Maha Bandhas (The Great Bandha)

Namaskaram

Image Courtesy of longlifethisworld.blogspot.com

During the recent shatkarma session with Master Nava and the team, Master shared a very good insight on prana and our body.

"The same prana in the sun is in you, you are a part of the greater energy that created you, the world, the sun, the nature, therefore the same prana in the nature is in you," -Master Navanesan

Well, I am not sure if he was thought this by his masters or previous teachers, but i am going to quote him because he said this to me. It might be a very simple fact, but it is very powerful and if you dwevle into it a little longer it makes you think that this body that we are all in is capable of far more things that we will never be able to decipher but experience with the teaching of yoga.

Speaking of prana, today I am going to share with you a yoga practice on enhancing energy movement in your body and how to utilise that energy to cure, heal and upkeep your internal organs.




This practice is called Maha Bandhas. There are 3 bandhas that is required to do achieve the Maha Bandhas, which is the following:-

1. Jalandhara Bandha
• This is done by extending your neck forward and bringing your chin to your chest. Hold your breath.
2. Uddiyana Bandha
• This is done by sucking your abdomen inside, similar to what we do in nauli but lesser.
3. Mula Bandha
• This is done by contracting the pelvic floor muscles. Similar to what we do when we are controlling urination.

The steps

1. First, sit in a comfortable position. Have a quiet environment to concentrate better. It is important in yoga to bring our awareness to our body and mind, thus ensure a better focus and connection between the mind and the body.
2. Straighten your hands with palms facing downwards, wrists resting on your knees. Close your palms.
3. Once you feel relaxed, start with Jalandhara Bandha
4. Hold the Jalandhara Bandha and go to Uddiyana Bandha
5. Hold Uddiyana Bandha and go to Mula Bandha
6. Now that you have all three Bandhas, hold all three for a few seconds. Initially for 5 to 8 counts.
7. Release your bandhas and bring up your head.
8. Remember to keep your eyes closed during this practice for deeper focus.

Image courtesy of http://centrotekoarandu.files.wordpress.com/

The Contraindications

1. It is recommended to do this in the morning, after all your yoga practices.
2. Ensure that you do this on empty stomach.

Benefits

1. It works on 3 chakras in your body, Muladhara, Manipura and Visuddhi
2. This practice helps to focus all energy in the abdominal area to improve functions of the organs.
3. When you have healthy organs, lesser your brains have to worry about, hence giving your mind a very positive energy

Wishing you Peace, Love and Harmony

Om