Many types of Bandh are used during the practice of various pranayama

What are the three Bandhas in yoga?

Bandh is such a yogic process in which any one part of the body firmly contracted is bound through muscles and it affects the nervous system. 

So, Bandh is a neuromuscular effort. Practice of Bandh can be done independently and also as a part of Pranayama and Mudra. 

Many types of Bandh are used during the practice of various pranayama, With the help of this bandh yogis awaken the latent kundalini' energy through combination of Prana and Apana.

Three bandhas are included in Tribandh, which are as follows: 

1. Mulbandh

2. Uddiyan Bandh

3. Jalandhar Bandh

 

1. Mulbandh

The word Mul is used here for the excreta passage. In this bandh muscles of the excreta passage are contracted and thus closed. Hence it is called Mulbandh. 

 

1. Method

Press the sivani with the heel of any one foot, i.e. if it is a right foot then press the sivani with the heel of the right foot, and keep the heel of the left foot on the root of the generative organ. (Sivani means a part in between anus and urine tract).

Then contract the anus. Then pull upwards the vertebral column (Spine) and try as if Apan gas is drawn upwards. 

With this contraction Apan gas stops going downwards. This bandh is known as mulbandh. 

 

2. Benefits 

By performing this Bandh digestive capacity is enhanced. Constipation gets removed, and semen gets well-nourished, while doing Mulbandh there occur necessary changes in hollowness of the stomach. So, the coagulation of blood in the organs contained in hollowness is removed.

For sublimation of the Apan gas this bandh is the best activity.

Prana yarn is easily achieved by doing it with this bandh.

The practice of this bandh is very much helpful in observing Brahmachaiya (Celibacy).

It is said that, by performing this bandh frequently and continuously even an old man becomes young. 

As said in the beginning Kundalini energy gets awakened.

  

2. Uddiyan Bandh

 

Prana in the body is sublimated through Uddiyan, so it is called Uddiyan bandh. For doing Uddiyan bandh empty your lungs firmly and forcefully. Then making use of the vacuum condition pull the gullet and navel back side, so that the stomach can last in the hollowness. This Bandh can be done in standing or sitting position, both ways. 

 

1. Method

In standing position, put both hands firmly on thighs,

Bend your body a little ahead and detain your breath.

Keep a little distance between both the feet.

As stated above, breath out forcefully and empty your lungs, (Do external Kurnbhak).

Then after contracting the stomach, pull the navel and intestine forcefully towards your back, so that the diaphragm will be raised high up and stomach wall would be pulled backside. 

This activity can be repeated six times at certain intervals. 

This activity can be performed by sitting in siddhasan, sukhasan or padmasan posture.

 

2. Benefits

This bandh makes digestion efficient and constipation is removed.

Organs of stomach like liver, intestine, spleen, pancreas etc. become efficient and it removes their weakness.

The bandh is very useful in case of illness due to hernia. 

The regular practice of this bandh spreads energy in the body. 

Doing this bandh -makes the body healthy.

By practicing uddhyan bandh regularly youth stage for long period is attained. 

By doing this bandh pran joins with sushumana nadi (artery).

This bandh awakens kuridalini power.

 

3. Jalandhar Bandh

This bandh is called Jalandhar bandh in the name of yogi Jalandhamath.

 

1. Method

Sit in Sukhasan, Padmasan or Siddhasan. 

Arrange both the hands on the knees holding gyan Mudra. 

At first contract your neck and then bend your head ahead. 

Press the chin on the chest firmly. 

Detain your breath. 

By doing this, centers of spinal cord and nerves are pulled upwards, and it affects the brain in that condition.

 

2. Benefits

It affects strongly on thyroid and parathyroid glands which control hormones properly. 

By doing this bandh, it gives much benefit in all diseases above the neck. 

By practice of this bandh pram moves and goes in its proper path. 

Kundalini power is sublimated.

 

3. Points to bear in mind

Jalandhar bandh is performed at the end of poorak and in the beginning of kumbhak.

Antarik (Internal) lcumbhak is performed at the end of poorak and bahya kumbhak (external) is done at the end of rechak.

Beginner should perform this jalandhar bandh after doing proper practice (i.e. best practice).

 

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The Power of Pranayama Benefits for Physical and Emotional Health