Exploring Bandhas: Unlocking Your Inner Power

In yoga, the bandhas, or energy locks, play a crucial role in harnessing and channelling the flow of prana (life force energy) within the body. They support us in breaking through the psychic and mental blocks (knots/granthis) that get in the way of an individual soaring to liberation.

So, if you are looking to have a breakthrough and level up your experience of this life, it’s so important to add Bandhas into your practice.

Introduction to the Bandhas

"Bandh" means to lock and the bandhas are energetic seals or locks that regulate the flow of prana and redirect it along the subtle energetic pathways (nadis) of the body. There are three primary bandhas:

Mula Bandha (Root Lock)

Mula Bandha is located at the pelvic floor, specifically the perineum (the area between the genitals and anus). Engaging Mula Bandha involves lifting and contracting the muscles of the pelvic floor, creating a sense of upliftment and containment.

Uddiyana Bandha (Abdominal Lock)

Uddiyana Bandha is situated in the abdomen, just below the navel. To engage Uddiyana Bandha, practitioners draw the abdominal muscles in and up towards the spine, creating a hollowing effect in the belly and lifting the diaphragm.

Jalandhara Bandha (Throat Lock)

Jalandhara Bandha is located at the throat region. This bandha is performed by gently lowering the chin towards the chest and drawing the chin up towards the throat, creating a slight compression in the throat area.

Benefits of Practising the Bandhas

Enhances Energy Flow

By engaging the bandhas, practitioners can enhance the flow of prana within the body and encourage its upward movement along the spine, increasing vitality, and promoting overall wellbeing.

Improves Stability & Alignment

The bandhas provide internal support and stability, helping practitioners to maintain proper alignment in yoga poses, preventing strain or injury.

Engaging the bandhas allows you to deepen your practice and creates a strong foundation from which to explore more advanced asanas.

Improves Endocrine System Function

The bandhas stimulate the glands and organs of the endocrine system, including the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands.

This can help to regulate metabolism, balance hormones and improve physiological function overall.

Balances Emotions

The bandhas have a subtle yet profound effect on the mind, helping to calm the nervous system, balance emotions, and promote mental clarity and focus.

Regular practice of the bandhas can lead to a greater sense of inner peace, and self-awareness.

Expands Conscious State

The practice of Bandhas can support practitioners in going beyond the mind and accessing deeper states of meditation.

How to Incorporating the Bandhas into Your Practice

Beginner's Approach

Start by practising each bandha individually, focusing on isolating and engaging the specific muscle groups involved. Gradually incorporate the bandhas into your yoga practice, starting with simple poses and gradually progressing to more advanced ones.

Intermediate Practice

Explore the simultaneous engagement of multiple bandhas during yoga poses and pranayama techniques. Experiment with holding the bandhas for longer durations and combining them with breath retention (kumbhaka) to deepen your experience.

Advanced Exploration

For experienced practitioners, dive deeper into the subtle nuances of the bandhas, exploring their effects on the energetic body (pranamaya kosha) and their relationship to the chakras and nadis. Work with a knowledgeable teacher to refine your understanding and practice of the bandhas.

Precautions & Considerations

• Practitioners with certain medical conditions, such as pelvic floor dysfunction or high blood pressure, should approach the practice of the bandhas with caution and seek guidance from a healthcare provider.
• It's essential to approach the practice of the bandhas with mindfulness, sensitivity, and respect for your body's limitations. Avoid forcing or straining the muscles, and listen to your body's feedback during practice.

The bandhas offer a profound pathway to unlocking the body's inner power, vitality, and wisdom and by incorporating the practice of bandhas into our yoga routine, we can deepen our connection to the subtle body and awaken the flow of prana more and more, leading to greater stability, vitality, and transformation on and off the mat.

Visit the kriya lab to refine your practice of the bhandas with Saraswati.