Bandhas

Question 1

Define:

Bandha

Answer 1

Binding, 
bond, 
arrest, 
capturing, 
putting together, 
lock, 
internal body lock, 
co-activation of muscles around a joint complex.
A sustained contraction of muscle groups that assist in movement or stabilisation of a joint complex.

Question 2

Define:

3 Main Bandhas

Answer 2

1. Mula (moola) Bandha
2. Uddiyana Bandha
3. Jalandhara Bandha

Question 3

Define:

Mula (moola) Bandha

Answer 3

Root Lock,

Contraction of the muscles around the pelvic and perineum area.

Question 4

Define:

Uddiyana Bandha

Answer 4

Navel Lock,

Contraction of the lower abdominal muscles

Question 5

Define:

Jalandhara Bandha

Answer 5

Throat lock,

lowering chin slightly and lifting sternum towards chin.

Question 6

Define:

Maha Bandha

Answer 6

The Great Bandha,

Activation of the 3 major bandhas.

Question 7

Define:

Ha-Bandha

Answer 7

Compressive, heating and increasing of pressure. Push energy and blood away from the Ha-bandha location, which reduces local blood flow.

Question 8

Define:

Tha-Bandha

Answer 8

Expansive, cooling and decreases pressure. Pulls energy and blood towards the Tha-bandha region, which increases local blood flow.

Question 9

Define:

Mani Bandha or Hasta Bandha

Answer 9

Mani Bandha or Hasta Bandha is the hand lock or the coactivation of the muscle groups around the wrists and hands.

Bringing the hand into a fist or attempting to curl the hands into a fist makes a Ha-mani Bandha.

Opening and spreading the fingers is a Tha-mani Bandha

Question 10

Define:

Kulpha Bandha or Pada Bandha

Answer 10

Kulpha Bandha or Pada Bandha is the foot lock or the coactivation of the muscle groups around the ankle and foot.

Ha-Kulpha or Ha-Pada Bandha is when you flex the toes and dorsi flex the ankle (draw top of foot towards shin).

Tha-Kulpha or Tha-Pada Bandha is when you extend the toes and plantar flex the ankle (press the foot away from the shin)

Question 11

Define:

Janu Bandha

Answer 11

Knee Bandha

Question 12

Define:

Kati Bandha

Answer 12

Hip Bandha

Question 13

Define:

Amsa Bandha

Answer 13

Shoulder Bandha

Question 14

Define:

Kurpara Bandha

Answer 14

Elbow Bandha