Bandhas

Most websites and books go into too much detail concerning the bandhas. The following is a basic summary:
When the bandhas are applied during breathing exercises or when chanting, they act to amplify energy and/or direct it.

This is for informational purposes only. It is generally inadvisable to apply the Jalandhara Bandha [chin lock], as the serpent is supposed to ascend through the crown chakra at the top of the head, and applying this lock keeps the serpentine energy trapped below the throat where it is applied. This is not recommended. There are corruptions in certain methods due to the failure of suppressive forces to fully eradicate all spiritual knowledge and techniques. This can be seen easily with Wicca [Christianized Witchcraft] and related. Because all spiritual knowledge could not be removed, suppressive forces worked to corrupt much of it.

Both the "Mulabandha" and the abdominal "Uddiyana Bandha" are effective in working to ascend the energy, as they should.

There are three main bandhas.

• The "Mulabandha," also known as “Root Lock.”
• The "Uddiyana Bandha," also known as "The Abdominal Lift."
• The "Jalandhara Bandha," also known as the "Chin Lock." This is applied by dropping the chin to the chest.

• To apply the Mulabandha [root lock]: This bandha is easier to apply on the exhalation and hold. Exhale, squeeze your pelvic floor muscles surrounding your urethra and rectum and your abdomen. Focus on allowing the energy to rise through the granthi. Hold for a comfortable count, release and inhale.

  A more gentle and safe alternative to practice this bandha is activation of the pelvic floor while in grounding yoga asanas or while exhaling in breath awareness meditation. To activate the pelvic floor: gently squeeze and lift the muscles surrounding the urethra and rectum. On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being full Mulabandha, this alternative method should be a 2 to 4. Release the pelvic floor activation for inhalations, apply again during exhalations.

• To apply the Uddiyana Bandha [abdominal lift], exhale totally to where your lungs are completely empty of air. Try humming, as this will get the last of the air out. When your lungs are completely empty, suck in your abdomen and lift it up. Exhale fully and suck your abdomen in and up, like you are trying to reach your bellybutton up under your ribs. Hold for a comfortable count focusing on allowing the energy to rise through the granthi, release and inhale.

  A more gentle and safe alternative to practice this bandha is through pranayama such as long deep breathing done slow and steady, 5 minutes or more daily, with an emphasis on releasing the lower abdomen on the inhale, and engaging the abdomen on exhale to push the last thread of breath up and out.

  This can then be followed with Kapalabhati (breath of fire) for a few rounds, then remain meditative with a normal breath while visualizing your energy rising to the higher chakras.

• To apply the Jalandhara [chin lock]: Sit upright. Inhale to about 75-80% of your capacity, hold the breath, drop your chin to your neck/chest or between your collarbones and lift your sternum up to meet your chin. It’s fine if your chin does not touch your neck or chest, if there is a gap. Hold for a comfortable count focusing on allowing the energy to rise through the granthi, release and exhale.

  A more gentle and safe alternatives to practice this bandha is with Ujjayi breath while in yoga asana or meditation. Gently constrict your throat to make an audible sound as you inhale and exhale, it will sound like the ocean waves.

  Both the Root and Abdominal Locks can be done at the same time after inhaling, while holding the breath. One should remain motionless while applying and holding the locks.

The above information is based on my own experience. To learn more, just type "bandha" into any search engine. As with anything else, it is best to read several different articles and then experience for yourself.