Bandha

The body has its own system of internal valves, bandha is the practice of working with them deliberately.

Bandhas are internal locks: specific contractions applied within the body that seal and redirect the flow of energy, they are closely related to prāṇāyāma and are introduced in conjunction with breath practices.

The three primary bandhas: mūla bandha at the root, uḍḍīyāna bandha at the abdomen, and jālandhara bandha at the throat, each address different regions of the body and different dimensions of the energetic system; when combined, they create a quality of internal containment and stability that supports both physical practice and meditation. Like prāṇāyāma, bandhas are powerful and are introduced with care.

This is the fifth piece in the Elements of Practice series. Next: Prāṇāyāma — breath practice as the central pillar of the work.