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Ida governs the left side of the body and pingala the right. This can be explained with the analogy of a magnet. If a magnet is cut in half, either end of the magnet assumes opposite polarity. Similarly, the body is polarized, so that pingala governs the right side and ida the left. The central axis of ida and pingala is sushumna. This nadi is the mystical path of yoga that flows in between ida and pingala. Sushumna rises straight up through the centre of the spine, meeting ida and pingala at the points where they cross the chakras, and uniting with them at ajna chakra.
Sushumna is the pathway through which the kundalini rises, and thus forms the basis for the progressive awakening of higher knowledge. However, this pathway remains dormant in most people until a higher state of evolution is reached. The inner structure of sushumna comprises three subtler nadis, which become active when sushumna is awakened. Inside sushumna is vajra nadi, within which lies chitra or chitrini nadi, and at the centre is brahma nadi, the subtlest flow. Brahma nadi is so called because the higher centres of consciousness are directly activated via this channel. When the kundalini shakti passes through this channel, transcendental experiences take place.
The locations of some the other major nadis are as follows: 1. Gandhari flows from the corner of the left eye to the left
big toe. It is situated on the side of ida and supports it.
Gandhari can be stimulated by baddha padmasana. 2. Hastijihva flows from the right eye to the left big toe and
carries energy to and from the lower part of the body. Hastijihva and gandhari support ida and together form
the left channel. 3. Yashaswini flows from the right big toe to the left ear and
supports pingala. 4. Pusha flows from the left big toe to the right ear. Pusha
and yashaswini support pingala and together form the
right channel. 5. Alambusha begins in the anus and terminates in the mouth. 6. Kuhu begins in the throat and terminates in the genitals.
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