Bandhas for a deeper yoga practice

In Sanskrit bandha means to lock, to hold, or to tighten. There are three main bandhas in the body that are used in yoga classes all the time. There is also a fourth that ties them all together. Ancient yoga philosophers believed that when you mastered the bandhas, you mastered your yoga practice. Holding the bandhas helps to regulate the energy flow within the body. They also help you to concentrate, to control your breath and to keep the mind calm. Physiologically they help to regulate many internal systems:
• Metabolic and digestive systems.
• Helps to engage your core which protects the back and greatly aids your ability in certain poses.
• The Bandhas momentarily stop the flow of blood; there is an increased flow of fresh blood with the release of the Bandha, which flushes away old, dead cells. In this way all the organs are strengthened, renewed and rejuvenated and circulation is improved.
• Using the bandhas is the key to many poses such as arm balancing.
Mula Bandha: Mula bandha is an upward lift at the pelvic floor, between the genitals and the anus.Mula means root in Sanskrit. This root lock located at the Muladhara chakra should be held throughout your yoga practice. Keeping your energy or prana in during practice means you’re less likely to become fatigued during class, you’ll be able to hold poses longer and find more ease in your practice.

Uddiyana Bandha: In Sanskrit uddiyana means to fly up, or to rise up. The upward flying lock engages just below the belly button where the abdominal muscles will pull inward and up. Becoming proficient at uddiyana bandha can really transform your practice. Uddiyana Bandha is also good for increasing metabolism, relieving stress and getting super strong abs!

Jalandhara Bandha: In Sanskrit jal means throat and so this bandha is often referred to as throat lock. This lock regulates the energy in the nerves and blood vessels of the neck.This bandha is normally used in certain breathing exercises, and not usually seen in conjunction with typical yoga poses.

Maha Bandha:  Maha in Sanskrit means great, and Maha Bandha is the combination of all three aforementioned bandhas.This will bring the benefits of all three bandhas, helping to regulate the endocrine system and gain better control of the breath. This means your prana will be flowing more easily within and you will have greater energy and a calmer mind. Maha Bandha also prepares you for higher practices of meditation.

By using the bandhas within your practice, you will begin to notice a shift in your energy levels and where your prana is directed. Take it slow and you will realize that you won’t even have to focus on activating the bandha after some time, your body will do it naturally and your practice will flourish.

Love and Light, Shalini