A bandha is a contraction that acts as an internal energy gate within the subtle body to regulate the flow of prana (energy).
There are three essential bandhas:
1. Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock)
2. Uddiyana Bandha (upward flying lock or abdominal lift)
3. Mulabandha (root lock)
Mulabandha:
-will not have many benefits without a practice of pranayama and meditation.
-will decrease the downward flow of prana (energy), while increasing the rise of prana in the spinal nerve.
-at the beginning, mulabandha might be awkward to hold.
-with practice, we learn to hold mulabandha during the entire pranayama practice.
-during meditation, we do not favor or fight mulabandha; during meditation, we do not intentionally do any of the practices we do during pranayama.
Technique: While sitting comfortably for pranayama, lightly contract the anal sphincter muscle and hold it lightly. It is barely beyond an intention to a simple physical sensation.
Tip: If it is very difficult to maintain mulabandha, simply start to learn this technique by applying the contraction with each inhalation during pranayama. This rhythmic contraction of the anal sphincter is called asvini mudra (the horse gesture or sign).
Note: As long there is some flexing, mulabandha will be effective. In time, it becomes automatic and more subtle, as it is just another element of the internal neuro-biology.
More lessons of Advanced Yoga Practices at www.aypsite.com
Good habits:
· Deep meditation gives consistent results when practiced regularly. Excellent progress will be made when you sit for two 20-minute meditations, in the morning and in the evening, every day.
· If you have not done it, this week find a place in your home where you can meditate without many interruptions. It could be on your bed, on the floor sitting on a couple of pillows, on a chair, or in any other place you feel comfortable to sit for 20 minutes. Try to meditate once or twice there, before the next class.
Yogani: Dare to dream, and dare to act on your dream.
There are three essential bandhas:
1. Jalandhara Bandha (throat lock)
2. Uddiyana Bandha (upward flying lock or abdominal lift)
3. Mulabandha (root lock)
Mulabandha:
-will not have many benefits without a practice of pranayama and meditation.
-will decrease the downward flow of prana (energy), while increasing the rise of prana in the spinal nerve.
-at the beginning, mulabandha might be awkward to hold.
-with practice, we learn to hold mulabandha during the entire pranayama practice.
-during meditation, we do not favor or fight mulabandha; during meditation, we do not intentionally do any of the practices we do during pranayama.
Technique: While sitting comfortably for pranayama, lightly contract the anal sphincter muscle and hold it lightly. It is barely beyond an intention to a simple physical sensation.
Tip: If it is very difficult to maintain mulabandha, simply start to learn this technique by applying the contraction with each inhalation during pranayama. This rhythmic contraction of the anal sphincter is called asvini mudra (the horse gesture or sign).
Note: As long there is some flexing, mulabandha will be effective. In time, it becomes automatic and more subtle, as it is just another element of the internal neuro-biology.
More lessons of Advanced Yoga Practices at www.aypsite.com
Good habits:
· Deep meditation gives consistent results when practiced regularly. Excellent progress will be made when you sit for two 20-minute meditations, in the morning and in the evening, every day.
· If you have not done it, this week find a place in your home where you can meditate without many interruptions. It could be on your bed, on the floor sitting on a couple of pillows, on a chair, or in any other place you feel comfortable to sit for 20 minutes. Try to meditate once or twice there, before the next class.
Yogani: Dare to dream, and dare to act on your dream.
