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Mula Bandha

Written by Sevadevi

Everything you need to know is held inside of you

Chakras

Bandhas are energy locks that influence internal energy flow; interlocking and interconnecting internal systems and energy channels. There are 72,000 energy channels or Nadis in the body. Where several Nadis form a junction a wheel of energy is formed called a Chakra. There are 8 main Chakras located along the length of the spine to the top of the head. Mula Bandha stimulates the energy of the Muladhara Chakra, located at the base of the coccyx.

Muladhara Chakra

‘Mul’ means root and ‘adhara’ means base or foundation. This chakra is associated with the unconscious mind and our past karmas. By stimulating its positive energy we bring vitality, vigor and growth to our being. Mula Bandha activates and purifies the Muladhara Chakra, awakening dormant consciousness and the Kundalini Shakti (energy). These sleeping energies can be awakened and released through bandhas, asanas and meditation.
Mula Bandha cuts through our energetic knot of resistance to change and creates attentiveness in the supporting musculature of the pelvic region, increasing pelvic stability and creating a safe environment for spinal movement and a feeling of lightness and fluidity.
Mula Bandha is a method of toning the pelvic floor muscles. For women the practise is particularly important as it strengthens the pelvic floor that may become weakened through childbirth as well as aging. This weakening can lead to prolapse or incontinence. It is a practise to relieve haemorrhoids and ease congestion in the pelvic area, calm the autonomic nervous system and relax the mind.

The Practice

Starting in a sitting Meditation Posture with concentration on the Muladhara Chakra inhale deeply and hold the breath. Place the hands on the knees, raise the shoulders and tilt the upper body slightly forward keeping the spine straight, contracting the anal sphincter. Hold the muscular contraction and the breath as long as possible and without strain. Release with a long exhalation and return to starting posture. Breathing normally remain in meditation posture for some time, then repeat. Practise a total of 3-5 rounds.

Note:

The contraction of the anal sphincter provides a doorway to the deeper layers of Mula Bandha. You will find that you can refine your experience of Mula Bandha by moving deeper into the pelvis through the isolation of the perineum carrying the contraction of the Bandha inward and upward, giving you a physical experience of the process of moving from external to internal. The contraction of Mula Bandha on the deepest physical level is similar to the Kegel exercises used to correct urinary incontinence and strengthen the vaginal walls after childbirth. In the female body the contraction is felt behind the cervix, where the uterus projects into the vagina. A longer and more intensive practice of Mula Bandha should only be undertaken with the guidance of an experienced Yoga Teacher.

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