Bandhas in Yoga - Yogic Locks

Photo Credit : frankdasilva ~ Flickr

Bandhas play an important part in Yoga. Bandha is a sanskrit word which means lock or blockage or a knot. They are traditionally practiced to lock the pranic energy and thereby enhancing the effects of the accompanying pose or pranayama. Bandhas are practiced after exhalation and on completion inhalation is done.

Practicing Bandhas help in controlling physical, emotional and psychic functions and when done properly for a long time and under proper guidance helps in rising the life force energy (Kundalini) to the top most chakra.

Bandhas helps gain more control on the psychic level and the awareness level. As per yogic theory there are two nadis( channels) of energy flows which are ida and pingala. When the energy flow between these is balanced the energy flow gets directed to a third channel which is known as susumna. There are seven chakras where the ida and pingala nadis meet. The pranic energy (Life force) flows through these chakras but for normal person they are not in our control.

Practicing asana and prayama gradually balances the energy flow in the ida and pingala and gradually energy starts flowing through a third channel called Susumna channel. When this happens Kundalini gets awakened and gradually reaches the highest chakra in the brain which is called Sahasrar chakra. This is the ultimate aim of yoga practice. Practicing the bandhas help in rising of the Kundalini through the chakras and take it to the highest chakra. This provides liberation to the yogi.

There are three Bandhas which are as follows:

Moola Bandha
Here the perineum region (region between the anus and the reproductive organ) is contracted and hence helps in controlling the sexual energy. When sexual energy is controlled it starts rising above. This bandha is associated with two chakras, Mooldhara and Swadhistan chakras. People with problem of either impotency or too much sexual urges should practice this bandha.

Uddiyan Bandha
In this Bandha, the navel is pulled inwards and the stomach region is locked. This is associated with Manipur and Anahata chakras. This region controls the digestion process and the emotions.

Jalandhar Bandha In this Bandha, the chin is touched to the throat thereby locking the neck region. This is related to Vishuddhi and Ajna chakras. This bandha is associated with upper body glands like thyroid, pituitary and pineal glands. This affects the thinking and the perception or universe and the environment apart from enhancing the functioning of these glands.

When these Bandhas are practiced together it is known as Maha Bandha (Big Lock).

Related Posts
Importance of Solar Plexus