Bandhas

Get to Know the Bandhas

There are three main bandhas, or energetic locks, that run along your spinal column (Mula, Uddiyana, and Jalandhara), two minor bandhas at your hands and feet (Hasta and Pada), and a combo of the three main bandhas called Maha Bandha. Here, some tips for locating these energy locks.

1. Pada Bandha (Foot Lock)
   Helps energy rise up through the soles of your feet to bring stability to your legs.
2. Hasta Bandha (Hand Lock)
   Assists energy up through the soft center of your palms to bring strength and stability to your arms and upper body.
3. Mula Bandha (Root Lock)
   Moves energy up through the center of your pelvic floor toward your navel and keeps it from moving down.
4. Uddiyana Bandha (Upward Abdominal Lock)
   Helps energy rise up through the center of your core. This bandha lifts energy, but it also intensifies upward energy from Mula Bandha and downward energy from Jalandhara Bandha.
5. Jalandhara Bandha (Chin Lock)
   Restricts the upward flow of energy and directs energy down toward your navel when locked with your chin toward your chest.
6. Maha Bandha (Great Lock)

When Mula Bandha and Jalandhara Bandha are engaged together, upward and downward energy meet at your navel. With the application of Uddiyana Bandha at your belly, the energies increase to awaken prana for purifying purposes. 

Source: https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/gentle-approach-to-accessing-bandhas Links to an external site.