What are the bandhas or energetic yogic locks?

In Sanskrit, "bandha" translates as "lock."

Bandhas are first mentioned textually in the medieval period in Hatha and Tantric texts where they  are understood as energetic locks in the body that help yogis prevent their their vital life force - amrita & semen - from leaking.

Keeping this life force stored inside is said to lead to immortality and special powers...

Today however we more commonly think about bandhas in relation to our physical yoga asana (posture) practice

In modern postural yoga, bandhas combine physicality, breathe, and focussed energetic awareness (inc. the imagination) to activate energetic flow & alignment in the body.

They help us activate deep inner strength and alignment without necessarily growing muscle mass.  

We have: Mula Bandha – the pelvic floor muscles.

Uddiyana Bandha – the abdominals up to the diaphragm.

Jalandhara Bandha – the throat.

Hasta Bandha - the hands.

Pada Bandha - the feet.

They help us lift into and hold  inversions & balances with lightness and effortlessness, helping us preserve our energy.

Want to learn to connect to your bandhas?

Join me in Cambridge this January 2024 for a a 4-part all-levels arm balance and inversion workshop series where we will explore the bandhas through the magic of embodied anatomy and biomechanics.

Saturdays January 13th, 20th, 27th & 3rd of Feb 2024.

10am - 11.30am.

St Mark's Community Centre,

Newnham, Cambridge,

CB3 9JN

£25 per workshop or all 4 for £60, a bargain considering most yoga classes in Cambridge are £15-18 (and you will be getting ALOT more out of this than a single yoga class!).

Not able to make in-person in Cambridge?

Interested in an online workshop edition?

Email me: yogawithfloss@gmail.com