Guide to Bandha (Yoga) by Prana Sutra
top of page

In Sanskrit, bandha means to hold, bind, or lock. Yoga bandhas are muscle contraction techniques done in a specific manner and during ineternal or external breath retention of pranayama breathing. 

bandha_yoga_art_edited.png

Yoga bandhas are an advanced technique used to restrict or enhance the flow of prana to desired regions. They are applied to a group of muscles in the abdomen, neck and/or pelvic floor. 

BANDHA | बन्ध

BASICS

bandha_body_locks_yoga.jpg

THEORY

Bandha_benefits.jpg

THEORY

Psycho-physiological and Spiritual Benefits of Bandhas

Pancha_kosha_five_sheaths_yoga.jpg

THEORY

YOGA BANDHA GUIDES

jalandhara-bandha-medium

"Jalandhara bandha or the throat lock is a yoga technique of resting the chin on the chest to compress the upper esophageal sphincter during internal breath retention. It is first bandha ygois should learn." 

uddiyana-bandha-medium

"Uddiyana bandha or the abdomen lock is a yoga technique of pulling the navel in and up, towards the spine while holding the breath. You lift the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity while standing or sitting."

woman-doing-mula-bandha-yoga-in-siddha-yoni-asana_edited.jpg

"Mula bandha or Root Lock is a yoga technique of contracting the cervix or perineum during pranayama while sitting in Siddhasana. Contract the anal sphincter during breath retention and release gradually."

Prana Picks: Yoga Books

MAHA BANDHA
The Great Lock Technique

maha-bandha-yoga_small.jpg

JALANDHARA BANDHA 
THROAT LOCK

+

UDDIYANA BANDHA 

ABDOMINAL LOCK

 + 

MULA BANDHA

ROOT LOCK

The Maha Bandha, called the 'giver of great powers,' is one of the most advanced yoga techniques mentioned in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. It is a combination of the three primary body locks applied simulatneously to control the flow of prana in the body. 

READ MORE

bottom of page