David discusses how the bandhas could be understood as physical, energetic, metaphorical and as an object of meditation. Bandhas are a multilayered concept.
Does Yoga Practice Increase Equanimity?
David summarizes recent research that suggests that yoga practice can increase equanimity. Frequency of practice and intention affected impacts of practice.
How Does Yoga Work?
Researchers propose a model which suggests that yoga and other contemplative practices work by using specifically regulated breathing techniques (low respiration rate, long exhalations) which stimulate the vagal nerve, and in that way, positively affect the parasympathetic nervous system.
Why Is Breathing In Twists So Hard?
David explains from an anatomical perspective why breathing in twists can feel so challenging! Learn how you can evolve your twists and breathe easier.
Internal and External Intercostal Muscles
This month David is highlighting the internal and external intercostal muscles. Take a look at where these important breathing muscles attach, what actions they do, and how they are used in yoga practice.
Diaphragm Muscle
This month David is highlighting the diaphragm muscle. Take a look at where this very unique muscle attaches, what action it does, and how it is used in yoga practice.
Scalene Muscles
This month David is highlighting the scalene muscles. They work to stabilize and move the neck. They also assist as secondary respiratory muscles! Take a look at where these muscle attach, what actions they do, and how they are used in yoga practice.
Breathing in Yoga: Is there a Right and Wrong Way?
We shouldn’t take it lightly when we ask or direct people to breathe in very specific ways. Breathing is personal to all of us. There may be long standing physical patterns, emotions, or trauma mixed into the way we breathe. We should be aware that breathing in different ways has different affects on us. The rate of inhalation can be stimulating, agitating, or calming.
How Breathing Leads to Bandhas © 2010
In the last two newsletters I’ve covered both mula and uddiyana bandhas from an anatomical point of view. I feel the need to finish off these two articles with one on the breath. It seems to me that without breath, there are no bandhas. In fact, as the title says, from breath comes bandha. My logic works like this, if we’re going to try and control as well as use energy in our body, then we have to be bringing that energy in. In yoga, there is one way in which energy comes in and it is through the breath.
Mula Bandha Anatomically Speaking by David Keil © 2010
The bandhas (mula bandha specifically) are perhaps the most difficult aspect to grasp in the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. For me personally, I think I know what they are. But then I look back at my little life as an Ashtangi, amazingly at 11 years now, and realize, I thought I knew what they were 10 years ago. Then just 5 years ago I understand them even more differently than I do today. My experience of them has changed over the years and will continue to as I’m guessing your experience of them will.
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