Understand Yourself Better: A Yogic Map of Body, Energy and Mind

Send us Fan Mail🎙️Show Notes SummaryIn this episode, we explore yoga’s subtle body through prana, the five vayus, nadis, koshas, chakras and kundalini. By connecting these concepts into one simple map, we discover how yoga can help us understand our body, energy and mind more clearly — and respond more appropriately to what we need.Keywordssubtle body yoga, prana, five prana vayus, nadis, five koshas, chakras, kundalini, yoga philosophy, subtle anatomy, energy body, yoga philosophy explained, self-awarenessKey TopicsThe five prana vayus and their functionsThe role of nadis as energy channelsThe five koshas as layers of experienceThe chakra system as a map of human developmentKundalini and the movement of energy through the chakra systemHow yoga philosophy and physical practice complement each otherUsing the yogic map to understand body, energy and mind more clearlyKey FrameworksFive Prana Vayus SystemNadi Energy Channels ModelFive Koshas — Layers of ExperienceChakra Development MapKundalini Energy SystemThe Yogic Map of Body, Energy and MindSound Bites“The philosophy gives us a map. The practices teach us how to read it.”“One prana. Five jobs. A humongous road network.”“The clearer we become about what we are experiencing, the more specifically we can respond.”Chapters00:00 Why the subtle body matters in everyday life02:07 Prana and the five prana vayus11:10 Nadis: the road network for prana19:36 The five koshas: layers of our experience27:26 Chakras as energy hubs and a map of development32:25 Kundalini and the central highway34:24 How yoga practice teaches us to read the map36:42 Using the yogic map to understand yourself betterResources mentioned in this episodeRead the accompanying article: Understand Yourself Better: A Yogic Map of Body, Energy and Mind https://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/yoga-subtle-body-prana-nadis-chakrasExplore meditation in more depth:Why Meditation Matters More Than Everhttps://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/why-meditation-matters-more-than-everCatch up with the chakra series:Mooladhara — Root Chakra Guidehttps://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/root-chakra-guideSwadhisthana — Sacral Chakrahttps://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/swadhisthana-chakra-healingManipura — Solar Plexus Chakrahttps://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/manipura-chakra-inner-fireAnahata — Heart Chakrahttps://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/anahata-chakra-heart-healingThe Higher Chakras: From Expression to Inner Awarenesshttps://www.zestforyoga.com/blog/vishuddha-ajna-chakrasJoin the Back to Rhythm Interest List:https://www.zestforyoga.com/back-to-rhythmDownload my free guide:5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Againhttps://pages.zestforyoga.com/5-ayurvedic-shiftsIf something in this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear from you. You can connect with me on Substack or send me an email — I always read them.And if you enjoyed the episode, follow or subscribe to Rooted in the Seasons so the next episode lands automatically for you.Until next time, stay rooted in the seasons.Back to Rhythm is my 12-week Yoga and Ayurveda programme to help you create daily rhythms that support steadier energy, better digestion and a clearer mind.Doors open in September 2026 after three years.Find out more: https://www.zestforyoga.com/back-to-rhythm🎁 Get my free guide: 5 Daily Ayurvedic Shifts to Feel Like Yourself Again Practical tips to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself — without overhauling your life. 👉 GET THE FREE GUIDE HERE🎙️ Rooted in the Seasons is created by Katja Patel at Zest for Yoga & Ayurveda. Explore more episodes at zestforyoga.com/podcast