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Body
locks or muscular contractions applied for the retention and channeling
of Prana.
(taken
from best-selling book -
Transitions
to a Heart Centered World - Guru Rattana, Ph.D.)
(see
also KY
Training Lesson 08)
The
principle ones are:
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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.
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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.
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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
and produces many other benefits.
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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.
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