Kundalini Yoga Glossary
Sushumna
The central channel running along the spine, through which Kundalini energy is said to rise.
Meaning
What Sushumna Means
Sushumna is the central channel that follows the middle of the spine, one of the three main channels alongside Ida and Pingala, the left and right channels to either side of it. The body is described as a musical instrument of 72 strings, or meridians, each vibrating with the flow of prana; these are controlled by the three central channels, with Sushumna at the core.
Sushumna is considered the most important channel of spiritual energy in the body. It is through Sushumna that Kundalini energy is said to rise once it awakens at the base of the spine.
In Practice
How It’s Used
The Bandhas, the body's muscular locks, exist mainly to keep Sushumna open. Their contractions create enough pressure to encourage energy to move freely inside this channel, and each contraction also helps align the spine correctly, supporting a full flow of energy.
Because Kundalini energy rises through Sushumna, keeping the spinal column elongated and in alignment, through posture and through the Bandhas, is treated as essential to keeping this channel open.
