BHANDAS/ LOCKS
The locks in the body, also called
Bhandas, are intentioned muscles contractions, with the aim of redirecting the
energy flow within the body. This techniques speed up the raise of Kundalini
energy, which allows the experience of higher states of consciousness.
To understand the function of
the Bhandas we must understand first how the energy flow takes place in the
body.
There is a channel of energy
that flows INTO the body called Prana, and another channel of energy that flows
OUT of the body, called Apana, the elimination channel.
If both of these energies exist
in enough amounts, they get redirected to a central channel called Sushmana. When
this flow and circulation gets established the Kundalini energy awakens. It can
manifest as neutrality, calmness, increase of concentration, clarity, etc.
As the energy rises up
through the spine will pass through the energy vertex, called Chakras. This
produces a blissful and super-consciousness state.
To see more about Chakras,
click here.
The Bhandas can redirect the
circulation of the blood, the energy channels, and proper flow of the spinal
fluid to a central channel called Sushamana, for the awakening of the
kundalini.
There are mainly three locks
in the body:
Mula (moola) means root. It’s
located by the sexual organs. It’s stimulated by contracting the sex organs,
the navel, and the rectum. This motion consists in three parts. First the anal
sphincter is contracted, then the sex organs, and third the lower abdominal
muscles and the navel towards the spine. There is an upward and inward feeling.
Balances, and stimulates the
energies involved in the navel, rectum, and sex organs, redirecting the excess
of sexual energy for creativity and body repairs.
It blends Prana and
Apana at the Navel center .
It can be apply with the
breath in or out, this can not be done with Uddiyana Bhanda because we need to
use the diaphragm muscles to breathe in, so it can not be hold in the
inhalation.
Prana and Apana must be
pressure and mix through Mula Bhanda, at the base of the spine, the generated
heat will rise up the Kundalini.
Mula Bhanda can’t be
perceived by the naked eye. It’s an internal lock.
It improves digestion, and
skin problems, and massages liver, kidneys and spleen.
Uddiyana Bhanda
o Diaphragm Lock
Uddiyana Bhanda it’s located
at the diaphragm level. The element at the solar plexus is fire.
The heat opens up the higher center, the heart chakra, the center of true love,
kindness, and compassion. It separates the lover triangle where instinct and
reaction takes places, with the upper triangle of the body, where more
conscious acts come from.
To apply Uddiyana Bhanda one
must breathe in, breathe out completely, and while maintaining the breath out
hook the abdomen in and up. Hold it around a minute more or less depending on your
endurance. At the contrary with Mula Bhanda, Uddiyana Bhanda can be seen by the
naked eye very easily. Ones you breathe in again the diaphragm moves and the
lock it’s release. Never apply this lock on a full stomach.
In Asthanga Yoga you will
always heard to maintain Mula Bhanda and Uddiyana Bhanda through all the
sequence, which can be confusing because breathing in unlocks the diaphragm.
What it really means its t o maintain a sense of hold at the diaphragm.
See How to Breath
Properly
Jalandhara Bhanda it’s
located at the trough level, the highest in the body. It directs the energy the
central channel preventing the energy to disperse to other areas of the body,
like the eyes or the ears. It seals the energy generated by the areas of
the brain stem .
Jala means watery secretions
of the brain, and Dhara means open gate. Yogi Bhajan explained how the higher
glands (pituitary, pineal, and hypothalamus) are stimulated to secrete hormones
by doing certain practices. These glands are also related one with another. The
pituitary secretions have been represented as a cooling flow that will be mix
with the heated flow of the navel and lower areas. Appling this lock
concentrates these secretions and opens the relation between them. It also
helps to concentrate, bringing the attention inwards.
To apply Jalandhara Bhanda
sit comfortably with the spine straight. One must strengthen the neck by
bringing the head back and the chin slightly in and back. It seems as if the
pyloric valve will close. Not to be confused with just bringing the chin towards
your chest.
It can be apply while holding
the breath in, as well as when you hold the breath out.
It’s generally used during
chanting and meditation unless the contrary it’s specific.
Maha Bhanda or the
Great- Lock
This technique consists in
the application of three locks at the same time holding the breath out in a
perfect posture and concentration. It is practice after breathing exercises,
Pranayama, and postures, Asanas. It said that the body it’s in a perfect
healing state.
This Bhanda helps to bring
back to balance blood pressure, poor circulation, glands, nerves, menstrual
cramps, irregularity.