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?One of the most powerful and transforming techniques in Yoga are Bandhas. They literally change the internal chemistry of the body in a fundamental way.?
Bharat Thakur
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What are Bandhas?
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Bandhas are neuromuscular locks performed to increase the endocrine (glandular) secretions in our body. Our moods are determined by the levels of hormones in our body. As a result of the direct effect that the bandhas have on the endocrine glands, certain bio-rhythms in the body are also regulated. Yogis talk about ananda maya chitta, a relaxed and happy state of mind. Bandhas are one of those tools that restore the hormonal balance in the body making you happy and relaxed throughout the day.
In Sanskrit ?Bandha? means to lock or hold, this describes the physical action involved in the practice of the bandhas. The bandhas aim to lock the pranas in particular areas and redirect their flow into the sushumna nadi for the purpose of spiritual awakening. Bandhas bound/bind back the dissipative energy restraining the outward flow of prana while bringing it back from the periphery towards the centre in order to achieve union. In other words bandhas can be viewed as valves because they direct the internal energy flow to irrigate the nadis and activate the energy (pranic) body.
Granthis or knots, prevent free flow of prana in a nadi. Granthis represent blockages in man?s awareness of himself at the different levels of consciousness; they obscure the true image of man?s essential nature. Bandhas are prescribed as one of the most effective means of untying these knots or blockages, existing as tension, anxieties, repressions and unresolved conflicts, thereby allowing us to re-discover our true nature.
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