Mad respect for mula bandha! Mula means foundation, root, or source. Bandha basically means bondage or hold. It’s the lock which unlocks.
As you activate the pelvic floor muscles at the perineum, you unlock the divine energy within (or rather, help wake it up). It’s located between your goods. The perineum musculature is shaped like a diamond. Mula bandha is in the middle. If you’ve ever heard, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” I assume this is what they’re talking about.
When engaging mula bandha, heart rate is lowered, alpha brain waves are produced and internal organs are massaged. It also prevents incontinence and improves sexy time.
Controlling the breath while activating the pelvic floor invites the luscious fire inside to come alive! Contracting the perineum brings energy up the spine and intensifies vitality. Yummy! It’s also very grounding and helps us move from our center. When activated, it stills the mind, controls sexual desire, keeps endocrine glands happy and exercises the root chakra.
Iyengar says it can be lethal if practiced improperly, awaking all dormant desires, like “poking a sleeping snake.” Scarrrrry.
Please do not hold the breath while practicing mula bandha. Try engaging at the end of an inhale and holding during exhales and then during all the time! When done correctly, this action prevents prostate problems and impotence and helps prepare the body for childbirth. It also stops men from ‘finishing’ too soon. Exercise your root lock!
What an amazing way to conserve energy and increase spiritual power!
During asana practice, engaging mula bandha protects the low back and helps us stay in postures longer.
“There is no doubt that by practicing mula bandha . . . total perfection is attained!” -Iyengar, Light on Hatha Yoga
Contraction of these muscles is said to affect the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, and endocrine systems, and most important, the system of internal energy. In time, this can awaken the dormant snake sleeping at the base of your spine. Good morning Kundalini!
There are 72,00 nadis (nerve channels) just above mula bandha in the 3rd chakra. Wow. It’s believed that engaging the root lock stimulates all of these!
You may have heard the term “kegel.” Same area. Dr. Kegel recommended exercising the pc muscles in order to make them stronger and to prevent disease. He did not, however, “discover” this area. (Of course a man would want to take credit.)
Working the pelvic floor muscles results in deeper, longer, more intense orgasms for men and women so why not show that area some love! Try pulling your navel to the spine on the exhales while activating mula bandha and gently tucking your tailbone.
You can practice mula bandha anytime, anywhere, all the time! Attempt holding it the entire day and fill yourself up with the sweet, juicy life force that is readily available to you! You may feel a vital spark flow from your base to your crown.
You have the power to control and illuminate your energy supply! Use it wisely.