Bandhas! Breathing techniques

AMA-GI · 09-14-2008, 07:53 PM

For those who wanted to know more

Bandhas

Most websites and books go into too much detail concerning the bandhas.

The following is a basic summary:
The word "bandha means to "lock" or "bind." When the bandhas are applied during breathing exercises or when chanting, they act to amplify energy and/or direct it.

There are three main bandhas.
Two are the most powerful:
the "Moola bandha" and the Jalandhara bandha.

The Moola Bandhais also known as the"Root Lock." This is applied by contracting your anus.

The Jalandhara Bandhais also known as the"Chin Lock." This is applied by dropping the chin to the chest.
Both the Root and Chin Locks can be done at the same time after inhaling, while holding the breath. One should remain motionless while applying and holding the locks.

The third major lock is the "Uddiyana Bandha" also known as The Abdominal Lift.
This is applied when holding an exhale, after exhaling completely. To exhale totally, when all of your air is out of your lungs, try humming and this will get the last of the breath out.
To apply the Abdominal Lift; lungs completely empty, suck in your abdomen and lift it up. This bandha should be applied as long as the exhale lasts.

omshanti2 · 09-19-2008, 07:08 PM

Thank you for shareing, I have tried this technique before, although I did not know what it was called at the time, the thought came into my head and I tried it, I feel I need more practice with the breathing part. I have difficulty bringing the breath from the stomach to raise the lungs.

09-14-2008, 07:53 PM	#1
AMA-GI Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 220	Bandhas! Breathing techniques For those who wanted to know more Bandhas Most websites and books go into too much detail concerning the bandhas. The following is a basic summary: The word "bandha means to "lock" or "bind." When the bandhas are applied during breathing exercises or when chanting, they act to amplify energy and/or direct it. There are three main bandhas. Two are the most powerful: the "Moola bandha" and the Jalandhara bandha. The Moola Bandhais also known as the"Root Lock." This is applied by contracting your anus. The Jalandhara Bandhais also known as the"Chin Lock." This is applied by dropping the chin to the chest. Both the Root and Chin Locks can be done at the same time after inhaling, while holding the breath. One should remain motionless while applying and holding the locks. The third major lock is the "Uddiyana Bandha" also known as The Abdominal Lift. This is applied when holding an exhale, after exhaling completely. To exhale totally, when all of your air is out of your lungs, try humming and this will get the last of the breath out. To apply the Abdominal Lift; lungs completely empty, suck in your abdomen and lift it up. This bandha should be applied as long as the exhale lasts.

09-19-2008, 07:08 PM	#2
omshanti2 Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 68	Re: Bandhas! Breathing techniques Thank you for shareing, I have tried this technique before, although I did not know what it was called at the time, the thought came into my head and I tried it, I feel I need more practice with the breathing part. I have difficulty bringing the breath from the stomach to raise the lungs.