Bandhas

Question 1

What are the four main bandhas?

Answer 1

Mula Bandha Uddiyana Bandha Jalandhara Bandha Maha Bandha

Question 2

What is Mula Bandha

Answer 2

Root lock

Starts the fire

Question 3

What is Uddiyana Bandha

Answer 3

Stomach lock

Is the furnace in the belly

Question 4

What is Jalandhara Bandha?

Answer 4

Throat Lock

Question 5

What is Maha Bandha?

Answer 5

The Great lock

Question 6

How is Maha Bandha created?

Answer 6

By activating Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara bandha together

Question 7

What are the benefits of Mula Bandha?

Answer 7

• Involves a subtle contraction of the pelvic floor/perineum (small area between the anus and genitals) - Keeps the energy flowing between the body and the earth - Grounding quality - It is not a pelvic tilt but rather it is an energy dynamic within the pelvic girdle - Can be done consistently throughout a posture or rhythmically engaged and relaxed - Stabilises pelvis

Question 8

What are the benefits of Uddiyana Bandha?

Answer 8

• Uddiyana = “flying up”, upward lift - Is an abdominal lift - think of a golf ball in the centre of you tummy, wrap your energy around the whole lot drawing in and upward - Important to maintain integrity and stability around the lower to mid-section of the spine - Improves concentration, balance, core strength - Creates centredness - Stabilises lumbar and thoracic spine - Builds agni – the inner digestive fire - Stimulates the solar plexus which has many subtle influences on the distribution of prana throughout the body

Question 9

What are the benefits of Jalandhara Bandha?

Answer 9

Creates compression of the carotid sinus in the neck which help regulate circulatory and respiratory systems Relives stress, anger, irritability and anxiety Stimulation of the throat balances thyroid and parathyroid function

Question 10

What are the benefits of Maha Bandha?

Answer 10

Benefits all 3 bandhas Increases hormonal secretions of the pineal gland and regulate entire endocrine system Energises the whole body on a cellular level and therefore decreases the aging process Soothes anger and introverts the mind prior to meditation When perfected can awaken prana in the chakras