Class, 4/12 : Uddiyana Bandha

Yoga friends,

Since I, and many of us, spend sedentary hours
in front of a computer, or driving, or other
seated tasks during the day, this past class
was particularly attentive to Uddiyana Bandha
exercises, which through their deep massage
action, stimulate the whole digestive tract and
keep our visceral organs healthy.

More praise for Uddiyana Bandha exercise:

It keeps the large part of our blood located in the
viscera moving, preventing blood stasis in our
abdomen which saps our vitality.
Digestion is expedited, preventing constipation.
Uddiyana Bandha stimulates organs by detoxifying
the liver, helping to empty the stomach and also
reversing prolapses, promoting our body's insulin
sucretion in the pancreas, and increasing diuretic
action in the kidneys.
Adrenal glands and spleen are invigorated.
Genital tract / urinary tract are massaged.

Nervous health is maintained by stimulation of
various plexuses, especially the solar plexus.
And through action on the pneumogastric nerve,
the involuntary nervous system is balanced.

The diaphragm's range of motion is encouraged.
The heart and lungs are vigarously massaged by
the diaphragm, and lungs are strengthened by the
action of holding our breath as well.

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Maybe some of us noticed, even after just the one
Uddiyana Bandha class, an affect on body functions.


Coming up on the last Sunday in April, 4/30/2006,
instead of our usual yoga class,
I am planning a class trip to the Chuang Yen Monastery
in Carmel, NY. There are several interesting activities,
especially the english language meditation practice
which doesn't require any experience and is in one of
the beautiful large Buddha halls, sitting either on tall
cushions or chairs, so it is available to everyone.
More details to follow and all folks are encouraged to
invite a guest to come along. Let me know if you are
interested.

Hopefully I'll soon get to post the steps to the mechanics
of Uddiyana Bandh exercise as a refresher for personal
practice. (see 4/15)

)ohn