Beyond the anatomical structures we can observe visually, ancient traditions describe a complex system of subtle conductors. In these invisible layers, energy moves through specialized pathways known as nadis. In Sanskrit, the root “nad” signifies a continuous flow that nourishes and sustains all life. While Western medicine investigates nerve fibers, the study of nadis focuses on the subjective space of internal experiences, where every emotion and thought has its own trajectory of movement.
The Scale of the Subtle Network
The complexity of this system is vast; various canonical texts mention between 72,000 and 350,000 channels. However, despite this immense network, most practices concentrate on three primary highways: Sushumna, Ida, and Pingala. These act as the main arteries for the vertical rise of activated potency, distributing vital resources throughout the entire body. Understanding these three paths is key to managing one’s state during somatic sessions.
Ida: The Lunar Current of Stillness
Ida begins to the left of the base of the spine. It functions as a cooling, passive force, typically associated with parasympathetic activity. Through this channel flows lunar energy, which is responsible for intuition, the subconscious, and the capacity for deep relaxation. When Ida is dominant, a person feels calm and receptive. This creates the physiological environment for nervous system restoration, allowing muscles and tissues to release accumulated tension.
Pingala: The Solar Force of Action
Pingala begins to the right of the spine and is linked to the sympathetic division. This is a hot, active energy necessary for any external activity, concentration, and physical drive. It is often referred to as a masculine force, corresponding to logic and expression. Balancing Pingala is critically important; without its participation, a practice would be too sluggish, but its excess can lead to stress. Proper activation of this channel transforms touch into a conscious engagement with bodily sensitivity.
Sushumna: The Central Pillar of Light
Sushumna is the main channel that passes directly through the spinal column and pierces the centers of all the chakras. It is considered the most important highway, harmonizing the polarities of Ida and Pingala. It is through Sushumna that awakened energy ascends from the pelvic floor to the crown of the head. When this channel becomes active, one moves beyond the usual dualism of “pleasant-unpleasant,” immersing oneself in a state of unified presence.
Breath as a Regulator of Flows
The state of our energy channels is directly reflected in how we breathe. Ancient practitioners noticed that at any given moment, one nostril usually breathes more freely than the other, indicating the dominance of either Ida or Pingala. By consciously changing the breathing pattern, we can directly influence our state. This makes breathwork the primary method for creating an internal safety space and emotional resilience.
Nadi Shodhana: The Art of Purification
One can balance these channels independently using the exercise Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing). By closing one nostril and inhaling through the other, we harmonize the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This technique acts as a method for liberating energy paths from stagnation, clearing away the mental and emotional “clutter” that hinders the free movement of sensations. It prepares the body for a more intense somatic experience.
The Role of Breath Retention (Kumbhaka)
In advanced practices, Kumbhaka—breath retention on the inhale or exhale—is used. This allows one to direct concentrated energy specifically into the central Sushumna channel. Such a technique requires a high level of self-control and helps stabilize the process of free circulation of life forces. In somatic sessions, a simplified yet powerful application of this principle is the energetic movement through the central channel, which utilizes total-body tension to push energy upward. It teaches the mind to remain motionless and calm even during powerful internal experiences.
Awakening through Physical Activation
In yoni massage, it is extremely important to activate the movement of energy through the nadi channels before focused work begins. This is why, during a general full-body massage, an intense rubbing of the base of the spine is performed. This friction creates heat that stimulates the entrance to the Sushumna. This approach assists in quieting the mind for the sake of feeling the living body, switching the recipient’s attention from analysis to the direct sensation of the moment.
Unity of Channels and Experience Integration
When the solar and lunar currents are balanced, energy naturally enters the center. This union is not merely a physical phenomenon—it is a fundamental shift in perception. It allows the individual to integrate the experience gained, turning scattered sensations into a unified picture. Such harmony ensures the gradual assimilation of deep somatic changes, allowing the results of the practice to remain with the woman long after the session has ended.
