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Jalandhara bandha is a yoga body lock that aligns the vertebrae of the cervix and thorax, allowing energy to flow more freely in the skull. It tones the back and neck, helps with posture, and can balance the throat chakra. Care must be taken to avoid pain or tension in the neck.
Jalandhara bandha is one of the body lock positions used in yoga. There are three main blockages in the body, each contracting different muscles and forcing the practitioner to focus inward to alter the way energy flows through the body. In general, people who perform jalandhara bandha align the vertebrae of the cervix and thorax so that energy can flow more freely in the skull. Also called net carrier link, throat lock, or neck lock.
To engage Jalandhara Bandha, the practitioner usually sits cross-legged with a straight back. Next, she will open and lift her chest. Then, she slowly lowers her head so that her chin rests on her raised chest. Most practitioners try to pull the neck toward the head and upper spine. In general, the shoulders should be relaxed, not tense.
At a basic level, jalandhara bandha will tone the back and neck. It will also help with posture. Some people believe that it will also help cure ailments that affect the throat. Other practitioners believe it will balance metabolism, help with respiratory ailments, and improve the circulatory system.
For people interested in the chakra system, jalandhara bandha affects the fifth chakra, or the throat chakra. In general, the fifth chakra is related to expression, communication, and fluid thinking. Some people believe that when this chakra is out of balance, it presents as an ear, nose, throat, or respiratory problem in the body. Furthermore, they believe that when this chakra is balanced through bodily blockages such as jalandhara bandha, such ailments can be cured.
Many people move from this basic body block to other activities that affect the throat chakra. For example, they may study colors or use certain crystals to balance the chakra. They may also chant mantras or enter other poses, such as dhanurasana, or bow pose, and paschimottanasana, or forward bend.
Although performing jalandhara bandha may seem relatively easy, it must be done with care. In particular, if the pose causes pain or tension in the neck, it should not be performed. Some people find it easier if a thin towel is wrapped around their necks for extra support. Also, the practitioner must remember to lift their chest to meet their chin, avoiding excessive tension. If you drop your chin without lifting your chest, it can be uncomfortable and damaging.
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