Bandhas to restore hormonal balance

Research shows that tension and anxiety primarily contributes to asthma. Your moods and frame of mind are determined by hormonal levels in your bodies. In yoga, bandhas are neuromuscular locks that regulate and increase endocrine (glandular) secretions in the body. They help restore the hormonal balance in the body and make you more relaxed and happy. Here are three bandhas, which, when done regularly as part of your daily routine, yield desired results.

Caution: Pregnant women and those with heart problems or high blood pressure should avoid Exercise 1 and 2. Those with cervical spondylosis, vertigo, high blood pressure and heart disease should avoid Exercise 3.

Exercise 1

Exercise 1

•  Sit in padmasana
•  Exhale completely, pull up the genital space and close the anal space. Keep your abdominal muscles tight
•  Relax the lock and inhale
•  Repeat only thrice.

Exercise 2

Exercise 2

•  Stand with legs apart and slightly bent. Rest your arms on the thighs
•  Lean forward slightly and exhale forcefully
•  Suck in your stomach to create a hollow
•  Hold your breath as long as possible
•  Release and breathe in
•  Repeat only thrice.

Exercise 3

Exercise 3

•  Sit as directed in steps one and two of Exercise 1
•  Inhale deeply. Keeping your chest high, hold your breath and lock the chin against the chest
•  Hold the position as long as comfortable
•  Relax, look up and exhale
•  Repeat only thrice.