The Holiday season can often deplete us. In our yoga flow classes this week we will begin exploring the energy locks in our bodies and how to engage them for good Prana!

We know how it feels to take in a deep breath. So good; nurturing, calming and centering.  As yogis, we practice intention to what our bodies need. Oftentimes, our bodes give us a deep breath without our even realizing. Are not our bodies amazing, working toward balance restored and homeostasis. Our breath controls our energy, our life force, prana. We will be learning how to engage our body's energy locks or bandhas (certain muscle fibers in specific areas of the body, that support in the toning and lifting of the systems of the body). We can contain and direct our energy, with better muscular engagement and create length, openness and lightness in the body. Each bandha acts as an energetic lock, or valve. Similar to the way that a valve on a bicycle tire lets air in while also keeping it from escaping, our three main bandhas direct energy and keep it contained. I think this sounds like a really good idea...especially at this time of year! 

There are three main bandhas, energy locks that run along your spinal column (Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara), two minor bandhas at your hands and feet (Hasta and Pada). 

• Pada Bandha (Foot Lock) Helps energy rise up through the soles of your feet to bring stability to your legs.

• Hasta Bandha (Hand Lock) Assists energy up through the soft center of your palms to being strength and stability to your arms and upper body.

• Mula Bandha (Root Lock) Moves energy up through the center of your pelvic floor toward your navel and keeps it from moving down. 

• Uddiyana Bandha (Upward Abdominal Lock) Helps energy rise up through the center of your core. This bandha lifts energy, but it also intensifies upward energy from Mula Bandha and downward energy from Jalandhara Bandha.

• Jalandhara Bandha (Chin/Throat Lock) Restricts the upward flow of energy and directs energy down toward your navel with your chin toward your chest. 

Accessing/engaging each bandha takes repetitive focus and practice. Many of us are already accessing with or without awareness and some of us will discover something brand new in their practice. When we bring awareness to these energy locks, we can channel our prana and find our center. Again. Bring on the holidays and bring your friends to class!