Bhandas

The bhandas are the way of sealing energy in the body. The three primary bhandas are Mula bhanda, Udiana Bhanda, and Jalandahara Bhanda. The bhandas provide great strength allowing you to hold postures for longer periods and to achieve new goals in your yogic practice.

Mula bhanda is the area in-between your sphincter and genitals known as the perineum. Locking this area is done by drawing in and up on the muscles of the perineum. This lock seals in energy and provides protection from injury during yoga. Mula bhanda is the locking of the great seal. By closing this gate we keep precious energies in our body that stimulate our kundalini and increase our internal heat. This lower lock allows the energy from the lower dan tien (energy center) to rise and increase our inner power.

Udiana bhanda is the stomach lock. This is where we keep the muscles of the stomach drawn in and held lifted but not too tight. It is best to hold these bhandas throughout your practice so when holding a posture and breathing think about your bhandas.

Jalandahara Bhanda is the throat lock and is created by pressing the chin forward and then down. It is as if you held an imaginary orange beneath your chin against your throat. This lock is used primarily in pranayama practice and in some yogic asana. A more subtle version of this lock is held throughout the practice. The primary meridians meet at the base of the spine (sealed thru mula bhanda root lock) and at the roof of the mouth or palate and tongue. By pressing the tongue onto the roof of the mouth we connect our primary meridians (see microcosmic orbit) and allow our energy to begin to circulate.

The Bhandas are one of the primary keys to evolution in yogic practice and awareness. These great seals help to protect the body and stimulate the energy to rise and circulate in order to begin the process of awakening the kundalini and activating shushumna (the central channel) towards the eventual goal of enlightenment, longevity and vibrant health and happiness.