 The Sanskrit word Bandha means to 'hold', 'tighten' or 'lock'. These definitions precisely describe the physical action involved in the Bandha practices and their effect on the Pranic body. The Bandhas aim to lock the Prana in particular areas and redirect their flow into the Sushumna Nadi for the purpose of spiritual awakening.
There are four Bandhas: Jalandhara Bandha, Moola Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Maha Bandha. The last of these is a combination of the first three.
Traditionally, Bandhas were classified as part of Mudras, and were handed down by word of mouth from guru to disciple. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika deals with Bandhas and Mudras together and the ancient Tantric texts also make no distinction between the two. Bandhas are extensively incorporated in Mudra as well Pranayama techniques. Their locking action however reveals them as a fundamentally important group of practices in their own right.
Bandhas are very powerful practices and should only be practiced by those who are advanced in Yoga and living a very Sattvic lifestyle (i.e. a pure vegetarian diet, free from alcohol and stimulants).
Jalandhara Bandha
Jalandhara Bandha is the chin lock. The 'Jala’ refers to the brain and to the nerve passing through the neck. 'Dhara' denotes upward pull. Through the practice of Jalandhara Bandha, the prana is prevented from flowing upward.
This practice produces mental relaxation, relieving stress, anxiety and anger. It develops meditative introversion and one-pointedness. The stimulus on the throat helps to balance thyroid function and regulate the metabolism.
Moola Bandha
Moola Bandha is the anal lock. It involves forcibly contracting the anal sphincter along with concentration of the sphincter muscles.
Moola Bandha bestows many physical, mental and spiritual benefits. It stimulates the pelvic nerves and tones the uro-genital and excretory systems. Intestinal peristalsis is also stimulated, relieving constipation and piles. It is also beneficial for anal fissures, ulcers, and prostatitis. Its effects spread throughout the body via the brain and endocrine system making it very beneficial in cases of asthma, bronchitis and arthritis.
It helps to relieve sexual frustration, suppression of sexual energy and feelings of sexual guilt.
Uddiyana Bandha
This is a standing abdominal contraction. First, empty the lungs by a strong and forcible expiration. When the lungs are empty, the diaphragm rises naturally into thoracic cavity. Draw the intestines and the navel up towards the back, so that the abdomen rests against the back of the body high in the thoracic cavity.
Uddiyana Bandha is the panacea for many abdominal and stomach ailments, including constipation, indigestion, worms and diabetes, provided they are not chronic. The digestive fire is stimulated and the abdominal organs are all massaged and toned. The adrenal glands are balanced, removing lethargy and soothing anxiety and tension.
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