Yoga Anatomy: The Energy Body

Subtle and life force energy (prana) exists everywhere.  It's in our bodies, the air, sunlight, water, and food.  Prana is what keeps the body alive.  This life force energy is what distinguishes a live body from a dead one - it keeps the heart beating and the organs functioning.

Within the Yoga Anatomy section, you will find information that guides exploration of the chakras and nadis, our energy centers and energy channels within the body.

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The Nadis

As yoga practitioners, much of our practice is focused on harnessing the energy of Prana within the body in order to nourish the physical, mental, and spiritual levels of our being.  

When mapping the flow of energy, we identify tens of thousand of channels (or rivers) within the body called Nadis.  In sanskrit the word "nadi" means "river".  The vast network of the nadis intertwines and intersects, focusing around three main channels.  These channels create an integrated, conscious, and vital whole.

The Chakras

At the central Shushumna Nadi, exists seven spinning energy centers called Chakras.  Chakras are organizing centers for the reception, assimilation, and transmission of life energies.  The chakras as a system formulates an intelligent connect of mind, body, and spirit.

Chakra in sanskrit means "wheel" or "disc".  Within each of these spinning wheels, are the master programs that govern our life, love, learning, and illumination.

The Bandhas

Bandha means "lock" or "bondage".  Reference of the bandhas is assigned to energetic or muscular engagement of a specific area within the body.  

​The bandhas are engaged to contain our energy and 'lock' the channels during practice - generally asana or pranayama.  Utilizing, or locking, the bandhas enables us to direct our energy and strengthen concentration and control as well as provide energetic + structural support to postures.

Enroll for the 15 hour ONLINE Energetics course!