Bandh or Bandha (Body Locks) Mudra
Description
In the subtle body, Nadis (energy channel) and Chakras (energy centers) have been explained in yoga text. Bhanda is a very fine technique, only partly achieved by physical action but mainly by pure concentration. There are some different Bandhas for different regulations in the pranic flow. For Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga this two are most important: Mulabandha and Uddiyana Banda, where as Bandhas have been described in Hathapradeepika in the chapter relating to Mudras. In all, 10 mudras have been described in it, 3 of mudras are these bandhas.
Following are three basic bandha and one combination of these three:
- Jalandhara Bandha (Jalandhar Bandh)
- Moola Bandha (Mool Bandh)
- Uddiyana Bandha (Uddiyan Bandh)
- Maha Bandha (Maha Bandh)
Maha Bandha or Maha Bandh
Maha bandha is performed by applying all the above three bandhs together. Some Yogis believe that it is called ‘Maha’ (Great) because it brings the entire body into play. The sequence should be as first Uddiyana then Jalandhar and then Mool bandha.
While combining the three locks, maha-bandha gives the benefits of all the three locks. It affects the hormonal secretions of the Pineal gland and regulates the entire endocrine system. The decaying, degenerative and ageing processes are checked and every cell of the body is rejuvenated. It soothes anger and introverts the mind prior to meditation.
The Maha-Bandha should NOT be performed in case of following diseases:
- Low Blood Pressure
- Heart Diseases
- Hernia
- Stomach or Intestinal Ulcer
- Visceral Ailment