in turn, forming a criss-cross pathway which terminates at the left side of ajna chakra
and end up in the left nostril. Pingala nadi emerges from the right side of the mooladhara chakra and
passes in an opposite manner to that of Ida, terminating at the right side of ajna chakra and end up in
the right nostril. Sushumna nadi is the spiritual channel that terminates at sahasrara chakra at the
crown of the head. So, it is clear that the gross body & the subtle body have close relationship with
each other. Practically, we can feel the desired effects that are produced through yoga, pranyama,
meditation between these two centres.

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IDA NADI / SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
The word ida means "comfort" & is located on our left sympathetic nervous system. It begins and
ends on the left side of sushumna. Ida has a moonlike nature and female energy with a cooling effect.
It is also known as the chandra or moon nadi. It courses from the right testicle to the left nostril and
corresponds to the Ganges River. Ida is the introverted (passive), lunar nadi and controls all the
mental processes & manages our emotions.When Ida is flowing, the breath will be more in the left
nostril & the mental energy is dominant. That time any kind of mental work may be undertaken. It is
like nectar and gives strength and nourishment to the soul and the body. If Ida flows for a long time
beyond the normal schedule, this signifies some imbalances in the mental processes. On a physical
level, the left channel controls the left-hand side of the body and the right hemisphere of the brain.
People, who make excessive use of this channel, are emotional, often dwell on the past, often feel
guilty and are easily dominated by others. In extreme cases, they may fall prey to lethargy and
depression because this channel feeds also into the skull area; pressure on the brain becomes
excessive. The entire system is thrown off balance causing problems such as mental breakdown,
epilepsy and senility (decay of the brain).
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PINGALA NADI / SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
The word pingala means "tawny" & is located on our right sympathetic nervous system. It begins and
ends to the right of sushumna. Pingala has a Sunlike nature and male energy with a heating effect. It
is also known as surya or sun nadi. Its courses from the left testicle to the right nostril & corresponds
to the Yamuna River. Pingala is the extroverted (active), solar nadi & controls all the vital processes
& manages our physical energy. When pingala is flowing, the breath will be more in the right nostril
& the physical / vital energy is dominant. That time any kind of physical work may be undertaken. It
is responsible for the growth of the body. If pingala flows for a long time beyond the normal
schedule, this signifies some imbalance in the pranic body. On a physical level, the right channel
controls the right-hand side of the body and the left hemisphere of the brain. People, who make
excessive use of this channel are aggressive and dominating (ego). In extreme cases, the entire
system is thrown off balance, causing problems such as often blinded by ego & then decisions and
actions taken not only disrupt the lives of others but also lead to heart disease
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SUSHUMNA NADI & PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
The Sushumna nadi is located on our central parasympathetic nervous system which is also known as
middle path. The central channel begins in the triangular bone or sacrum and rises along the spinal
column until it reaches the top of the head. When ida and pingala nadis are purified and balanced and
the mind is controlled, then sushumna, the most important nadi, begins to flow. The physical organs
& mental organs function simultaneously & it indicates that the mind is blissful, calm, pure,
balanced. The spiritual energy is in power & time is good for concentration, meditation and worship.
A person entering this state never complains of dispersion of mind. When sushumna flows, kundalini
awakens and rises through the chakras. In subtle body terms the sushumna nadi is the path to
enlightenment. At a physical level, this channel coordinates our involuntary or autonomic nervous
system activities such as heart beat, breathing & reflex. We do not have conscious control over these
activities. The parasympathetic nervous system, together with the sympathetic nervous system,
constitutes the autonomic nervous system. It is responsible for our spiritual evolution and our
physical, mental and emotional balance.

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BALANCING IDA & PINGALA
All activities are influenced by the flow of these nadis which alternate approximately every sixty to
ninety minutes. When there is a disturbance in the natural cycle, and the proper nostril does not open,
body chemistry becomes disturbed thus affecting physical, emotional & mental state. For example,
during sleep Ida nadi flows. If pingala flows at night, sleep will be restlessness and disturbed. It may
result in numerous adverse physiological changes such as hypertension, anxiety, acidity and ulcers.
Likewise, while taking food pingala nadi flows. If' Ida flows while taking food, the digestive process
may be slow, causing indigestion. To counter these changes, we should follow certain techniques to
activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system counteracts the
stress effect, calms you down, slows heart rate, increases digestion and so on.

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NADI SHODHANA PRANAYAMA
Nadi shodhana pranayama is the simple act of changing the breath from one nostril to the other,
reversing brain hemisphere dominance & altering chemical reactions taking place throughout the
organism. Changing the breath helps prevention of disease. SITTING POSTURE:Sit in a
comfortable position steadily. Keep the palm of the right hand facing the face. Bend the first two
fingers next to the thumb inside. Now put the right thumb on the right nostril and last two fingers of
the same hand should be used to press the left nostril. Remember, for the practice of this Pranayama
always start & finish the breathing from the left nostril. TECHNIQUE:1.Breathe in through the left
nostril. Close the left nostril with the ring & little fingers and breathe out through the right nostril.
2.Breathe in through the right nostril. Close the right nostril with the thumb & breathe out through
the left nostril. 3.This completes one round of Nadi Shodhana. 4.Make 10-15 rounds like this.
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Nervous system Facts
The basic function of the nervous system is to send signals from one cells to other, or from one part
of the body to others # Nervous system contains two parts – central and peripheral in most animals #
Central nervous system in vertebrates contains brain, spinal cord and retina # Peripheral nervous
system consists of sensory neurons, ganglia and nerves connecting to each other and the central
nervous system # Neurons send signals to other cells as electrochemical waves # Sponges have no
nervous system # Nervous system is made up of neurons and glial cells # Neurons communicate with
other cells via synapses # Earthworms have dual nerve cords running along the length of the body
and merging at the tail and the mouth # There are millions of nerve cells in human body # The
neurons in the human brain are more than 100 billion in count. # The right side of the brain controls
the left side of the body and the left side of the brain controls the right side of body. # The diameter
of a neuro ranges between 4 to 100 microns. # Neurons grow at the rate of 250,000 per minute in a
child developing inside the womb # The human spinal chord contains 13,500,00 neuros and the
cluster of nerves located at the base of spine are most sensitive. # At any given point of time, the
brain has only four percent of its cells active, while the rest are being kept in reserve. # Nervous
system can transmit signals at 100 meters per second # Sodium ions, potassium and Vitamin B
ensure the proper functioning of the nervous system
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All About Nadis
Susumna 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. #Ida 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 lunar energy and is therefore
called Chandra nadi. Its function is cooling (tamas), inertia. #Pingala (= tawny or reddish) starting at
the right nostril moving to the crown and down the spine to the base. As the solar energy flows
through it, it is also called Surya nadi. Its function is burning (rajas), action. #Gandhari One of the
nadis said to be behind the Ida nadi, terminating near the left eye, regulating the function of sight.
#Hastijihva located in front of the Ida nadi, terminating near the right eye, regulating the function of
sight, seeing. #Yasasvini nadi. (before Pingala, between Gandhari and Sarasvati situated between the
left ear and the left big toe. NB. In addition to the various primary and minor nadis, the Shakta Tantra
and Kundalini/Laya Yoga traditions' emphasis was placed on the central nadis which represented
concentric (hence increasingly subtle) channels along or in front of the spine, and along which are
strung the 7 chakras. These 4 'central' nadis are; #Pusa nadi situated behind Pingala, terminating at
the right ear. Function is hearing. #Alambusa Connects the mouth and anus. #Kuhu One of the nadis
said to be located in front of the Susumna, its function is to evacuate faeces #Shankhini terminates at
the genital organs, is situated between Gandhari and Sarasvati. It carries the essence of food.
#Sarasvati nadi which is behind Susumna nadi, terminating at the tongue, controlling speech and
keeping the abdominal organs free from disease. #Payaswini One of the nadis terminating at the right
big toe, said to be located between the pusa (which is behind the pingala nadi and the Sarasvati
(behind Susumna). #Visvodhari nadi having the function of absorption of food. Its position is
between Hastijivha and Kuhu. #Chitra One of the nadis emanating from the heart through which the
creative energy (Shakti) of Kundalini passes to reach the Sahasrara (crown). [Of the 101 nadis, only
the Chitra splits into two parts at the root of the Sushumna.] One part of the Chitra moves within it,
extending upwards to the aperture of (randhra) of Brahma at the crown of the head above the
Sahasrara chakra. this is the gateway to the Supreme Spirit (Parabrahman). The other part of Chitra
moves down to the generative organ for discharge of semen. It is said that at the time of death, yogis
and saints consciously leave through the brahmarandhra. Since the aperture is in the spiritual or
causal body (karana sarira) it cannot be seen or measured. When the prana rises upwards, via the
Chitra, through the chakras, it takes with it the radiance (ojas), a creative energy latent in semen. The
Chitra is transformed into the Brahma nadi or Para (supreme) nadi. #Kausiki One of the nadis
terminating at the big toes..Kurmasubsidiary nadi whose function is to stabilise the body and the
mind.Raka nadi creates hunger and thirst and collects mucus at the sinuses.Sura nadi which is
between the eyebrows.Surya the nadi of the Sun, see Pingala.Varuni nadi which flows throughout the
body. Its function is the evacuation of urine. Its position is between Yasasviniand Kuhu. Vijnana
nadis are vessels of consciousness.Vajra-nadi starts from the starting point of Susumna and goes
upwards, lying within Susumna. Chitrini-nadi starts at the starting point of the Vajra nadi and goes
upward, lying within the Vajra nadi. Brahma-nadi or Brahmarandra-nadi starts from the orifice of
Swayambhu-linga in the Muladhara chakra and goes upwards, lying within Chitrini.