Jalandhara Bandha
Jalandhara Bandha (जालन्धर बन्ध) is the “chin lock,” a yogic technique involving the drawing of the chin toward the chest and the contraction of the throat muscles. It is one of the three primary bandhas in Hatha Yoga and is used to seal prana in the upper body during pranayama and meditation.
Overview
Jalandhara Bandha is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 3) as the practice of pressing the chin against the sternum (or the chest) to prevent prana from escaping through the throat and head. The name “jalandhara” is traditionally interpreted as “that which holds back the (net) of nadis,” referring to the network of energy channels in the throat region. The bandha is said to prevent the downward flow of amrita (nectar) from the bindu (the highest center in the head) and to regulate the flow of prana through the sushumna. It is typically applied during kumbhaka (breath retention) in combination with mula bandha and uddiyana bandha.
Method
The practitioner sits in a meditative posture and, during inhalation or retention, presses the chin firmly against the sternum (or the notch between the collarbones). The head is tilted slightly forward, and the throat muscles are contracted. The bandha is held for the duration of the retention, and then released before exhalation. In the traditional form, it is applied simultaneously with mula bandha and uddiyana bandha to form maha bandha (the great lock).
Benefits and Purpose
Traditional texts claim Jalandhara Bandha:
- Seals prana in the upper body
- Prevents the downward flow of amrita (nectar) from the bindu
- Regulates the flow of prana through the sushumna
- Stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands
- Is essential for advanced pranayama practice
Verification Notes
- Described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Chapter 3.
- Referenced in the Shiva Samhita and Gheranda Samhita.
- Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).