Uddiyana Bandha (Diaphragm Lock) For Better Digestion
/ Bandha
One of the most important and powerful bandhas you will learn when you first begin your Kundalini Yoga journey is the Uddiyana Bandha. Also known as the diaphragm lock, this bandha is one that targets both the physical and energetic barrier between your upper and lower chakras. In transforming this area through the bandha, you can open up the chakras and allow energy to flow.
The heart chakra is tied to meanings of love, compassion, and beauty. With the Uddiyana Bandha, you can open this central chakra of your body and start to feel these emotions in a clearer and stronger way. The bandha is also said to energize both the lower and upper chakras as the lock opens the flow between these two areas. This transformation can also improve your consciousness.
Worldly advantages of the Uddiyana Bandha include a better level of digestion. The practice directly targets your abdominal area, which means that it adds strength to this region of the physical body. With that in mind, many people believe that the diaphragm lock can be used to help ease any digestive problems that people may be suffering. This holistic approach could boost your system.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the Uddiyana Bandha is linked closely to the fire element. The element signifies intensity, high intellectual gains, and passion. All of these traits can be strengthened through this bandha. Focusing your attention on what you hope to gain during this practice will benefit you greatly. Each time you undertake the diaphragm lock concentrate on the outcome you desire.
Benefits Of Uddiyana Bandha
- Energizes lower and upper chakras
- Improves consciousness
- Strengthens digestion
- Helps your heart center
- Opens your heart chakra
- Allows fluid flow of energy
- Helps mindfulness
- Increases vitality
- Encourages kindness
- Supports sensitivity and compassion
- Enhances the fire element
How To Do Uddiyana Bandha
Before you get started with the Uddiyana Bandha, you should ensure that your stomach is not full. For the best results, you may want to practice this lock right before you eat a meal. Doing so will mean that you can get the bandha right and reap the benefits that this lock yields.
Directions
- Start by sitting comfortably on the floor. Ensure that your spine is as straight as possible.
- Inhale through the nose and then exhale completely. Hold your breath outward so that you are fully exhaled. You may find this hard at first but practice makes perfect.
- Move your abdominal area down and backward toward your spine. You should concentrate on the area above your navel during this process.
- Lift your chest high and keep it in that position. Don’t allow this area to drop at any point.
- Next, push the lower thoracic spine forward.
- Keep the Uddiyana Bandha for a period of between 10 and 60 seconds. When you first start out, you may find that you need to opt for a shorter period.
- When you are ready to release the bandha, relax your abdominal area entirely. You should also inhale deeply and return to your regular breathing pattern.
