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In India a psycho-spiritual science (called "pranayama") developed around the concept of energy (called "prana"),
the little rivers the energy flowing within our bodies (called "nadis"), and the major energy plexuses
(called "chakras"). We can call this a science because it meets the classic requirements of any scientific
investigation; a model is posited that predicts certain testable behaviors, which can be verified by anyone
who duplicates the conditions of the inquiry. The challenge is - very few people are equipped with, or can
develop, the abilities to meet these conditions of inquiry.
A Western definition of energy is the ability to do work. An Eastern explanation is not so different;
energy allows us to be, to live, and act in the world. Just as we use the term "energy" to denote all
the various kinds of energies that exist, so too in the yogic models one term is used to encapsulate all
of the various kinds of energies. This one word is prana.
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An understanding of prana is important for the yogi. The control of our energies, our prana, allows us to
maintain or improve our health, to provide the energy needed to delve deeper into the mysteries of our
existence, and to calm the inner winds that blow our minds from one thought to another. Yin Yoga helps
us to manage our pranic energies in several ways. But before we learn how to release or restrain these
energies, it is valuable to understand a bit more about prana, the channels along which it flows, and
the major plexuses that bridge our various bodies.
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