Nadi Shuddhi

Purifying the Nadis

Nadi shuddhi is performed as a method to cleanse the Nadis and is said to remove:

Kapha (sluggishness).
Bring balance between the opposites of the left and right brain
Balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
Balance between the sensory neurons that carry nerve impulses to the central nervous system and brain (afferent), and motor neurons (efferent) that carry nerve impulses away from the central system to muscle for movement.

In the Samkhya model above, afferent relates to the Tanmatras, and efferent relates to the Karmendriyas.

SWARA YOGA

Swara yoga defines two kinds of energies which regulate our total being and when balanced create a harmonious existence. The two energies of consciousness and action infuse our entire system through the Nadis (subtle energy channels). The two main energy channels of Ida nadi (Solar) and Pingala nadi (Solar) need to be in balance to drive Prana through Shushmna nadi (the central and neutral subtle nerve channel) Swara yoga is the practice to harmonise the energies carried through Ida and Pingla.

SYMPATHETIC & PARASYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

The sympathetic nervous system is powered through stress and adrenalin and apart from organising the flight and fight response, also ensures homeostasis. This is a system to ensure certain bodily systems are maintained, such as a regular heartbeat and body temperature.

The parasympathetic nervous system is the bodies rest, relax and digest control system. The heart rate is lowered when the parasympathetic nervous system is active, and digestion is more effective.

The two systems are opposites and need to be balanced.

NERVE IMPULSES

As already stated, the two opposites of the afferent and efferent nerve impulses work better when balanced.

NADI SHUDDHI

The preparation

Take an upright seated posture that ensures the spine is erect, and the shoulders and head are straight.

Begin with an easy Samavritti (equal breath or a 1-1 ratio)
Practice for several minutes
Begin with a count that is sustainable, for example 4 in and 4 out
Gradually increase up to 10 in and 10 out
Be careful not to force the breath, and only increase if comfortable
Now with the right hand, place the ring and pointing finger at the eyebrow centre
The thumb closes the right nostril
The 4^th finger closes the left nostril
Begin by inhaling through the left nostril and exhale through the right
It’s important to begin with the left nostril as this will stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system
Now inhale through the right nostril and exhale through left
Continue to breathe as above with the 1-1 ratio, and take the count back to 4 in and 4 out
Gradually increase as above and add one or two counts to both breaths, up to about 10 or fifteen each side. Its important to make the number of counts sustainable, and it should be stated, the count is classically accurate.

NADI SHUDDHI

The practice stage 1.

Inhale left nostril and exhale right nostril and maintain the 1-1 ratio
This is the lunar cycle (parasympathetic system)
Inhale right nostril and exhale left and maintain the 1-1ratio
solar system (sympathetic system)
Practice until comfortable

Now add a visualisation to both rounds
On the inhale starting with the left nostril visualise an inverted silver
crescent at the pelvis
This is the water sign and one of the 5 Tattwas or elements
On the inhale begin the solar round by inhaling through the right nostril and visualise a red inverted triangle at the navel
This is the fire sign and one of the 5 Tattwas or elements

Practice daily gradually increasing the number of counts to about 20 each side.

The practice stage 2.

Once proficient add mantras to your practice