Kundalini Yoga - Basic Bhandas or Body Locks.            BHANDAS.TXT
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       Bhandas (Locks)

       Body locks or muscular contractions applied for the retention and
       channeling of Prana.

       The principle ones are:

       MULABHANDA: Mulbhand or Root Lock is the most frequently applied. It is
       performed in three steps (quickly & smoothly with practice) by first
       contracting the anal sphincter, drawing it in and up (as if trying to
       hold back a bowel movement), then drawing up the sex organ (so that the
       urethral tract is contracted). Lastly, pull the navel point by drawing
       the lower abdomen back towards the spine. This is applied with breath
       held (in or out), and helps unite the two major energy flows, prana and
       apana, generating psychic heat which triggers the release of Kundalini
       energy, and often ends an asana or exercise.

       UDDIYANA BHANDA: Diaphragm Lock is applied by lifting the diaphragm
       high up into the thorax while pulling the upper abdominal muscles back
       towards the spine, creating a cavity, and giving a gentle massage to
       the heart muscles. It helps to move and transform pranic energy up to
       the neck region, stimulates the hypothalmic-pituitary-adrenal axis in
       the brain and develops a sense of compassion. Can give new youthfulness
       to the entire body. It is normally applied with the breath held out. In
       Laya yoga, the rhythmic application of this lock achieves the highest
       effects of chanting.

       JALANDHARA BHANDA: Neck Lock or Chin Lock is used during all chanting
       meditations and pranayams (breathing exercises) unless otherwise
       specified. This is done by lifting the chest and sternum upward and
       stretching the back of the neck straight by pulling the chin back
       towards the neck. You should feel some tension in the back and sides of
       the neck. The chin rests in the notch between the collar bones and the
       head stays level without tilting forward, straightening the cervical
       vertebrae, and allowing the free flow of prana to the brain. This lock
       puts pressure on the thyroid and parathyroid to enable their
       secretions, and in turn, activate the pituitary. Without this lock
       pranayama can cause uncomfortable pressure in eyes, ears and heart. It
       will also prevent dizziness caused by rapid changes in blood pressure
       which can occur when nadis (channels of pranic flow) are unblocked.

       MAHABHANDA: Great Lock - the application of all 3 locks at once. This
       rejuvenates nerves and glands, regulates blood pressure BHANDA EXERCISE
       (To fully understand & experience the Locks or Bhandas).

       Sit on heels and spread the knees wide apart, palms on thighs.
       (A) Apply Root Lock & relax it.
       (B) Apply Diaphragm Lock & relax it.
       (C) Apply Neck Lock and relax it.

       Repeat in rhythmic alteration for 3-11 minutes, pulling locks
       on the exhale (the breath naturally goes out on the first 2 locks ).
       Practice on an empty stomach. This will help to distinguish the locks
       and perceive energy movement along the spine.