Granthis: the nature of factors that inhibit upward energy flow and the keys to overcoming them

Yoga techniques — and yogic philosophy as a whole — help many people solve problems and overcome obstacles regarding physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual development as well as social interaction. At times, even experienced practitioners encounter invisible barriers on their path of self-development that hinder their future progress in yoga and self-growth. On the subtle plane, these barriers are linked to the body's energy knots — places where the energy channels (NADIS) are most closely intertwined — and manifest as physical ailments, emotional attachments and instability, fanaticism, spiritual pride, and crises of meaning/faith.

In this article, we will cover these matters in more detail along with the concept of granthis ("energy knots"), their various types, and the methods for working with them.

When translated fr om Sanskrit, "granthi" means 'knot' or 'link.' In yoga, granthi knots refer to places wh ere the energetic channels are tightly intertwined within the human subtle body (PRANAMAYA-KOSHA). Like the circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems and their countless pathways and branches, the subtle body possesses a system of channels (nadis) which facilitate the vital energy's flow.

According to ancient yogic texts, there are three primary channels:

• the central channel, Sushumna, runs inside the spinal column fr om the coccyx to the crown of the head, connecting the seven chakras (energy centers) fr om Muladhara to Sahasrara;
• the Pingala channel — the solar warming channel associated with activity and the sympathetic nervous system — runs along the right side.
• the Ida channel — the lunar cooling channel associated with perception and the parasympathetic nervous system — is located along the left side.

Located along the central channel are the seven chakras — Muladhara, Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Ajna, and Sahasrara — each symbolizing a key aspect of physiology and consciousness. In places wh ere the three channels are most tightly connected, knots form; these knots, or granthis, embody the quintessence of the seven chakras and represent the most difficult milestones on the evolution of the consciousness and the rise of energy (prana) from the lower energy centers to the upper ones.

In total, there are three such knots — Brahma-granthi, Vishnu-granthi, and Rudra-granthi — the detailed descriptions and purposes of which we will determine in the next section.

Three energy knots are distinguished in the body, each with a fairly specific location, function, means of manifestation, and variations ranging from normality to imbalance. As you'll soon see, there are methods for working with them to overcome stagnation and achieve harmony.

Types of granthis:

1. Brahma-granthi.

This granthi, located at the level of the Muladhara chakra, is the first knot on the path of Kundalini energy; if a blockage exists here, the energy cannot flow further and development stops within the realm of the first three chakras, preventing a person from identifying completely with their physical body. On one hand, the soul takes on a physical incarnation to gain experience and evolve using the human body; on the other hand, the material world inevitably conditions people and their consciousness, most often toward materialism, so a strong attachment on the physical plane may halt all spiritual development. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain balance in life by working with elements such as this. The Brahma-granthi knot is responsible for survival and is closely connected to the needs for security, stability, food, sleep, and sex. While grounding oneself in the physical world is necessary for one's survival, this can backfire by binding them to material desires and pleasures. In such cases, the consciousness gets stuck at the level of the first three chakras (Muladhara, Svadhisthana, Manipura) and, by anchoring consciousness in the material realm, Brahma-granthi compels the person to identify solely with their physical body. Here, the guna of ignorance (Tamas) dominates, allowing inertia, laziness, dullness, and attachment to comfort and stability to prevail. Contact with the object of enjoyment occurs through the sense organs (eyes, nose, ears, tongue, skin), therefore controlling the senses is one of the key tools for untying the knot of Brahma-granthi.

If energy is blocked at the level of this knot, the following will manifest:

• physical inertia;
• obsessive thoughts about money and savings;
• greed;
• inability to take risks;
• eating disorders;
• fixation on sex or, conversely, its complete rejection;
• fear of death.

In addition to controlling the sense organs, the Brahma-granthi knot can be untied using the following techniques: asanas, pranayamas, meditation and visualization, manageable displays of asceticism, and working with your fears.

The result is a conscious balance between the material and spiritual planes, as well as the ability to master physical desires without becoming attached.

2. Vishnu-granthi.

Located at the level of the Anahata chakra, this knot influences the formation of our relationships with the world, other people, and ourselves. It's connected to love and emotional attachment and regulates various boundaries, both mental and emotional.

The dominant guna here is Rajas, the guna of passion, which manifests as a desire to possess and control. Individuals affected by this knot think in terms of social roles (son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, boss, subordinate, citizen, friend, etc.) which lim it their ability to view the world impartially, without the filter of emotional reactions. For them, self-esteem depends solely on others' approval and recognition as well as the affection of loved ones.

At the level of this knot, kindness, compassion, loyalty, mercy, and generosity all manifest; it is important, however, that these feelings promote an individual's growth rather than becoming heavy shackles.

This is the second knot on the path of Kundalini energy, and blockages here manifest as emotional instability, codependency in relationships, an inability to forgive, the desire to manipulate, jealousy, possessiveness, feelings of pity toward oneself and others, and a fierce thirst for recognition; on the physical level, they arise in the form of issues with the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, the thoracic spine, and the arms.

To untie this knot, various yoga practices (asanas, pranayama, meditation), periods of solitude (retreats), conscious communication, and mindful work with emotions are all suitable. As a result, unconditional love and understanding are developed.

3. Rudra-granthi.

This energetic knot, located at the level of the Ajna chakra (the "third eye"), is the last on the path of Kundalini; it governs intellect and intuition and is linked to brain activity and self-identification.

As energy moves from Brahma-granthi to Rudra-granthi, gradually becoming more refined, it shifts from physical attachments to subtler layers and, rather than becoming easier to manage, requires more special attention and vigilance than before. This final energy knot can prove to be the most sophisticated trap since it is entwined with the subtle ego.

On the level of Rudra-granthi, the guna of goodness (Sattva) is dominant; however, even within this state, attachments to one's own spirituality, abilities, and achievements, as well as a false sense of superiority, can arise. A blockage in this area drives the individual to identify with their mind, convictions, concepts, and beliefs.

Attempts to untie Rudra-granthi may trigger a concern about losing one's identity, a fear of death, and an illusion of separation from the Universe. Blockages at this level manifest as headaches, insomnia, chronic fatigue, problems with eyesight, loss of interest in everyday life combined with attempts to escape into spiritual practices, fanaticism, and attachment to achievements or, conversely, their denial (imposter syndrome).

Individuals perform yoga asanas, practice pranayama, meditate, and interact with a spiritual teacher or mentor to untie this knot. Untying this knot leads to the practitioner's union with the Universe, making all distinctions and boundaries disappear and allowing a state of an observer/witness to develop.

When untying knots, practitioners often turn to universal practices.

• Yoga asanas. When working with Brahma-granthi, prioritize grounding asanas (e.g. Virabhadrasana, Vrikshasana, Malasana, Savasana); when working with the Vishnu-granthi, perform backbends (Bhujangasana, Matsyasana, Ustrasana); and, when working with the Rudra-granthi, focus on inversions (Viparita Karani, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Sirsasana).
• Pranayamas. For Brahma-granthi, Anapanasati and Kapalabhati are suitable; for Vishnu-granthi — Anuloma-viloma, Bhramari, Ujjayi; and, for Rudra-granthi — Bhastrika, Kevala-kumbhaka, Nadi-shodhana.
• Meditation and visualization. For the first knot, use meditation on the Muladhara chakra and Yoga Nidra; for the second — Metta meditation and forgiveness meditation; for the third — Vipassana, Trataka, and meditation on emptiness.
• Shatkarmas — yogic cleansing techniques.
• Adherence to the ethical principles of Yama and Niyama.
• Other practices. In order to hear, understand yourself, and gain insight into your inner world, it's crucial to occasionally undergo (or independently organize) RETREATS that involve withdrawing from communication and interaction with the outside world; the practice of silence is always beneficial. Additionally, volunteering for charitable projects, spreading sound knowledge, and fostering awareness in the outside world will help you develop altruism and grow a spirit of service. Connecting with teachers and like-minded individuals — especially in person — will allow you to exchange experiences, gain inspiration, and strengthen your commitment to the path of yoga. Writing exercises aimed at processing emotions (such as fear, resentment, anger, etc.) will also help you abandon negative traits and move on to virtuous ones.

When working with the body's energy knots, practitioners, especially beginners, often make mistakes that not only hinder progress but actually cause harm. To avoid this, do not rush the body's process for working through these energy centers or for clearing internal obstacles; stay patient, knowing that a gradual increase in pace will help gain a much firmer foothold on the path of self-development.

If persistent, unusual symptoms arise (prolonged insomnia or loss of appetite, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, etc.), you must pause the practice or decrease its intensity and duration.

Spiritual practices can and should be integrated into everyday life rather than set in opposition to it; only this way can true balance be achieved.

Advice for beginners. As always, it is important to gradually increase the intensity of your practice and prepare to work with all knots simultaneously rather than thinking you'll address them one by one, mastering each one quickly and without setbacks. The systems, energy shells, and energetic channels of the body are all interconnected and directly influence each other, so a comprehensive approach is essential in this case. And, since not only physical exercises but also more subtle, complex techniques are performed, the help and guidance of an experienced instructor or senior practitioner will be truly vital on this path, helping you gain confidence and avoid mistakes.

Working with the subtle structures of the body requires special attention and awareness, seeing as it leads to profound changes that you must be prepared for. As a result of working with these knots, various attachments and fixations — material, emotional, or mental ones alike — disappear, illusions are destroyed, one gains an understanding of themself and their purpose, and the true nature of reality is made beautifully clear.

Have a wonderful practice and support other like-minded people on their journey!