Around 72,000 energy channels run throughout your body. The Chinese call these energy channels the Meridians and use acupuncture to open them. In yogic terms they are called Nadis and we use breath, asana, meditation, movement and visualisation techniques to purify and detoxify them, allowing the energy to flow throughout the body with ease and abundance.

 

Three main energy channels

We also have three main energy channels that work within the system. The right side of the body is masculine and the energy channel is called Pingala. The left side of the body is feminine and the energy channel is called Ida. The main energy channel is the spine, the central nervous system, or in yoga the Sushumna Nadi.

 

Different styles – same goal

The aim of yoga is to unite the masculine and feminine through breath, asana, meditation, movement and visualisation techniques. One way is through Kundalini where we are moving the Shakti (female) energy from the base of the spine to the third eye Chakra to meet Shiva (male) energy and unite them as one in union. In Hatha yoga (Asana) HA means sun (male) THA means moon (female), so through Asana we are uniting the sun and the moon, the male and female energies.

 

Yoga means union.

 

Energy Centres (Chakras)

Also we have seven energy centres (Chakras) in or around the physical body, starting at the base of the spine working up to the crown of the head. Each Chakra represents different working systems within the physical, energy, emotional, intellect and bliss bodies. Find more information further down.

 

Energy blockages

Remember the body is a reflection of the mind, so any limiting thoughts or beliefs will reflect in the body and cause energy channels to block. A belief is just a thought that you keep thinking and you have the power to choose what you think.