Background: Subtle energy system of human body is explained in two eastern philosophies. In Yoga, it is explained through Chakra, Nadi and Prana. The same concept is depicted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as dantian, meridian and Qi.
Objective: is to understand the subtle energy system of the human body using an energy model based on Yoga and TCM.
Materials and Methods: Traditional texts such as Upanishads, classical Yoga along with TCM texts were studied to provide a fuller understanding of the human bodys subtle energy system based on Chakra, dantian, Nadi, meridian, Prana and Qi.
Observations and results: Fourteen prominent Nadi are identified by Upanishads and major Yoga texts. TCM also recognises 14 main meridians. Nadi connect to higher centres in the head and to the gates of our body. In TCM, meridians originate or terminate from head region, hand and feet which are close to Nadi points.
Conclusion: Nadi and meridians are close to three Chakra groups or three dantians. Chakras and dantians are energy centres. Both share a similar function to move Prana or Qi energy through subtle channel of Nāḍī or meridian. Prana or Qi is the fundamental energy in the human subtle energy system recognised by Yoga and TCM.
Key words: Chakra, Dantian, Meridian, Nadi, Prana, Qi, TCM, Yoga
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