nadi
|na-di|
/ˈnɑːdi/
flowing channel
Etymology
'nadi' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'nadī' (नदी), where it meant 'river' or 'stream'.
'nadi' entered English via Hindi/Urdu and transliterations of Sanskrit in colonial and later spiritual/yoga-Ayurveda literature (19th–20th century), becoming used in English particularly in the context of yoga and traditional Indian medicine.
Initially, it meant 'river' or 'stream' in Sanskrit, but over time—especially in English usage connected to yoga and Ayurveda—it has come to be used primarily for 'subtle energy channels' within the body's pranic system.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in yoga and Ayurvedic traditions, one of the subtle channels through which prana (life force) flows; a subtle energy pathway within the body's energetic system.
The practice aims to open the central nadi called sushumna.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 04:29