Moola Bandha

 "Control of the muscles and nerves controls the breath. Control of the breath controls consciousness. Bandhas are a means of extending control over breathing and therefore a means to extend our knowledge and control over consciousness."

Moola Bandha, The Master Key

Bandhas are so fundamental and important but they can become overlooked if not emphasized in practice. Each of the three energetic locks work together to keep our prana [life-force energy] concentrated within the sushumna nadi. They offer an opportunity to go beyond the physical efforts of asanas and into energetic discoveries and therapeutic benefits. 

The translation of "lock" can be misleading because at the same time, a process of unlocking happens at mental and physical levels. Along the central channel are granthis  or energetic knots located in the mooladhara [root] anahata [heart] and ajna [third eye] chakras. Granthis represent blockages in our awareness and obscure the image of our true nature.

By continuously twisting, turning and folding our body in asanas we move pranic energy through the central channel. By regulating the breath and cultivating dynamic equilibrium, these energetic knots are loosened, clearing our perception, expanding our consciousness, and, according to many yogic scriptures, helping to heal the body of distress and dis-ease.