Throat Lock

Jalandhara bandha is described as containing the nectar said to drip from the palate, preventing its loss into the digestive fire. Practically, the text uses it to close the throat during breath retention so that pressure does not push up into the head.

The chin lock compresses the carotid sinus region and closes the glottis, which blunts the blood-pressure spike that otherwise accompanies breath retention. That is a real and useful effect, and also why anyone with carotid or cervical spine problems should leave it alone.

1. Sit upright with the shoulders relaxed.
2. Inhale fully, then lengthen the back of the neck and draw the chin down toward the sternum while lifting the chest to meet it.
3. Hold the breath and the position comfortably.
4. Raise the head before exhaling slowly.
5. Practise a few rounds, combining it with the other two locks once each is familiar.

Avoid with cervical spine injury, disc problems, carotid artery disease, very high or very low blood pressure, or vertigo. Never hold to the point of straining the neck. Skip retention in pregnancy.