Nabhi Bandha

Nabhi Bandha is accessed through the subtle contraction of the abdomen four fingers below the navel by pulling the abdomen in towards the back of the spine. The area above, Uddiyana bandha, and the area below, Swadhi bandha should remain unaffected.

Isolating these three actions is essential if the correct action is maintained for each bandha.

THE THREE ACTIONS

Uddiyana bandha – navel – in and up action – Manipura chakra

Swadhi bandha – pelvic cavity – pelvic integrity – Swadhisthana chakra    

Nabhi bandha – four fingers below navel – front to back – Nabhi chakra   

It will take practice to divide the three actions, but it is crucial. 

BALANCE & SUPPORT

On a gross level engaging bandhas will support joints, prevent hyperextension and build strength. On a subtle level they work to oppose the polar forces of Ida and Pingala, or positive and negative bringing harmony and balance.         

THE PRACTICE

A dramatic yet simple example of how Nabhi bandha affecting posture can be seen in Samastitihi. Correcting alignment is unique to the individual as we are all slightly different and Nahbi bandha is an effective method to achieve this

In Samastitihi pull the tummy in below the navel so the Pubis lifts and space is created in the lumbar spine. This is not a gross action and the affect is to engage the Rectus abdominals, which lifts the Pubis and sets the Pelvis into neutral.  

With practice these actions become second nature and we can access them subconsciously, not just in asana but throughout the day. The effect is subtle but profound. 

USEFUL EXERCISE

A useful exercise is to take the breath below the navel, and with each exhale draw the area below the navel to the back of the spine. Try adding two breaths to every exhale, so if the in breath is a count of four, breathe out for six. Each time add a couple of breaths to the exhale as you increase the inhale. Please don’t force or strain in any way. Use this in your asana practice and notice the stability it creates.

NABHI BANDHA & POSTRUAL BALANCE

This practice will bring renewed awareness to Samastitihi, and overall postural balance.

Observe the profile of someone in Samastitihi and look for the natural curves of the body. Notice how there is a rising succession of curves in the body from the ankles up to the cervical spine. The aim is to achieve and sustain as far as is possible neutral curves that are neither overly lordotic nor kyphotic.

Engaging Nabhi bandha is a potent method of correcting an overly lordotic lumbar spine.

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