The main purpose of the physical effort in yoga serves to create a specific volume and flow of vital energy within the body. When this occurs as increased amounts of energy and the improvement of its quality. These flows are the natural ways (for them Nadi ), revealing the healing ability of the body.

The energy coming from outside the human body, called prana. The energy that flows out of the body, called Apana. When these two energies are present in sufficient numbers and in equal proportions, a state of neutrality and the rest, the result of which is a new thread vitality.

When performing pranayama excites the flow of prana in the body of yoga , it is necessary to apply the muscle locks (bandha), to prevent the leakage of energy, and to deliver it to the right place, without causing damage to other organs. Bandha translates as communication, connection, shackling, capture. Bandha fix the result of efforts by the yogi, and allow us to establish a new equilibrium. These physical locks have a tremendous impact on the entire body and mind system. This is one of the basic techniques, resulting in the accumulation of the results of the efforts of practicing yoga. There are three main muscle of the castle: Jalandhar bandha , Uddiyana bandha and mula bandha . When all three locks are applied at the same time, it turns Maha Bandha – the great lock.

The first bandha that yoga should be master – that’s Jalandhar (from the word ” jala ” – network, net, web, lattice). In Jalandhar neck and throat cut, and his chin dropped to his chest in the hole between the collar bones at the top of the sternum. Yogi masters this bandha, practicing asanas and other Sarvangasane her cycle, since their implementation is formed chin lock, too. Jalandhar Bandha regulates the flow of blood to the heart and prana, to a gland located in the neck and head, and to the brain. If pranayama is performed without Jalandhar bandha, pressure is felt in the heart, for the eyeballs and in the cavities of the ears, dizziness begins. Jalandhar Bandha plays a significant role in the three processes of pranayama, namely puraka (inspiration), rechaka (exhale) and kumbhaka (breath-hold).

Second bandha, which should be master – that’s Uddiyana ( “uddiyana” means off). During Uddiyana bandha diaphragm rises high in the chest and abdominal organs are pulled back to the spine. Process Uddiyana Bandhas makes prana rush up Sushumna nadi – main channel nervous energy, which is disposed within the spinal column. Uddiyana perform only during bahya kumbhaka following the Rechaka, ie between full and fresh breath exhalation, breath when suspended. It exercises the diaphragm and abdominal organs. The depression formed during the rise of the diaphragm contributes to light massage of the heart muscles and tones it. In no event should not be done Uddiyana bandha during antara kumbhaka, ie between full inspiration and the beginning of exhalation, when the breath is delayed, as this creates stress in the heart and the diaphragm and bother eyes.

Mula bandha ( “mule” means root, source, origin) – is the area between the anus and the genitals. Reduction in the area apana forces (downward energy lower abdomen) flow upward to connect with prana receptacle located in the chest area. Mula bandha, you must first do during antara kumbhaka (holding the breath after inhalation). The lower part of the abdomen from the navel to the anus is pressed against the spine and is pulled up to the diaphragm. Master Mula bandha experience helps reduce anal sphincter (Ashwini Mudra ). It is possible to learn while performing different asanas, especially Tadasany, Sirshasana, Sarvangasana, Urdhva Dhanurasany, Ushtrasany and Paschimottanasana. Practicing Mule bandhu yogi seeks to achieve true source (mule) whole universe. Its purpose is to fully curb (bandha) chitta which includes the mind (Manas), intellect (buddhi) and ego (Ahamkara).

Harness Uddiyana bandha and mula bandha on their own, without the personal supervision of an experienced Guru is very dangerous. Incorrect performance Uddiyana bandha cause involuntary seminal emissions and the loss of vital energy, and if not performed correctly Mula bandha engaged seriously weaken and deprive him of power.

Performing three major bandh closes sixteen adhar. “Adhara” means support, a vital part. The sixteen vital parts of the body are: thumbs, ankles, knees, thighs, prepuce, genitals, navel, heart, neck, throat, palate, the nose, the space between the eyebrows, forehead, head and Brahmarandhra (a hole in the top of the head, through which the soul departs, leaving the body).

Based on the book BKS Iyengar . Yoga Deepika. Clarification of yoga.