Jalandhar Bandh

In yoga there are three ways of blocking of energy at different locations of the body. These are known as bandhs.

This bandh can be achieved without getting into any asana pose. But generally, it is studied in Padmasan or any other asana specified for Dyana Process. Padmasana or Siddhasana are considered as the best positions to practice this bandh.

To perform the Bandh :

In this bandh, it is expected to contract the muscles of the neck and to press the chin firmly on to the depression at the end of the throat (jugular notch).

The neck is to be bent a little for achieving this bandh. But it should not be bent much. It is to be pressed onto the depression just as a spring is pressed with a little force. The release of the force brings the spring back into normal position. The same principle is to be applied in this bandh. Since all the muscles of the neck and the throat are contracted totally, a force is exerted onto the seven paths in the throat. The presence of the force interferes with the breathing process. Hence, this bandh is to be attained after Pooraka and is to be released before Rechaka. The bandh is necessary in Kumbhaka.

Duration :

This bandh is to be observed after Pooraka and before Kumbhaka. After Kumbhka, the bandh is to be released before practising Rechaka. Hence, the duration of Kumbhaka is the duration for this bandh too. Instead of practicing this bandh independently, it is to be practiced while practicing Pranayam.

Precaution :

The bandh is not to be practiced by persons suffering from breath related problems or high or low blood pressure, unless advised by the experts in the field. During Pranayam, the bandh is to be observed after Pooraka. Rechaka is to be practised after Kumbhaka, after releasing the bandh. Rechaka should not be observed while being in this bandh.