Bandha

     In Sanskrit, Bandha means "to lock," "to hold," or "to tighten" and also refers to a lock in and of itself.

     Traditionally this practice is classified as a Mudra and is paired with other Mudras as well as Pranayama practices. This practice is often the first practiced given to a practitioner, because each practice should be preformed and mastered as an individual practice before combining this practice with Mudras and Pranayamas, Kriyas and when mastered used during a Yoga Asana practice.

     These practices are described in the following Yogic text - Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita and the Shiva Samhita, in the text this practice is classified as Bandha Mudra or Body Lock Gesture. 

     Preforming these body locks gives the practitioners the ability to draw Kundalini Shakti up through Sushumna Nadi or the main energetic pathway within the spinal column.

     These practices also give the practitioners the ability to lock or hold Prana meaning "life force energy" at the location of the practice.

     Each practice is associated with a Granthi meaning "knot" and is a psychic blockage that needs to be removed. These body locks help you regulate and control all your internal systems - metabolic, digestive, hormonal, sexual, and more.

Precautions with this practice


  • Preform the practices on an empty stomach.
  • Do not hold the breath if you have high blood pressure or any heart related issue.
  • Follow any other precautions with each individual practice.


  • Bandha and the spiritual path


         With these practices, the practitioner temporarily blocks Prana and controls it in the area of the blockage. When the practice is released Prana is allowed to flow more freely with increased force throughout the entire body. During each practice it is best to use Dharana meaning "concentration" which can lead to an experience of Pratyahara meaning "the withdrawal of the five senses."

         The goal of each practice is to awaken and redirect Prana into Sushumana Nadi or the central Nadi located in the spine which brings about compassion, wisdom and Self-Realization.

    The Practice of Bandha Mudra

         The three practices, Jalandhara, Uddyiana and Mula Bandhas are associated with the three Granthis or psychic knots.


  •  Jalandhara Bandha interacts with Rudra Granthis, this psychic knot is associated with Vishuddhi Chakra as well as Ajna Chakra and these two Chakras sustain the Vijnanamaya Kosha meaning "the mental body."


  • Uddyiana Bandha interacts with Vishnu Granthis, this psychic knot is associated with Manipura Chakra as well as Anahata Chakra. Manipura Chakra sustains the Pranamaya Kosha meaning "the energy body," Anahata Chakra sustains the Manomaya Kosha meaning "the mental body" and the tow Chakras work together to sustain the Annamaya Kosha meaning "the physical body."


  • Mula Bandha interacts with Brahma Granthis, this psychic knot is associated with Muladhara Chakra as well as Svadhisthana Chakra. When this knot has been released, Kundalini Shakti meaning "primal energy" is now able to move from Muladhara Chakra and Svadhisthana Chakra without being pulled back down. 

  • Bandha Practices

    Mula Bandha

    Mula
    Bandha

       This body lock helps to rise Kundilini energy up from the Root Chakra as well as activating this Chakra.

    Jalandhara Bandha

    Jalandhara Bandha

       This body lock activates the Throat Chakra while controlling Prana within the body.

    Uddiyana Bandha

    Uddiyana
    Bandha

       This body lock activates the Solar Plexus Chakra while improving digestion. 

    Maha Bandha

    Maha Bandha

       This body lock incorporates Mula, Jalandhara an Uddiyana Bandhas that are practiced at the same time.

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