Bandhas: Gateways to the Yoga Body | Online Immersion
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Bandhas are internal seals that direct the flow of vital energy through the body. Engaging the bandhas is an essential part of yoga, for the bandhas impact the master glands of the body while sparking open the nerve bundles along the front of the spine. However, due to stress, trauma and the pressures of modern day living, strain lodges in the body, making bandha work precarious and potentially irritating. This course undertakes an in-depth study of the anatomy of the pelvic, abdominal and cervical “locks”. We look at the bandhas not as contractions, but as internal seals used to channel prana, activate the chakras and balance the autonomic nervous system. We aim to demystify the bandhas, identifying them neither as mechanical locks nor esoteric techniques. Rather we will see how the bandhas flow as a natural extension of breathing and spinal motion. We will have time to explore a bandha each week using yoga, somatic work, meditations, journaling and pranayama. In this course we compare descriptions of the bandhas from the esoteric yoga tradition with contemporary research in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, somatics, and contemplative science.
Cost: $135 + tax
When: Live Zoom Meetings on April 1, 8, 16, and 22 | 9:30am – 11:30am MT. 11:30am – 1:30pm ET.
Day 1 Â Tapping the Root: Mula Bandha
In this practice we energize the innermost structures of the pelvis without clenching or gripping. We explore how mula bandha supports the reproductive organs while providing stability and fluidity in the first two chakras.
Day 2Â The Flying Bandha: Uddiyana Bandha
Uddiyana bandha is critical for lengthening and stabilizing the lower back while activating the third chakra in the solar plexus. Discover how this bandha supports the internal organs and regulates the adrenal glands. We explore how this region is related to the energy of power and fear.
Day 3Â The Throat Bandha
This day is devoted to the throat and technique of the “water bandha”. This seal impacts the fluids in the neck– blood, lymph and the secretion of thyroxine from the thyroid gland. In this class, we engage the delicate structures of the throat without causing excessive constriction. We study how the throat relates to sound resonance, vocal power and repressed emotion.
Day 4 Â The Tongue Seal
In hatha yoga it is of utmost importance to expand the region of the tongue, soft palate and upper throat. Yogis emphasize curling their tongue backward in order to open the pathway into the cranial chakras. Constriction of the palate and upper throat can result in diminished oxygen to the brain, fatigue, poor concentration, and dementia. In this class we open the roof of the mouth and work with the vital energy centers in the brain.
**Please note ALL Live Zoom sessions and classes will be recorded should you be unable to attend any live streams. All live session recordings are available to you for 30 days after the last class concludes.
** This immersion is valid for 8 hours of Continuing Education, and can be applied towards the required hours for the Prajna Yoga 300/500-Hour Program.
**Have your props handy! We recommend two blocks, blankets, a thick bolster, a 10’ belt/strap, and a backless chair (modifications will be given if you do not have a chair). We recommend yogaoutlet.com and Manduka for props; backless chairs can be found on Amazon and Etsy.
