Moola bandha refinement. advanced question

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

For my sources about this question let’s say it is

  1. moola bandha ‘the master key’ book -swami buddhananda
  2. pattabhi jois
  3. kino macgregor and other authorized ashtangis

QUESTION>> how subtle is moola bandha contraction? Is the entire pelvic floor contracted?

Ok… so my background… I’m a new yoga teacher, practice many styles but primarily ashtanga. I can do full primary series well.

I know pattabhi jois and other ashtangis like to teach contraction of anus (because as a side effect this also contracts moola bandha) .

I was confused in kino macgregor 3rd series dvd special features about moola bandha because she instructs contraction of entire pelvic floor. I thought this was only for beginners? Or do ashtangis really just like their anus contracted? :slight_smile:

From my understanding after reading moola bandha the master key… Only moola bandha should be contracted and do not include ashwini/vajroli mudra (anus and urinary area). I have been practicing this bandha refinement by lifting moola bandha during urination and trying not to disrupt flow.

I am still working on engaging all bandhas during whole practice… Should i do this subtlety? Or contract entire pelvic floor at first?

Thank you !

#2

My feelings are that the location where the lock is applied is specific (not the whole pelvic floor) and the contraction is slight.

#3

some say mula banhda is squeezing entire pelvic floor. To my knowledge on the pelvic floor there are 4 or 5 distinct “muscular gestures” to practice and come to understanding of.

ashwini
mulabandha
yoni mudra
vajrioli
???

#4

or there’s this from a translation of the [I]Gheranda Samhita[/I] by Rai - Bahadur Srisa Chandra Vasu

THIRD LESSON

  1. MULABHANDA

14.-15. Press with the heel of the left foot the region between the anus and the sex, and contract the rectum, carefully press the intestines near the navel on the spine; and put the right heel on the organ of generation. This is called mulabhanda, destroyer of decay.

#5

Thank you melchi! I’m surprised i didn’t get more replies on this one

#6

I Agree. It is one of the strongest Bandhas and if you do it after doing 15 minutes of kapal bhanti pranayam its very helpful . Kapal bhanti- exhaling of breath initiate life energy by stimulating the entire stomach and abdominal area . Then doing Jalandhar, uddiyan and moolbandha together for 3 to 5 times will help the life energy move up in your body. I did it for 2 months to get rid of digsestive disorders and ED problem. All digestive issue are taken care of and ED is going with each passing day as well.

All the best.