bhandas and breath combination

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam,

 

I was just wondering if it is good to combine the breath of fire with root

lock and then the uddiyana bhanda. And how often can i practice this daily?

is 3 times ok?

 

I certainly feel that things unblock when i do this combination.

 

Thanks,

tessa

[Guest guest]

Sat Nam,

dear Tessa,

 

the bhandas (locks) are muscle contractions or combinations of them in

order to influence the flow and character of the blood stream, the nervous

system behavior, the flow of the spinal fluid or even the flow of 'Prana'

(Life energy) within our body.

 

# Mula Bandha - Root lock, clinch anal / sexual muscles, pull navel point

in --> 'protects the lower back'

# Uddiyana Bandha - Chest lock, pull diaphragm up under the rib cage -->

'projects to the heart'

# Jalandhara Bandha - Throat lock, tuck chin in, straight the neck, press

tongue to the palate --> 'elevates the energy from the heart to the mind'

# Maha Bandha - Great lock, combination of all three locks, watch at 3rd

eye --> 'connects earth with the universe through the body'

 

When doing breath of fire you can't apply the uddiyana lock - the

diaphragma needs to move with the pumping of the navel. Normally I practice

the Maha Bhanda after 2 - 3 min of Spinal flex: deep inhale, apply Maha

Bandha - hold the breath for approx 30 second, complete exhale, still hold

the locks - hold the breath for another 30 seconds. I certainly enjoy the

peace within me and the moving of the energy when sitting in this 'locked'

pose.

BTW: this is a great test for your overall health state. A normal healthy

person should be able to hold the breath (after exhale) for 30 seconds -

means, that your metabolism, lung function, blood etc is ok. 40 seconds and

longer is even better - but don't push until you faint :-) Start slowly to

get the timing.

 

For many exercises / asanas / meditations a light Mula Bandha and

Jalandhara Bandha is very natural and easy. In fact, you can / should do

most exercises with the application of Mula Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha.

Many posture gets only correct with the application of locks - think of

stretch pose, hero pose, cobra, etc. etc.

 

Regarding timing: up to my knowledge there is no time restriction in order

to use and practice this locks. I would practice them as often as you like

and think of - the necessary muscles are getting stronger and it becomes

more and more easy to apply the locks and enjoy the benefits of them.

 

Sending blessings and light from Shanghai,

 

Adarsh S.