Maha Bandha
Bandhi (“hold”, “tie”) are special locks that affect the physical body and heals it. These yoga exercises allow you to "control the various organs and nerves of the body."
Gheranda said: there are 25 Mudras who bring the yogi siddhi. These Mudras are as follows: <...> Uddiyana-bandha, Jalandhara-bandha, Mula-bandha <...> "(c)" Gheranda-Samhita ", 3.1
Types of Bandhas
There are 4 types of bandha (locks): Jalandhara bandha (neck lock), Uddiyana bandha (abdominal castle), Mula bandha (root castle) and Maha bandha (simultaneous performance of the three previous bandhas). Bandhas can be performed both as an independent practice, and as an element of pranayama (breathing techniques) or mudra (special gestures and positions).
The benefits of bandha
How are bandhas useful? As a result of their implementation, the following occurs:
Massage of the internal organs.
Removal of blood stasis.
Regulation and stimulation of the functioning of nerve tissues.
General recovery of the physical body.
The accumulation of prana (vitality) in certain areas of the subtle body.
Maha bandha is a big bandha, a one-time performance of Jalandhar bandha, Uddiyana bandha and Mula bandha. It is performed only after each of the three bandhas is mastered to perfection.
The benefits of practice
Maha bandha mudra enhances the beneficial effects of each bandha individually. It also stimulates the flow of mental energy and immerses in a state of meditation.
Execution technique
Maha-bandha-mudra can be performed in Siddhasan - the position of perfection and Ardha-padmasana - the half-lotus.
Semulotos - Ardha-padmasana is similar to the first version of Siddhasana, but the feet are not hidden in the popliteal hollows, but simply lie freely: the upper one is on the thigh of the opposite leg, the lower one is under the thigh (Fig. To the left).
Anyone who cannot take any of the asanas recommended above, let him try to start mastering the Maha Bandha in Sukhasan - a “comfortable position” (Fig. To the right) or in Vajrasan.
Having taken one of the asanas described above - the one that causes the least difficulty - exhale and then, without drawing in the stomach, with an inhalation, inward-upward movement, slowly reduce the sphincter of the bladder and move upward towards the sternum - the abdominal muscles that tighten the genitals, as if trying pull them up on the surface of the abdomen. The neck is free, Jalandhara Bandha is optional here (depending on tradition).
In men, the external genital organs will rise, and in women, the entire area of the genital organs, up to the ovaries, will be pulled inward. With a slow exhale, relax. Alternate tension and relaxation, combined with smooth rhythmic breathing, repeating 10-20 times. Change the position of the legs to a mirror and repeat as many times.
Why do we need bandhas?
The use of bandhas for the body is significant: they massage the internal organs, remove blood stasis, and regulate the functions of nerve tissues. Cervical lock (Jalandhara bandha) reduces high blood pressure and heart rate, stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The root castle (Mula Bandha) stimulates the organs of the reproductive and excretory systems. The abdominal castle (Uddiyana bandha) regulates the digestive system. The Grand Castle (Maha Bandha) enhances the impact of all three bandhas.
Bandhas are also used during pranayama to control vital energy (prana). And during the practice of wise (special gestures and positions) to enhance their physical and spiritual impact.