What are Bandhas?
Bandha is a Sanskrit word that means to “lock”, “tighten” or “hold” and clearly describes the physical action of this group of practices and their effects on the flow of ‘prana’ or ‘life force’ in the body.
A bandha or ‘pranic lock’ can be likened to a kink in a garden hose that restricts the flow of water within it. When released, the initial increased intensity of the water flow will clear any blockages in the hose that are near to the kink until the natural flow is resumed once more. Bandhas work in a similar way on the flow of prana within the spinal column - helping to activate, concentrate and clear any blockages in this flow.
According to Yogic philosophy, there are three ‘psychic knots’ known as granthis that block the pranic flow within the spine and prevent our spiritual awakening.
These blockages are located close to key energy centres along the spine known as chakras and their nature and effects reflect the characteristics of the chakras they are situated near. It is said that the release of these granthis is essential for the awakening of our spiritual potential.
There are four bandhas that work with the flow of prana at these three granthis;
Moolabandha works with Brahma Granthi at the base of the spine;
Uddiyana Bandha with Vishnu Granthi at the solar plexus;
Jalandhara Bandha with Rudra Granthi in the head;
Maha Bandha or the ‘great lock’ is a combination of all three and works on all three granthis simultaneously.
Bandhas can be used in conjunction with a range of mudra and pranayama practices to enhance the pranic effects.
On the physical level, the spinal column and the brain form our Central Nervous System (CNS). When we practise bandhas, we directly influence the physical functioning of the CNS - strengthening and stabilising.
The physical effects extend to all the organs in the body as they are all directly connected to the spinal cord. Any increase in the intensity of the pranic flow in the spinal cord will, therefore, revitalise the body’s organs at the same time.
The endocrine system is also influenced as the bandhas are performed near key glands in the body.
On the mental level, the practice of bandhas helps to calm the mind, creating balance and harmony and reducing the dissipation of its energy to facilitate greater concentration….just what we need during meditation practice!
Sources
Swami Satyananda Saraswati, “Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha” Yoga
Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India. 2008.
