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JALANDHAR
BANDHA
Introduction
:
It
is difficult to explain why this bandh is known as Jalandhar Bandh.
However, one may guess that Rishi Jalandhar might have defined the
act of this bandh for the first time, and the same was named after
him. (In Yoga, sometimes the actions are known by the name of the
Rishis, such as Matsyendrasan, Gorakshasan etc.)
If
we try to trace the meaning of the word Jalandhar, " Jal "
means " Net ", in this case, net of Nadis (energy channels)
and the word " Dhar " means to stop or to hold the flow
of the fluid (Amrut), flowing through the nadis. However, let us
understand the action behind this bandh instead of discussing its
name or origin.
Action
: Pre-position
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This
bandh can be achieved without getting into any asana pose.
But generally, it is studied in Padmasan or any other asana
specified for Dhyana Process. Padmasan or Siddhasan are considered
as the best positions to practise this bandh.
To
perform the Bandh :
In
this bandh, it is expected to contract the muscles of the
neck and to press the chin firmly on to the depression at
the end of the throat (jugular notch).
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SIDDHASANA
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The
neck is to be bent a little for achieving this bandh. But
it should not be bent much. It is to be pressed onto the depression
just as a spring is pressed with a little force. The release
of the force brings the spring back into normal position.
The same principle is to be applied in this bandh. Since all
the muscles of the neck and the throat are contracted totally,
a force is exerted onto the seven paths in the throat. The
presence of the force interferes with the breathing process.
Hence, this bandh is to be attained after Pooraka and is to
be released before Rechaka. The bandh is necessary in Kumbhaka.
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JALANDHAR
BANDHA
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Physical
Effects :
Nowhere,
the effects of this bandh on the body have been clearly defined.
However, effects can be enumerated on the basis of experiments carried
out at Kaivalyadham, Lonavala and other observations while teaching
and studying this bandh.
Due
to the particular action of the neck required to achieve this bandh,
it is pressed forward and the spinal cord gets a little bit lifted
upwards. The force of this action is felt on the spinal cord. Spinal
cord has the utmost importance in the control of the body. With
this force, the circulation of blood increases thereby increasing
the efficiency of the spinal cord.
The
bandh also affects " Vidyan Nadi " which passes through
the neck. It is the only blood vessel passing below the neck. It
is divided into two parts, which move towards the brain. These are
known as Carotid Arteries. These arteries pass from both the sides
of the neck to the brain. The beats of the heart can be easily felt
if the neck is bent backwards, the pulse is felt on both the sides
below the jaw. The area where the blood vessel is divided into two
parts is a little bit flat and is known as Carotid Sinus. The wall
covering Carotid Sinus is thin and can easily get affected by inner
or outside pressure. The nerve passing from here to the brain is
known as Carotid Nerve. It goes high up into the skull and then
down into the brain. This nerve is related to internal carotid,
external carotid and carotid sinus. The pressure exerted on this
nerve is transmitted to the brain. The pressure can be exerted from
outside too. This process is attempted in the Jalandhar Bandh. Due
to the peculiar position of the neck, the pressure is exerted on
carotid sinus and the nerves are activated to send a signal to the
brain. The brain activates its machinery to lower the blood pressure,
so that the muscles of the heart start functioning slowly. The heart
beats are reduced. The reason why this happens is that the position
of the bandh lessens the blood supply to the carotid artery. The
reduction in the blood supply to the brain slows down the body activities
and the practitioner can observe the complete stillness of body
and mind. But to achieve this position, the bandh has to be practised
for a number of years. After putting in enough practice, the yogasadhaka
can achieve such elated state of mind wherein he can forget the
outside world and even the awareness of his own body. Most of the
functions of the body are stopped and the sadhaka can progress towards
samadhi. However, with even a little bit of study and practice of
this bandh, sadhaka can achieve calm and quiet mind devoid of any
thoughts and the nearly lifeless body. The state is pleasurable.
The
messages are passed on from carotid sinus to that centre in the
brain which regulates the blood pressure. The pressure on the carotid
sinus is transmitted to the brain in the form of messages and accordingly
the blood pressure is reduced. This is the plan of the nature to
reduce the increased blood pressure. In pranayam, there is a possibility
of increasing the blood pressure while performing Kumbhaka. Hence,
achieving Jalandhar Bandh before Kumbhaka automatically results
in controlling the bloodpressure. This is a major benefit of Jalandhar
Bandh.
There
is another important benefit of this bandh. The bandh is advised
in Pranayam after Pooraka. Kumbhaka is observed after Pooraka. At
the time of observing Kumbhaka , the increased pressure on the inhaled
air, results in air trying to find out an escape route. Since the
usual path of escape i e the nostrils are closed, the air tries
to enter eustachian tube and finds a way behind the ear drums. The
increased pressure on the eardrums is not advisable and can cause
a lot of complaints. However, the position of the pressed neck in
Jalandhar Bandh stops this inhaled air from entering into these
routes and the eardrums are saved from the ill effects.
Duration
:
This
bandh is to be observed after Pooraka and before Kumbhaka. After
Kumbhka, the bandh is to be released before practising Rechaka.
Hence, the duration of Kumbhaka is the duration for this bandh too.
Instead of practising this bandh independently, it is to be practised
while practising Pranayam.
Precaution
:
The
bandh is not to be practised by persons suffering from breath related
problems or high or low bloodpressure, unless advised by the experts
in the field. During Pranayam, the bandh is to be observed after
Pooraka. Rechaka is to be practised after Kumbhaka, after releasing
the bandh. Rechaka should not be observed while being in this bandh.
References
in the ancient texts :
The
bandh has been described in Hathapradeepika in the third chapter
as under :
Kanthamakunchya
hridaye sthapayechhibukam dridham |
Bandho jalandharakhyoyam jaramrituvinashakah || H P 3-70
Badhnani hi shirajalam adhogami nabhojalam |
Tato jalandharo badhah kanthadukkhahoghanashanah || H P 3-71
Meaning
:
The
chin is to be pressed on the chest after contracting the throat.
This bandh eliminates old age and death. The contracted veins in
the throat ensure that the liquid from the skies is received here.
Hence, the bandh has been appropriately known as Jalandhar Bandh,
which means that it destroys any pain in the throat.
Gherandsamhita
has also described the bandh as under :
Kanthasankochanam
krutva chibukam hridaye nyaset |
Jalandharakrute bandhe shodashadharbandhanam |
Jalandharam mahamudra mrityoeach kshayakarini || G S 3-12
Meaning
:
The
chin is to be pressed onto the heart after contracting the throat.
This Jalandhar Bandh supports sixteen types of bandhas and destroys
death.
Siddham
jalandharam bandham yoginam siddhidayakam |
Shanmasmabyaset yo hi sa siddho natra samshayah || G S 3-13
Meaning
:
Jalandhar
Bandh is Swayamsiddha and the sadhaka who practises this bandh for
six months will, no doubt, achieve siddha status.
In
both the texts, the description as well as the effects of the bandh
is more or less the same. Both the texts have assured that the bandh
causes destruction of old age and death. Observing this bandh gives
peace and calmness to both, the heart and the mind. This in turn
increases the lifetime of the sadhaka.
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