Yoga

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Yoga

Mula Bandha

By Ann Pizer, About.com

Created: September 22, 2004

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Definition: Root lock. The first of three interior body “locks” used in asana and pranayama practice to control the flow of energy. To activate mula bandha, exhale and engage the pelvic floor, drawing it upwards towards your navel. If you don’t know how to access the pelvic floor, think of it as the space between the pubic bone and the tailbone. Initially you may need to contract and hold the muscles around the anus and genitals, but really what you want is to isolate and draw up the perineum, which is between the anus and genitals. Do not hold your breath. Engaging mula bandha while doing yoga poses can give the postures an extra lift. This is especially useful when jumping.
Pronunciation: Moola Baun-da

Explore Yoga

About.com Special Features

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Yoga

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Yoga
  4. Glossary
  5. Mula Bandha - Root Lock

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.