(Uddiyana bandha)
Level: Moderate
Benefits: This exercise strengthens the abdominals, stimulates the digestive organs and tones the lungs.
Cautions: It should not be performed if you have eaten recently or are menstruating, pregnant or suffering from heart or circulatory problems or headaches.
How To
- From a standing position, bend your knees and lean forward slightly from the hips, resting your hands just above your knees.
- Take a deep breath in and then exhale fully drawing your abdomen back towards your spine. Keeping your breath out, expand your rib cage (this is like taking a fake breath in) you will feel the abdomen hollowing and lengthening and a slight drawing sensation in the throat. To counteract this bring your chin towards your chest and keep your body lengthening.
- When you are ready to inhale slowly release the lock and gently inhale (don’t gasp), take a full breath and exhaling roll down into a relaxing forward bend.
- Inhale and on the exhale roll back up. Repeat twice more then rest. Gradually with practice you will be able to extend the time you are holding the lock.
Modifications
- This pose can be performed while in a kneeling position.