Last updated: December 21, 2023
What Does
Surya Nadi Mean?
In yoga, surya nadi is one of the three main channels of energy in the body. The term comes from the Sanskrit, surya, meaning “sun,” and nadi, meaning “channel” or “flow.” Surya nadi, also known as pingala nadi, is so-named because it is related to solar energy.
The nadis originate in the muladhara, or root, chakra and follow the length of the spine, traveling in and out of the chakras, or energy centers. It is believed that freeing the nadis of blockages promotes physical, mental and spiritual health by allowing the life force energy known as prana to flow throughout the body.
Yogapedia Explains Surya Nadi
The three main nadis are the surya (right), ida (left) and sushumna (central). Surya nadi and ida nadi mirror each other, with surya beginning to the right as it leaves muladhara and ida beginning to the left. Surya nadi exits through the right nostril, while ida ends at the left nostril. Sushumna travels straight up the spinal column to the crown chakra.
Surya nadi is believed to control vital physical processes in the body and is associated with strength, vitality and efficiency. As the extroverted, logical energy, it must be balanced by the introverted, creative ida nadi energy.
In yoga, surya nadi can be cleared through a breathing technique called surya bhedana pranayama, which employs only the right nostril for inhaling. Taking vishnu mudra and closing off the left nostril, the yogi takes a complete inhalation through the right nostril, holds the breath and then releases the left nostril while closing the right so that the exhalation is through the left nostril.
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