- Introduction
- 1. Jalandhar bandh (throat lock)
- 2. Uddiyan Bandh (Abdominal lock)
- 3. Mool bandh (Perineum lock)
- 4. Maha bandh (Great lock)
Bandh means to tie, to lock, to hold, to control, to arrest. They are Yoga activities. Physical and psychological behavior is controlled through these bandhs. The main purpose of a Bandh is to lock the vital pranic energy in particular area in the body and redirect its flow into the Sushumna nerve for the spiritual awakening.
They are four kinds:
1. Jalandhar bandh
2. Uddiyan bandh
3. Mool bandh
4. Maha bandh
1. Jalandhar bandh (throat lock):
Procedure:
Sitting either in Sukhasan or Padmasan, both the palms are placed on the knees. After breathing out and again breathed in, then the breath is withheld inside. The head is bent to maximum low and the chin is placed on the throat for the possible long time with eyes closed. Later slowly breathing out the head is gradually brought to the normal position. This is called one round. 3 to 4 such rounds are repeated.
Note: This can be practiced even by withholding the breath outside.
Awareness:
Throat
Advantages:
The problems of circulation, breathing and throat are cured. Anger, psychological depressions and tensions are reduced. Mind is relaxed. The thyroid (gland in throat) functioning is regularised.
Prohibition:
People suffering from cervical spondylitis, vertigo, high blood pressure or heart problems should not practice this.
2. Uddiyan Bandh (Abdominal lock):
Procedure:
Sitting either in Sukhasan or Padmasan or Vajrasan, both the palms are placed on knees. The air is inhaled and withheld inside. Later exhaling the air, the stomach is totally pressed and the navel sucked in and concentrated. Keeping the abdomen in this state for the possible time, then the air is inhaled and the abdomen is relaxed and expanded to its normal. This bandh can also be practiced in the standing position. This is the initial stage for Nauli kriya also.
Awareness:
Navel
Advantages:
Diseases of intestines, stomach and kidneys are controlled. Constipation is reduced. The extra fat in the stomach is also melted off. Blood sugar is normalized. Digestion improves so the body becomes energetic, active and alert.
Prohibition:
People suffering from ulcers, hernia, heart trouble, high BP, glucoma and pregnants should not attempt this bandh.
3. Mool bandh (Perineum lock):
Procedure:
Sitting either in Sukhasan or Padmasan, the anus and its surrounding areas are contracted in fully and the muscles there are sucked in and held for some time. Later they are relaxed to normal.
Awareness:
Anus
Advantages:
The intestines are cleaned. The inner Self is strengthened. Piles, fistula, fissures and other renal and urinary diseases are controlled.
4. Maha bandh (Great lock):
Procedure:
The combined practicing of Jalandhar, Uddiyan and Mool bandhs is called Maha bandh. Eyes are closed, during the practice of this bandh. Breathing out completely, head is bent, naval and anus areas are sucked in. Position is held till possible extent of time.
Awareness:
Throat, navel and anus (one after the other)
Advantages:
All the benefits of all the bandhs are derived from Maha bandh. Anger and fear are reduced.
Note: The bandhs are to be practiced after attending to the calls of nature with empty stomach. The above bandhs are to be practiced, in the beginning under the guidance of Yoga experts.
By practicing the above bandhs, the practitioner overcomes the fear of death. Therefore these bandhs may be learnt and may be utilized for the peaceful and fearless life.