Page 15 - Lesson 22.xps

prāńāyāma MODULE-5
Yogic Practices

22.3 MEANING OF BANDHA

The bandhas are an important part of asana practice. The Sanskrit word Bandha
means to hold, tighten or lock. The bandhas aim to lock the Pranas in particular
areas and redirect their flow into Sushumna Nadi for the purpose of spiritual
awakening. Bandhas are the ‘body locks’ that are held by tightening and lifting
of certain muscles of the body.

There are three main bandhas: Jaladhara bandha (throat), Uddiyana bandha Note
(abdomen) and Moola bandha (located in the perineum).
Maha bandha is the combination of all three bandhas together.

Importance

1. These four techniques allow the practitioner to control different nerves and
organs of the body.

2. They also affect the chakras and release spiritual power by allowing
Kundalini flow up to Sushumna Nadi.

Jalandhara Bandha – The Chin Lock

Jalandhara bandha is one of the energetic locks used in a Hatha Yog practice. It
is also known as ‘chin lock’. The Sanskrit meaning of Jala is ‘web’ or ‘net’ and
dhara means ‘holding’. It is performed by extending the neck and elevating the
sternum before dropping the head so that the chin may rest on the chest.

Fig.22.13: Jalandhar Bandha

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