17/04/2023
Jalandhar Bandha(throat lock)
Sit in padmasana or siddha/siddha yoni asana with the head and spine straight. The knees should be in firm contact with the floor. Place the palms of the hands on the knees. Close the eyes and relax the whole body. Inhale slowly and deeply, and retain the breath inside. While retaining the breath, bend the head forward and press the chin tightly against the chest. Straighten the arms and lock them firmly into position, pressing the knees down with the hands. Simultaneously, hunch the shoulders upward and forward. This will ensure that the arms stay locked, thus intensifying the pressure applied to the neck. Do not strain. Relax the shoulders, bend the arms and slowly release the lock. Raise the head and then exhale. Repeat when the respiration has returned to normal.
Contra-indications: cervical spondylosis, high intracranial pressure, vertigo, high blood pressure or heart disease.
Benefits: This bandha compresses the carotid sinuses, on the carotid arteries in the neck. These sinuses help to regulate the circulatory and respiratory systems. Normally, a decrease in oxygen and increase in carbon dioxide leads to an increased heart rate and heavier breathing. This process is initiated by the carotid sinuses. By exerting pressure on these sinuses, this tendency is prevented, allowing for decreased heart rate and increased breath retention. This practice produces mental relaxation, relieving stress, anxiety and anger. It develops meditative introversion and one-pointedness. The stimulus on the throat helps to balance thyroid function and regulate the metabolism.
Source: Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha
Swami Saryananda Saraswati
