What Does
Bandha Mean?
A bandha is a lock or bind in yoga, which is performed in order to direct and regulate the flow of prana (life force energy) to certain parts of the body. Also referred to as an energetic lock, bandha was practiced by yogis of the past to promote energy flow and maintain optimal health.
Bandha is classified into four types: mula, uddiyana, jalandhara and maha. Each bandha is associated with a major energy channel and performance of a particular bandha will influence the flow of prana to that channel.
Bandha may also be called "energetic seal" by Western practitioners.
Yogapedia Explains Bandha
Practicing bandha involves concentrated muscular contractions. Performing these locks can aid the practitioner in improving their focus and supporting physical health.
The four bandhas are described as follows:
- Mula bandha: Mula is a Sanskrit word meaning "root." The "root lock," as it may also be called, involves contracting the perineum muscles inward, then lifting them upward to hold energy. Performing mula bandha promotes energy flow to the rectum, stimulating the pelvic muscles and urogenital organs. It also awakens the individual's kundalini power.
- Uddiyana bandha: Uddiyana is a Sanskrit word meaning "to rise up." In this second bandha, energy moves upward more forcefully than it does in mula bandha. Uddiyana bandha stimulates the abdominal muscles as they are pulled in, while the chest lifts upward. Though it is highly recommended for those struggling with constipation, uddiyana bandha can also boost the practitioner's metabolism and promote healthy function of the adrenal gland, thereby relieving stress and tension. It also energizes the heart chakra (anahata), promoting kindness and compassion.
- Jalandhara bandha: Jalandhara is a Sanskrit word derived from the roots jal, meaning "throat," and dhara, meaning "flow." It is performed by bringing the chin down towards the chest; therefore, it is also called the "chin lock." Practicing this bandha improves the function of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as supports the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
- Maha bandha: Maha is a Sanskrit word meaning "great." As such, this final bandha may also be called the "supreme bandha" or "triple lock." Maha bandha is named as such because it provides the health benefits of all three previous bandhas. Maha bandha is practiced by performing the first three bandhas simultaneously, beginning with jalandhara bandha and ending with mula bandha. These bandhas are released in the reverse order, with mula bandha first and jalandhara bandha last.
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