NadiVigyan, an ancient science described in Hatha Yogic and Ayurvedic scriptures, has a wide range of benefits in curing various illnesses, especially spinal disorders. The human body has around 72,000 nadis. To maintain good health, one needs free flow of prana (air) inside the nadis. Through NadiVigyan techniques, we channelise the free flow of prana inside the body with the help of some specific asanas or with special equipment.

The subject was discussed in detail during the webinar on ‘NadiVigyan: A complete solution for spinal disorders’ held by the Tourism Ministry under its Dekho Apna Desh webinar series. The session was moderated by Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, and presented by Dr Laxminarayan Joshi, Dean, Student Welfare, Founder and Faculty Head of Dept. of Yogic Science, Uttarakhand Sanskrit University. Dr Arpita Negi, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Yoga Studies and Coordinator, ICDEOL, Himachal Pradesh University, was another prominent speaker.

According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas or basic elements in human body namely Vata (air, ether), Pitta (Fire, water) and Kapha (Earth, water). While an imbalance of Vata elements can cause up to 80 disorders in the human body, the imbalance of Pitta can cause up to 40 disorders and Kapha up to 20 disorders in the human body. Ayurveda states that the diet plan of an individual should be made in consideration to the body type in sync with these elements. For example, hyper-acidity in a person may be due to imbalance or excess of Pitta in the body. Therefore, he/she should take alkaline food in his diet which neutralizes the acidity and balances the Pitta element.

Nadi Parikshan (pulse diagnosis) helps in determining the problems or disorders caused due to the imbalance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The origin point of Nadi is called Kandasthana, the navel area which is the central power of the human body. A baby in the mother’s womb gets nourishment from the umbilical cord which is also connected to navel of the baby.

“Our body consists of 72,000 nadis (channels) which spring from three basic nadis – the left, the right and the central. (Ida, Pingala, Sushumna),” said Dr Joshi.

The word “nadi” does not mean nerve. Nadis are pathways or channels of prana in the system. There are 72,000 different ways in which the energy or prana moves. If the pranic energy is moving through left nasal passage i.e. through Ida Nadithen, the body will be more suitable for performing subtle exercises like Yoga. Similarly, if the pranic energy is moving through right nasal passage i.e. through Pingala Nadi, then the body will be suitable for performing energetic exercises and if the pranic energy is flowing through middle passage i.e. through Sushumna Nadi, then it is suitable for spiritual exercises. All these three nadis are connected to the spinal cord of the body.

Spinal disorders are caused due to the irregular body alignment and it may cause hindrance to the functioning of other organs as most of them are connected to the spinal cord. Dr Joshi explained techniques to instantly cure patients from lower back pain and various other back problems.

The practice of Yoga allows free flow of energy inside the nadi and helps in detoxifying them. According to Hatha Yoga, we can maintain the blood flow through specific nadis by performing few asanas. Dr Arpita Negi explained how performing various asanas like Makarasana (crocodile pose) which is also called as natural alignment pose, bhujangasana (snake pose), shavasana and bhujang shavasana help in curing the various spinal disorders and problems.

Dekho Apna Desh Webinar Series is an effort by the Tourism Ministry to showcase India’s rich diversity and culture to the world through virtual platform.