Yoga Practice Name
Maha Bandha
English Name
The Great Lock
Yoga Practice Branch
Ashtang Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga
Yoga Practice Type
Practice Keynotes
- Do not attempt maha bandha until the other three bandhas have been experienced.
- It can also be done in uttan padasana.
Contraindications
- People suffering from high or low blood pressure, heart conditions, stroke, hernia, stomach or intestinal ulcer, and those recovering from any visceral ailment should avoid this practice.
- Pregnant women should also not attempt this practice.
General Benefits
- Maha bandha gives the benefits of all three bandhas.
- It affects the hormonal secretions of the pineal gland and regulates the entire endocrine system.
- The decaying, degenerative and ageing processes are checked and every cell of the body is rejuvenated.
- It soothes anger and introverts the mind prior to meditation. When perfected it can fully awaken prana in the main chakras.
- It leads to the merger of prana, apana and samana in agni mandala, which is the culmination of all pranayamas.
Benefits for Disease
Depression, Eating disorders
Body and Organ Affected
Neck, Shoulder, Elbow, Arm, Chest, Back, Navel, Abdomen, Hip