Bandha #
«Bandha» is a Sanskrit word for a «lock», which characterises the meaning and mechanism of its influence. Bandhas block certain energy flows and liquids transference related to them, that is why most often bandhas are done in those exercises that change corporal pressure. In classic yoga there are three main bandhas: Jalandhara Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Mulabandha¹.
Jalandhara Bandha closes the energy inflow to the head and prevents from high intracranial pressure in exercises, raising corporal pressure — such as Kumbhaka. Indeed, try to «unlock» Jalandhara Bandha and you’ll feel a hydraulic hit in your head, i.e. a sudden change in your intracranial pressure, resulting in «birds» before your eyes or some noise in your head.
Uddiyana Bandha condenses energy in Manipura and directs it to Anahata. That is why after Bhastrikas we do Kumbhaka and uddiyana bandha. All excessive energy, pumped by Bhastrikas to Manipura, is transferred to Anahata.
Moreover uddiyana bandha positively influences the organs of abdominal cavity owing to mechanic massage.
Mulabandha condenses energy in lower chakras. It is also done whenever there is an excessive pressure or a concentration of energy, to stop energy from flowing into earth. Moreover Mulabandha prevents the outflow of the energy from Muladhara (related to vital force) to other people. If at a contact with someone your limbs start freezing, you’re chilling and physically (not emotionally) feeling worse, probably there is such an outflow, and Mulabandha can help to cease these symptoms.
Mechanically Mulabandha stimulates internal genitalia, favours intimate muscles development, helping men to control ejaculation and women — to make the orgasm more intensive and to massage penis during coitus.
1. Although Maja Bandha is also called «bandha», it has a different essence.↑