Why and when Moolabandha (anal lock) in the practice of Pranayama / Kumbhaka?

Whenever we talk about Bandhas in the context of Pranayama / Kumbhaka, following three Bandhas are indicated through it.

  1. Moolabandha (MB)
  2. Jalandhara Bandha ( JB)
  3. Uddiyana Bandha ( UB)

In the present article let us talk about Moolabandha

Moolabandha

Moola Bandha is one of the Ten Mudras described by Hathayogapradipika and one of the 25 Mudras described by Gheranda Samhita. This Bandha is one of the three bandhas considered as essential component for the practice of Pranayama or Kumbhaka.

Moola Bandha which is usually translated as Anal lock is one of the important component of the practice of Kumbhaka. Hathayogapradipika describes two techniques for its practice. First technique consists in pressing the heel against the perineum and contract the anus ( HYP III / 60 ). Second technique consists in pressing the heel against the anus and contract the perineum ( HYP III / 62 ). In both the techniques a sadhaka has to work on Perineum and Anus both. In either of the technique, whole area of pelvic region along with the area below the navel will be contracted.

One is not supposed to change the body position during the session of Pranayama or Kumbhaka without the completion of the session as it will also disturb the MB.

One, who is practicing Kumbhaka along with Puraka and Rechaka, he can practice Kumbhaka in two ways:

Without the application of MB

  1. One who practices Kumbhaka ( Retention) without the application of MB, he is fundamentally a physical culturist..
    Pranayama is highly beneficial from the physical point of view and considered highly effective in improving the capacity and functioning of lungs. Those who are physical culturist, they do not require to practice MB during the practice of Pranayama. Forthem following instruction can be given –
  2. Puraka and Rechaka ( 1:2), no Bandha required.
    Puraka- Kumbhaka and Rechaka ( 1:1:2to 1:2:2).Physical culturist are not advised to go for ideal ratio of 1:4:2 as it is not required for their purpose. They should take care to apply JB after Puraka and maintain JB during Kumbhaka till they start Rechaka. Even MB and UB is not necessary for them.

With the application of MB

  1. Those who practice Pranayama with MB are definitely spiritual seekers or we may say that spiritual seekers must resort to the practice of MB. However, it is also true that for spiritual seekers along with MB other two Bandhas are equally essential. Following are the principles and benefits of the practice of MB for spiritual seekers-
  2. No additional instruction is required for the type of breathing if one practices MB. As a result of the practice of MB, the inspiration is essentially thoracic only, because due to MB whole of the area below the navel gets vigorously contracted leading to automatic thoracic expansion during inspiration.
  3. MB is to be adopted right in the beginning of the session of the practice of Pranayama and it is to be maintained continuously till the session of Pranayama practice is complete.
    One must remember that since we can not release MB in the middle of the session of Pranayama, there is also no scope of normal breathing as well, in the middle of the session. Moreover, a normal breathing in the middle of the session of Pranayama will reduce the effect or rather neutralize the effect. It is something like a person advised by a doctor for a walk for 5km. per day as a part of treatment and the person completes 5km. walk by taking rest after each km.
  4. There is one more opinion regarding MB available in Jyotsna commentary by Brahmananda on Hathayogapradipika. Brahmananda has emphasized on correct technique of MB to be learnt by a competent guru or Yoga teacher. According to him, if MB is not practiced properly, it will lead to constipation, reduce gastric fire and also faeces will be like beads of a goat. Contrary to this , if practiced properly, will lead to increase in gastric fire, manifestations of nada ( internally aroused un-struck sound). Brahmanandaalso suggests that practice of MB without proper training and learning is not safe.
  5. Yoga texts contain statements and instructions like apanamurdhvamanilam(HYP I/ 48) or utthapyapavanam (HYP I/ 46 ) and c. These statements actually indicate the practice of MB because it is only through MB the apana is raised upward.

Effects of MB

  1. Prana and Apana Vayu meet due to this Bandha (HYP III / 64).
  2. It reduces urine and faecal matter (HYP III / 65)
  3. Old becomes young (HYP III / 65)
  4. Kundalini is awakened and enters into Sushumna (HYP III / 68)
  5. Practitioner of MB attains perfection in Yoga. (HYP III / 69)
  6. MB automatically facilitates the requisite type of breathing conducive for Pranayama