Bandhas are nuero- muscular locks

Bandhas are nuero- muscular locks, which prevent the outward flow of energy by directing energy inward thus activating the nadis and the energy body. Bandhas not only affect the body and energy, but also builds the mind and spiritual centers. Bandhas when mastered is believed to accelerate, progress in asana, pranayama, mudra, and meditation. Bandhas increase secretions in the body and are tools that restore hormonal balance in the body making you happy and relaxed throughout the day.

There are three classic bandhas, Jalandhar Bandha, Mool Bandha and Udyaan Bandha.

Jalandhar Bandha: Sit in Padmasana or Vajrasana. Keep your back straight. Inhale deeply, fill your lungs with air, keep your chest high and hold your breath. Then slowly bend your chin down and press it hard on your neck. Hold your breath for 30 secomds to one minute. Continue to hold your breath and raise your chin, straightening your neck. Exhale through the nose.

Benefits: Jalandhar Bandha helps in controlling Thyroid diseases.
Precaution: Those suffering from Cervical Spondilitis and Thyroid problems must not practise this.

Udyan Bandha: Stand straight with feet and shoulder wide apart. Lower your body and place your hands on your thighs, palms inward. Exhale deeply through the mouth. Holding your breath, pull your abdominal muscles in and suck in your stomach to create a hollow space. Hold for as long as possible. Stand upright and then inhale.

Benefits: Udyan Bandha, strengthens the lower abdominal muscles, excretory system and the glands in the abdominal area. It also alleviates gynaecological problems and is helpul for those with Asthma, Bronchitis and Prostrate problems.
Precautions: Those with high blood pressure, heart diseases and pregnant women should not practise this.

Mool Bandha: Sit is Padmasan or Sukhasana. Exhale deeply through the mouth and hold your breath. Close your anal- genital muscles and pull it upwards. Pull all your lower abdominal organs and muscels upward and hold as long as possible. Slowly release the lower abdominal organs. Inhale and relax your body. Bring your breathing back to normal.

Benefits: Udyan Bandha, strengthens the lower abdominal muscles, excretory system and the glands in the abdominal area. It also alleviates gynaecological problems and is helpul for those with Asthma, Bronchitis and Prostrate problems.
Precautions: Those with high blood pressure, heart diseases and pregnant women should not practise this

You may do the Bandhas three times each. It is best to learn and practise the bandhas under trained yoga teachers.