NADIS ---YOGA POSES -PIGEON POSE + OTHERS

Nadis, the Channels of Life force Energy A couple of years ago I use to visit a homeopath to treat a recurring hair fall problem, she would diagnose the cause by checking my pulse also known as Nadi Pariksha (pulse examination). Surprisingly, she would point out the right causes, simply by examining the energy flow in the nadis. In ancient Indian medicine, Nadis are the channels or energy pathways that carry Prana or life force throughout the body and they connect at special energy points called chakras. The Sanskrit term ‘Nadi’ comes from the root ‘Nad,’ which means motion, flow, or vibration. Just how veins and arteries are important for the healthy functioning of our physical body, Nadis weave through our physical nerves as well as the subtle circuitry (yoga nadis) of the mind, of the self, of the consciousness matrix that supports our physical presence from invisible dimensions of existence. Illustration showing the nadis and major and minor chakras Prana needs to flow freely through the system to be healthy; when it becomes weak or congested, it leads to poor mental and physical health. Often painful life experiences lead to blockages and ultimately health woes, so opening up these channels is important for our overall well-being. The body is filled with innumerable Nadis that cannot be counted. Tantric wisdom state that there are 72,000 Nadis in the human body, 14 are principal nadis out which Sushumna, Ida and Pingala are considered to be most important. Nadis are energy channels that carry prana throughout our body The video below will give you a better understanding of nadis and its functioning in our body. 


What Others are Reading :  The Healing Properties of Water Stored in Copper Ida nadi Ida, associated with the energy of the moon, represents the feminine aspect of our personality and is often shown as white. It is also the Yin element in Chinese philosophy. Ida controls the function of parasympathetic nervous system which calms the mind and body, because it is related to emotions, feelings and memories. When Ida becomes too strong or dominant, tiredness, depression, introversion, and an inability to see things with a clear perspective can take over. The Ida is channeled via the left nostril and Pingala nadi through the right nostril Pingala nadi While Pingala, associated with energy of the sun, represents the masculine aspect of our personality and is often shown as red. It controls the sympathetic nervous system, and stimulates activities and planning of body and mind. Pingala nadi is responsible for the logical, rational and analytical intellect. Pingala is also the Yang element in Chinese philosophy. When Pingala is overused, due to the hustle and bustle of city life, we can have difficulty sleeping, concentrating or we can become anxious, irritable, and impulsive. Ida and Pingala start and end to the left and to the right of the Sushumna respectively, moving in spirals like the DNA helix, crossing at each chakra or energy portal.
 Anahata Menon, shamanic healer and mystic at Anahata Foundation, explained, “It is the interaction between these two distinct yet complementary energy channels that controls our mental processes, intuition and the activity that takes place between the left and right hemisphere of our brain. The sacred union between the male (solar or day) and female (lunar or night) aspects of our spiritual nature forms the basis of most evolutionary esoteric paths.” What Others are Reading :  The Perfect Stretch: A Head to Hip Fix with the Pigeon Pose Sushumna Sushumna is the central channel of energy in the human body that runs from the base of the spine to the crown of the head and carries Kundalini energy, the primal evolutionary force within, upwards as it is awakened through the practice of 

Yoga and meditation. Sushumna nadi only opens and flows freely when Ida and Pingala nadis are balanced and clear, thus the purification of all three nadis are important for the overall health, wellness of the body and mind, and one can also experience spiritual growth. Anahata said, “However, as a spiritualist, even though I personally enjoy all the technicalities of ancient wisdom and esoteric arts, I don’t obsess over them. If our spiritual urge or intent is aligned to infinite expansion of awareness, potentials and consciousness, to love, to higher principles of freedom and balance for the highest good of all, then any sincere spiritual practice, be it yoga or plant spirit medicine, drum medicine or reiki, should support this process effectively. in traditional Chinese medicine, meridien is a path through which the life-energy or qi flows As humanity makes a big shift of consciousness from the Collective Mind to the Collective Heart, I believe that the subtle technologies of our physical and etheric bodies will unlock or reveal themselves to us and spontaneously restore or repair themselves to a state of optimum balance and health.” To determine the flow of current at any particular time note the flow of breath in the nostrils. It the left nostril has a greater flow of air, then ida nadi is predominant. When the flow is greater in the right nostril, then pingala is predominant. If the flow is equal, then sushumna is ruling. What Others are Reading :  Understanding Moon Signs and What They Say About You Hatha Yoga is a yoga technique that focuses on bringing this balance. Meditation, Pranayam, breath work and sound (nada or swara yoga) healing are different paths that one can explore to achieve this balance as well. Surya namaskara is a common sequence of Hatha yoga asanas Even traditional Chinese medicine recognise the importance of nadis or better known as, meridians, and work with a similar system of subtle energy meridians like in acupuncture, acupressure and body works. Ancient wisdom, be it Indian Ayurveda, Yoga or Chinese meridians, the purpose is of self-realization and this knowledge provides deeper understanding of the inner landscapes that can be used to transform our lives!

Read more at: http://fractalenlightenment.com/14197/spirituality/nadis-the-channels-of-life-force-energy | FractalEnlightenment.com



The Perfect Stretch: A Head to Hip Fix with the Pigeon Pose “Yoga heals, nourishes, and challenges us. The practice infiltrates every corner of our lives.” ~ Valerie Jermijenko, How We Live Our Yoga Your thoughts and emotions, many of which are driven by subconscious beliefs and life experiences, are a powerful force that can degenerate your health. Each emotion has its own vibratory signature, and when intense emotions are felt, they can become trapped in your body, much like a ball of energy. Yoga aids in releasing these trapped emotions through 84,00,000 poses, out of which the One-legged Pigeon Pose or Eka Pada Kapotasana is a significant one. I have seen many students feeling an upsurge of energy and a release from a burden they were holding on to, while performing this pose. Sometimes, they even spend extra time doing Pigeon pose as it gives a sense of freedom to the mind and body. Pigeon pose is anatomically challenging, but a blessing for the mind and body. It activates the second chakra, Sacral Chakra – the emotional bank of the human body – releasing stuck emotions, blockages along with working deeply on the sympathetic nervous system of the body. Derived from Sanskrit word, ‘Kapot’ meaning Pigeon, this asana also got its name from the great master, Kapota, whose laurels are spoken off in ancient Indian texts, Mahabharata and Kalika Purana. His unmatched strength, vigour, spiritual presence and vitality made him a revered saint and a magnanimous soul. Pose with Variations for the Beginners Engaging with the hip rotators (the buttocks) and hip flexors (muscle from the pelvis to thigh), this pose loosens tight hips, relaxes the lower back, and also relaxes the head. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform Pigeon pose, its variations and the benefits one can derive from it: Start with a warm up sequence and then come in a downward dog position. Gently lift your right leg and place in a 60 degree angle in front of your body, making a proud pigeon pose (as shown in the image below). Make sure the stretched left leg’s knee is facing the floor and not sideways. Beginners can use a yoga block/blanket/bolster to fill the gap between pelvis and the floor. Press your pelvis down and raise your hands in Namaste mudra at the top of the head or in front of your chest. Stay here for a few breaths, 5 to 7 deep breaths, and focus on the heart chakra. What Others are Reading :  Lifting the Burden: Releasing Ourselves from the Responsibility of Others In order to feel more comfortable in the pose, follow the Sleepy pigeon variation (shown below) in the same position. Do a forward bend. First place your elbows on the floor and straighten your back, check if you can go further. If this feels comfortable then gradually move forward by flattening your chest on the floor, lying face down. Stretch the forearms straight and keep it pressed on the floor. Stay here for a few breaths. This position activates your third eye chakra. Moving further, gently roll up and come back to the proud pigeon pose once again. Bend the left leg up and stretch the left hand to grab the toe of the left knee. Use a yoga block in the gap between the floor and pelvis, and stay in the centre. See the image on the left side. Now take a yoga belt (preferred) or a long cloth and wrap it around the left high instep area. Hold the other end of the belt with both hands, as depicted in the picture above right side. Make sure there is only a gentle & slow pull. Stay in this pose for a few breaths and feel the hip moving. Slide your left foot along the inside of your left forearm until you can hold it in your elbow crease and interlace left and right hand making the mermaid pose. Stay here for a few breaths. The next step to mermaid pose can take a while, so keep practicing this for a few days, weeks or months depending upon your comfort. Only once you are totally at ease in mermaid pose, can you move on to try the full one-legged pigeon pose. (This is an intense backbend, and should only be attempted by very experienced practitioners. Pigeon Pose and Mermaid Pose are more moderate versions of the pose.) What Others are Reading :  Purifying the Body Using Ayurvedic Wisdom Come in the mermaid pose position, and grab the mount of the flexed left foot and bring your left hand under your foot and try to grab onto your toes. This is the tricky part. You need to flip your left elbow up to the ceiling, so your toes are pointing straight up and your fingers are pointing down. Then arch your head back and reach your right hand over your head to hold onto your left toes. If it’s easy, touch the top of your head to your foot. Stay here for at least five breaths. Press your pelvis down at all times to create space. Watch this video for further clarification – Benefits of One-legged Pigeon Pose It helps open up the hips and adds more flexibility to the hip region. It is also known to relieve the body of stress and anxiety. Works with the autonomous system, Pigeon pose acts on the Vagus nerve, which is the most significant nerve that aids in vital acts like breathing, speech, sweating, connecting brain & food functions, regulating heartbeat etc. Kapotasana regulates energy by directing it from the thighs to deep abdomen centre. This further activates the navel centre and helps us bear higher energy level, activation of solar plexus chakra, illuminate & heal the abdominal organs, maintain good health of the ovaries & testes, etc. Advanced version opens your chest area, giving relief to rounded shoulders, strengthening pectoral minor, serratus anterior muscle, back muscles and shoulder blades. Since the asana works on the pelvis region, it is a boon for women. It cleanses and regulates the menstruation cycle, increases circulation to urinary, digestive, and reproductive systems. May relieve sciatic nerve tension and ease chronic low back pain. Stretches the thighs, groins and psoas, abdomen, chest and shoulders, and neck. What Others are Reading :  The Perils of a Sedentary Lifestyle Contraindications Do not practice this pose if you have a: Knee injury Back Injury Chronic sacroiliac injury Shoulder, neck or sacrum injury Pregnant women should keep their torso straight and facing forward & also consult a professional before performing Pigeon pose. Its important that all the postures, especially in case of complex poses, the practitioner first weighs her/his ability to balance & accept their range of movement and only then perform these poses. Variations are not for the weak, they act as milestones on the way to the final goal. Cherish them and ensure safety first.

Read more at: http://fractalenlightenment.com/34768/life/the-perfect-stretch-a-head-to-hip-fix-with-pigeon-pose | FractalEnlightenment.com