Siddhasana and Jalandhara-Bandha

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’ve read that in Siddhasana I’m supposed to let my right / left leg’s heel touch the place between my anus and scrotum. However, could anyone be more specific of the direction please? Should the heel touch the place between the scrotum and the anus so hard that I can feel it in my skin or should the heel be just placed in that place, without touching the skin? I’m asking this because I’ve noticed that whether I let the heel touch the skin or not determines a lot about the way I handle my legs.

Also, should Jalandhara-Bandha / neck-lock, be performed after completing pooraka (inhalation) and kept on while during rechaka (exhalation), or should it be enforced even before doing the pooraka?

#2

fin,

The position of the heel in siddhasana is such, that it is to be pressed onto the perinium muscles which are between the anus and the genitals. This is to stimulate the muladhara chakra center at the case of the spine. Out of the muladhara arises the three fundamental nadis along the spinal cord, ida on the left, sushumna in the center, pingala on the right. The purpose of siddhasana is not simply to obtain a steady posture, but to sitmulate these three nadis in the subtle body which may help the flow of prana and awaken the Kundalini.

“Also, should Jalandhara-Bandha / neck-lock, be performed after completing pooraka (inhalation) and kept on while during rechaka (exhalation)”

Lock upon completing inhalation, sustain in retention, and release jalandhara slowly during exhale.

#3

… and awaken the Kundalini.

A result not advised for those learning the practice from a book, DVD, or online stream, lacking foundational alignment or nervous system preparation, or beginners to the practice.

#4

[I]I’ve read that in Siddhasana I’m supposed to let my right / left leg’s heel touch the place between my anus and scrotum. However, could anyone be more specific of the direction please? Should the heel touch the place between the scrotum and the anus so hard that I can feel it in my skin or should the heel be just placed in that place, without touching the skin? I’m asking this because I’ve noticed that whether I let the heel touch the skin or not determines a lot about the way I handle my legs. [/I]

[B]The Seat should be comfortable. Avoid strain. Experiment. Slight Pressure if pressure is needed for some reason. Can you relax all the way in this posture?[/B]

[I]Also, should Jalandhara-Bandha / neck-lock, be performed after completing pooraka (inhalation) and kept on while during rechaka (exhalation), or should it be enforced even before doing the pooraka?[/I]

[B]This all depends on what your doing and for what end. [/B]

#5

The possibility of such a thing happening without possessing the knowledge of the techniques for it’s awakening is as as rare as one finding a pearl in the desert.

#6

@ Amir
Perhaps if it is germane enough to include in reply to an OP who states he’s reading about the pose and is soliciting request for technique, it is also relevant to provide cautions. Or perhaps not.

#7

Hi and welcome,

Jalandhara Bandha can also be performed before puraka, during outer retention (bahir kumbaka). It can be added to Mula Bandha (root lock) and Udiyana Bandha (abdominal lock) during that period. The three bandhas together all called Maha Bandha (great lock). But it is not recommended if you’re a beginner.

Your heel in siddhasana should firmly press your perineum for activating your Muladhara Chakra. And the other heel could press the public bone so that Swadisthana Chakra is activated too.

What system are you following?

#8

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I’m following the Ashtanga Hatha Yoga system though it’s difficult to maintain all the 8 limbs in this day and age. I plan to move on and concentrate on Kundalini Yoga after my mind and body is prepared and that I have enough knowledge to control my diet.