Therapies... - Yoga - A Theory

Yogic theory centres around the concept of "prana" and its relation to our energy system. Prana is similar to the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept of qi (pronounced "Chi"), or life force. Prana enters the body with each breath and circulates via "nadis" or energy pathways. The intricate network of the nadis system parallels that of your nervous system and every breath is able to bring vital energy to every cell.

The "ida", "pingala", and "shushumna" nadis move up through the centre of the body and intersect at one of seven chakras, or energy centres, that form a line from your pelvis to the crown of your head. An intricate understanding of the nadis forms the basis of the yoga breathing practice pranayama, described below.

The joints of your body are considered minor chakras that can be made more flexible and open to allowing an increased flow of prana through the body. Muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues that become more flexible are also able to balance and promote the flow of prana.