AustralianYogaJournal-May2018

47

may/june 2018

yogajournal.com.au

Get to know the

bandhas

There are three main bandhas, or energetic locks, that

run along your spinal column (Mula, Uddiyana,

and Jalandhara), two minor bandhas at your hands

and feet (Hasta and Pada), and a combo of the

three main bandhas called Maha Bandha.

Here, some tips for locating these energy locks.

1 PADA BANDHA Foot Lock

Helps energy rise up through the soles of your

feet to bring stability to your legs.

2 HASTA BANDHA Hand Lock

Assists energy up through the soft centre of your palms to bring

strength and stability to your arms and upper body.

3 MULA BANDHA Root Lock

Moves energy up through the centre of your pelvic floor

toward your navel and keeps it from moving down.

4 UDDIYANA BANDHA Upward Abdominal Lock

Helps energy rise up through the centre of your core. This

bandha lifts energy, but it also intensifies upward energy from

Mula Bandha and downward energy from Jalandhara Bandha.

5 JALANDHARA BANDHA Chin Lock

Restricts the upward flow of energy and directs energy down

toward your navel when locked with your chin toward your chest.

MAHA BANDHA Great Lock

When Mula Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha are engaged

together, upward and downward energy meet at your navel.

With the application of Uddiyana Bandha at your belly, the

energies increase to awaken prana for purifying purposes.

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