Energy Anatomy

The foundation of all life, of the whole universe, is the subtle life force energy the yogis call ‘prana.’ This mystical energy flows through our bodies and generates our every action – from gross physical movements to minute biochemical processes.Hatha and Tantra yogas have developed a rich description of the anatomy of the subtle or energy body, including the different types of energies, the nadi energy channels and chakra energy centers. These yogas have also developed various methods to increase, cultivate and direct this spiritual energy.

The Flow of Prana

The foundation of all life, of the whole universe, is the subtle life force energy that yogis call “prana.” This mystical energy flows through our bodies and generates our every… Read More→

The Power of Shakti

Shakti is the dynamic force animating all of creation, which gives us life and moves the planets in a cosmic dance called “lila.” This universal energy is considered feminine in… Read More→

The Mysterious Kundalini

Kundalini is a dormant spiritual energy, often described as a serpent coiled up at the base of the spine. This serpent guards the entrance of susumna, the central energy channel,… Read More→

The Seven Chakras

Through inner attunement, the ancient yogis were able to perceive the energetic basis of all matter.  The seven chakras or energy centers comprise their model of the energetic or subtle… Read More→

Using Mula Bandha, the Root Lock

Mula bandha is one of the three “locks” used in hatha yoga to locally contain the flow of energy or prana. The three bandhas are typically used in advanced pranayama,… Read More→

The Five Vayus

Through their exploration of the body and breath, the ancient yogis discovered that prana (life force energy) could be further subdivided into energetic components they called Vayus (winds). The five… Read More→

Mudras

Mudras (gesture, seal) are subtle physical movements of the hands, face, and or body. Complex mudras involve the whole body in a combination of asana, pranayama, bandha and visualization, while… Read More→

Jalandhara Bandha, the Throat Lock

Bandhas are energetic locks that contain the prana in the torso and concentrate it in the three main energy channels (nadis) of the body. Jalandhara (upward pulling net) bandha can… Read More→

New to Yoga?

To get the most out of our site, we suggest you take some time to explore before jumping into the practice. Browse our yoga 101 section for general info on the history and types of yoga, then start exploring asanas the physical postures used in hatha yoga. Remember to breathe and always start your yoga practice with a brief meditation. If you are new to yoga, please read our Yoga for Beginner's page

Yogic Wisdom

When we finally admit that there are things about ourselves we cannot see, there arises a possibility to begin to take responsibility for our lives and, in so doing, to open ourselves to more understanding, more heartbreak, more challenge, more expansion, and a greater ability to serve humanity in progressively deeper ways.
- Mariana Caplan

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