Jalandhara Bandha, the Chin or Throat Lock
Bandhas are energetic locks that contain the prana in the torso
and concentrate it in the three main energy channels (nadis) of
the body. Bandhas can be performed in a physical and external
manner engaging the skeletal muscles; it can also be felt as a
subtle and internal energetic process. Bandhas are practiced
individually at first, and then they can be incorporated with
asanas, pranayamas and eventually mudras.
To practice Jalandhara Bandha, come into a comfortable siddhasana
or sukhasana cross-legged seated position with the palms facing
down on top of the knees. Let the spine be long, the shoulders
relaxed down and the sternum lifted. Let the eyes softly close
and the breath slow and deepen. Take a slow deep inhale to two
thirds of your lung's capacity and hold the breath in. Drop the
chin to the chest and draw it in so the back of the neck stays
long and does not round. Let the shoulders roll very slightly
forward to deepen the lock in the throat, but keep them soft.
Hold the abdominal lock for as long as comfortable, without
strain. To release, bring the chin up first and very slowly
take a breath in through the nose. Take a few slow deep breaths
in and out and allow your breath return to normal before
practicing additional rounds. Begin with practicing three
rounds and you can slowly increase it to up to ten rounds over
time.
Jalandhara Bandha regulates the circulatory and respiratory
systems, stimulates the thyroid to balance metabolism, and is said
to cure all diseases of the throat. Jalandhara Bandha is
contraindicated in high blood pressure and heart disease.
Jalandhara Bandha is also be combined with
Mula and
Uddiyana Bandas to
create the great lock, Maha Bandha.
