Chakras and Nadis: How can you increase your subtle life force?

Humans are not just the physical body, as we have always believed for decades. New scientists are constantly emerging who are interested in how the human phenomenon functions holistically and are conducting corresponding studies. In doing so, they have discovered remarkable facts: The body consists of an energy system, similar to an electrical circuit. In this article, you will learn what this is all about and what chakras and subtle nadis are. You will also learn important tips for strengthening your pranic energy. Be inspired.

Human = electrical circuit?

Anyone familiar with electricity knows that an electrical circuit has a source, where the energy originates. The energy generated within it flows through wires, creating electric fields around it. Energy can be stored in many areas; these are known as capacitors or batteries. From there, the current travels to other areas. Depending on the device, the current can generate cold, heat, musical frequencies, or images.

The interesting thing is that humans function in a similar way. The human prana system functions based on various power sources. Cosmic energy flows through the energy channels and fills the entire energy body with power.

What are nadis?

Similar to electrical wires, the human body has what are known as nadis, or conduits through which energy can flow. Nadi translates exactly as "tube" or "channel." In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, these are the meridians through which life energy flows. Here, too, an energy field is created around them, radiating prana (aura). All three originate in the pelvis and flow from there into the corresponding half of the body.

According to experts, there are up to 72,000 different nadis in the body, three of which are the most important. They are called:

• Pingala (it is the carrier of solar energy, located on the right side of the spine. It influences the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for motivation, consciousness (Shiva), and logical thinking; it is also called the flight or fight nerve.)

• Ida (this nadi is connected to the lunar force, is located on the left side of the spine, and is responsible for creativity. It influences the parasympathetic nervous system – responsible for recovery -> rest nerve)

• Sushumna (this is the central channel, the Sushumna runs along the spine and is considered the most important Nadi)

What are chakras?

Chakras are the subtle energy centers in the body. The word "chakra" translates as "wheel." The points where the pingala and ida meet are the seven main chakras.

The chakras radiate in different colors and are located in different places in your body.

• Muladhara Chakra (root chakra) in the color red for the connection to Mother Earth, basic trust and security (between the genitals)
• Svadhistana Chakra (sacral chakra) in orange for creativity and sexual energy (a hand's breadth below the navel)
• Manipura Chakra (solar plexus) in the color yellow for self-confidence, ego connection (under the rib cage)
• Anahata Chakra (heart chakra) in the color green for love, devotion (situated in the heart area)
• Vissudha Chakra (throat chakra) in turquoise/light blue for speaking the truth, communication (located at the throat)
• Ajna Chakra (Third Eye) in the color indigo blue for intuition and connection to the soul (between the eyebrows)
• Sahasrara Chakra (crown chakra) in the color violet Transparent for the connection to the universe (above the crown)

What is the function of the chakras?

To ensure the body's proper functioning and strength, the chakras distribute the energy transported from the nadis to the energy centers. Prana is also collected there—this is achieved, among other things, through special breathing exercises (e.g., alternate nostril breathing, or Nadi Shodhana).

How can you fill your chakras with life energy?

According to current scientific theory and ancient teachings (including Ayurveda), Prana (the life energy) is absorbed by various factors:

• by the sun
• through food
• through the breath (for example, pranayamas during asanas)
• through exercise and yoga

The more you integrate these elements into your life, the more you will be able to perceive the power in your subtle energy channels. The revitalization of the energy channels is particularly noticeable just a few seconds or minutes after practicing yoga (for example, Kundalini Yoga) or various breathing techniques.

Important exercises to fill you with new prana

To feel comfortable in your body and achieve flow, you can increase your prana. This is best achieved with helpful breathing exercises. Experts emphasize that people with plenty of prana are significantly less likely to get sick and enjoy better health.

a) Practice deep breathing

There are various pranayama exercises that help you bring new energy into your energy body. The most important are:

• Alternate breathing (Nadi Shodana)

This breathing technique is considered one of the most important in Hatha Yoga. The reason is that it helps cleanse the nadis, the energy centers, and the entire system. This releases blockages and allows energy to flow freely again.

Process:

Here, you sit upright on your cushion, similar to meditation, and use the thumb of your right hand to close your right nostril. Inhale through your left nostril. Now close your left nostril with the ring finger of your right hand. Hold your breath for a few seconds. Feel your inner self and rest within yourself. Then open your right nostril and exhale. Repeat this process a few times. It's best to count four times per inhalation and exhalation. This will make the exercise even more intense. You can adjust the number of counts as you progress.

b) Mantra

A mantra is a classical Sanskrit syllable that is repeated frequently. Through this repetition, its energy can be released. Thus, the sound vibration is used to improve a person's sense of well-being. Each chakra, in turn, has a different mantra with which it can be activated.

The Ajna chakra, for example, can be stimulated with the syllable "Om." "Om Sri Ramaya Namah" opens the Anahata chakra. There are numerous videos on YouTube or a book explaining the power of mantras. Be inspired by the large selection in our online bookstore or in your local library.

You can find further tips on the mantras in the table

As you can see, there are various ways to stimulate the prana in your chakras. Appropriate meditations are helpful for distributing the life force throughout your body and entering stillness.

Special yoga exercises on the mat also help you to get even closer to yourself and to feel the flow of prana in your body.

Do you already do such exercises? If so, which ones help you best?