Uddiyana Bandha

Uddiyana Bandha (उड्डियान बन्ध) is the “abdominal lock,” a yogic technique involving the drawing inward and upward of the abdominal muscles and diaphragm while the breath is held out. It is one of the three primary bandhas in Hatha Yoga and is considered the most important for activating the prana and awakening kundalini.

Overview

Uddiyana Bandha is described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 3) and the Gheranda Samhita as the “flying lock,” so named because it causes prana to fly upward through the sushumna nadi. The practice involves a complete exhalation followed by a “false inhalation” in which the diaphragm is drawn upward and the abdominal organs are pulled back toward the spine, creating a vacuum effect. The bandha is said to cleanse the nadi, stimulate the digestive fire, and force prana into the sushumna. It is considered the foremost of the bandhas and is essential for advanced yoga practice.

Method

The practitioner stands with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. After a complete exhalation through the mouth (with jalandhara bandha applied), the practitioner performs a “false inhalation” by expanding the chest without allowing air to enter, which draws the diaphragm and abdominal organs upward and backward. The abdomen is then “scooped” inward and upward, creating a deep hollow beneath the ribcage. The bandha is held for as long as comfortable, then released with a slow inhalation. The practice is typically performed on an empty stomach.

Benefits and Purpose

Traditional texts claim Uddiyana Bandha:

• Cleanses and activates all 72,000 nadis
• Forces prana into the sushumna nadi
• Stimulates the digestive fire (agni)
• Removes diseases of the abdomen
• Is the foremost of all bandhas

Verification Notes

• Described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (3.55-3.59).
• Referenced in the Shiva Samhita and Gheranda Samhita.
• The practice should only be performed on an empty stomach.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).