Bandhas in Indian Yoga are a set of muscle locks, which have as their aim to lock Prana (Vital Life Energy) in particular areas of the body and then, after release, channel the energy flow with increased pressure through the body.
The ultimate goal of practicing Bandhas is spiritual awakening, but they can also be used for more down-to-earth therapeutic purposes.
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There are four main Bandhas: Jalandhara, Uddiyana, Mula and Maha Bandha. The last Bandha is a combination of the first three. Mind that some categorizations talk of three Bandhas, others about five, and so on.
Mula Bandha (also written Moola Bandha), and translated as the Root Lock, is the repeated contraction of the muscles deep to the center of the perineum making the pelvic and perineal muscles stronger, while improving blood circulation to the area.
This actual practice of this Bandha shows much resemblance with Kegel Pelvic Floor Exercises. It’s held for the duration of a breath, then relaxed, and is typically repeated ten times in a session.
This Bandha stimulates the pelvic floor, nerves, and organs, while toning the urinary and genital systems. As a result, it can, for instance, raise low libido and alleviate Erectile Dysfunction or Premature Ejaculation (PE) in men, and vaginal dryness in women.
Additionally, it relieves symptoms of depression and stress and it can also neutralize other emotions. As an example, if someone wants to stop crying, laughing, or coughing, doing Mula Bandha can control that.
