Demystifying the Bandhas
Unlock your power with Annie Carpenter
Introduction
The bandhas are a powerful method of moving beyond the physical to the transformative practice that yoga can be. Unlock the mystery of these potent teachings by exploring the three main bandhas, or energy locks, practiced in yoga—Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara, as well as Maha Bandha, The Great Lock, which joins all three.
Working with the bandhas heightens your awareness of your subtle body, bringing energetic support to your physical practice. As you use them to enhance your asana and pranayama practices, you'll begin to see how it's possible to direct your own energy-uplifting it when you feel depleted, or transforming excess, scattered energy into grounded vitality. By managing your subtle body in this way, you'll feel more powerful, confident and capable of creating what you want out of life.
This course will explore each bandha in depth through a mixture of lecture and practice. You'll learn the anatomy, theory and proper execution of each lock, and how to apply these ancient teachings to your modern life. How and when to practice, including contraindications, will also be discussed. The course will culminate in an hour-long practice that integrates all three locks, so you can fully experience their breath-enhancing and energy-boosting effects.
Working with the bandhas heightens your awareness of your subtle body, bringing energetic support to your physical practice. As you use them to enhance your asana and pranayama practices, you'll begin to see how it's possible to direct your own energy-uplifting it when you feel depleted, or transforming excess, scattered energy into grounded vitality. By managing your subtle body in this way, you'll feel more powerful, confident and capable of creating what you want out of life.
This course will explore each bandha in depth through a mixture of lecture and practice. You'll learn the anatomy, theory and proper execution of each lock, and how to apply these ancient teachings to your modern life. How and when to practice, including contraindications, will also be discussed. The course will culminate in an hour-long practice that integrates all three locks, so you can fully experience their breath-enhancing and energy-boosting effects.
Level
This course is designed for both teachers and experienced students of yoga. All yogis will gain a more profound understanding of how powerful their practice can be, while elevating and strengthening their asana practice. The course is highly recommended to teachers so they can develop their own Maha Bandha practice, and have the tools and clarity to help their students begin to understand and practice as well.
Maha Bandha is a significant practice joining Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara Bandhas and is intended for advanced practitioners only. It is recommended that you are in good physical and mental condition and have a steady yoga practice, which includes asana, pranayama and meditation. All content, text, images and audio found within this course are created for informational purposes only and you should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before attempting this practice should you have any medical conditions or concerns.
We do not recommend that you take this course if you are experiencing undue stress, sick, pregnant (or attempting to become pregnant), in gastric distress, menstruating, have high or low blood pressure, heart disease, eye issues – like glaucoma, migraines, vertigo or dizziness. Any physical impediments, especially vertebrae problems, that will keep you from your asana practice will also prevent you from this practice.
Maha Bandha is a significant practice joining Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara Bandhas and is intended for advanced practitioners only. It is recommended that you are in good physical and mental condition and have a steady yoga practice, which includes asana, pranayama and meditation. All content, text, images and audio found within this course are created for informational purposes only and you should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before attempting this practice should you have any medical conditions or concerns.
We do not recommend that you take this course if you are experiencing undue stress, sick, pregnant (or attempting to become pregnant), in gastric distress, menstruating, have high or low blood pressure, heart disease, eye issues – like glaucoma, migraines, vertigo or dizziness. Any physical impediments, especially vertebrae problems, that will keep you from your asana practice will also prevent you from this practice.
9 videos organized into 5 chapters
This course is made up of nine videos organized into five chapters. Each chapter contains a mix of lecture and practice videos that will guide you from the the basics to a full practice of Maha Bandha. Notes that further illuminate the lectures, as well as anatomy images and a downloadable glossary and pronunciation guide are included. A final quiz will test your your knowledge of the essential concepts and practices.
The well-informed practice of the Bandhas are a powerful way for you to heighten your inner awareness, enhance your breathing for your Yoga and your life, and to tap into the power of Prana, directing, guiding and illuminating your inner energy and spirit. This course is comprehensive including history and theory, how to -- and how not to — include and practice each and all of the Bandhas for yourself and your students.
The well-informed practice of the Bandhas are a powerful way for you to heighten your inner awareness, enhance your breathing for your Yoga and your life, and to tap into the power of Prana, directing, guiding and illuminating your inner energy and spirit. This course is comprehensive including history and theory, how to -- and how not to — include and practice each and all of the Bandhas for yourself and your students.
In this course you will explore
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The philosophy and anatomy of all three bandhas
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How to properly execute each of the bandhas
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When, and when not, to practice the bandhas
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The history of these practices
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How the bandhas uplift your asana practice, and empower your pranayama practice
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How the physical application of the bandhas can help you understand and manage your subtle energy
Course curriculum
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01
1 - Introduction
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Introduction to the Bandhas
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Mahā Bandha Overview
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MP6- Balancing Spinning Wheels
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Demystifying the Bandhas - Glossary of Terms
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Pronunciation Guide for the International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration
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02
2 - Mūla Bandha
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Mūla Bandha Overview
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Mūla Bandha Practice Prep
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03
3 - Jālandhara Bandha
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Jālandhara Bandha Overview
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Jālandhara Bandha Practice Prep
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04
4 - Uḍḍīyana Bandha
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Uḍḍīyana Bandha Overview
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Uḍḍīyana Bandha Practice Prep
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05
5 - Mahā Bandha Practice
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Outro
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Final Quiz
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How does it work?
- The course content is delivered to you via online streaming video with downloadable supporting documents and images, organized into 5 chapters with 9 instructional videos total.
- Each chapter has an opening, lecture-style introduction, an applicable anatomy lesson and demo and a practice illuminating each section's focus.
- Each chapter has downloadable outlines, bullet points, and detailed anatomical drawings especially created for SmartFLOW.
- At the end of the Course there is a final quiz to test you and emphasize the essential points.
- You will have access to "Demystifying the Bandhas" for the life of the course. The course and all included materials are accessible any time and can be completed on your schedule and on any computer.
- Course hours count towards your SmartFlow Advanced Training, as non-contact hour learning requirements. Your hours count towards your Advanced Certification in SmartFlow Yoga; or you may use the hours for continuing education (CEUs) for Yoga Alliance. You will receive a Certificate of Completion when you have completed the Course.
The total running time is about 2.5 hours, your completion time will be longer.
Upon completion, you will receive 5 hours of Advanced SmartFlow credit hours; or CEUs towards Yoga Alliance.
Your Instructor
Annie Carpenter
FAQ
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How does it work?
The course content is delivered to you via online streaming video with downloadable supporting documents and images.
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How are the Courses set up?
• The Courses are organized into chapters. Each chapter has an opening, lecture-style introduction, an applicable and accessible anatomy lesson, a demo, and a full practice illuminating each section's focus. • Each chapter has downloadable outlines and documents, and detailed anatomical drawings especially created for SmartFLOW. • Each chapter has a quick, but specific quiz to help you assess not just if you grasped the lessons, but to highlight its essential points.
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How long do I have access to each course?
You will have access at any time, no matter when you purchase or begin the course, for the life of the course. The course and all included materials are accessible anytime and can be completed on your own schedule and on any computer. Many students report that they return to the Courses again and again to refresh the concepts and deepen their practices.
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Can I get credit for these Courses?
Course hours count towards your SmartFlow Advanced Training, as non-contact hour learning requirements. SmartFlow Yoga is a fully accredited School of Yoga via Yoga Alliance. Your hours count towards your Advanced Certification in SmartFlow Yoga; or you may use the hours for continuing education (CEUs) for Yoga Alliance. You will receive a Certificate of Completion for each Course you complete.
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Can I do just one Course?
Yes. Please start with The Heart of SmartFlow Yoga 1. Then, continue on with The Heart of SmartFlow 2 and Demystifying the Bandhas when you are ready.
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