Kundalini Yoga Glossary
Jalandhara Bandha
The Neck Lock: extends the cervical spine so energy can reach the higher chakras.
Meaning
What Jalandhara Bandha Means
Jalandhara Bandha, the Neck Lock, is one of the three main Bandhas, alongside Mula Bandha, the Root Lock, and Uddiyana Bandha, the Diaphragm Lock. The 200h Teacher Training focuses mainly on the first two.
It extends the cervical vertebrae and removes blockages in the spine between the diaphragm and the base of the skull, so energy can reach the higher centers in the head: the fifth, sixth and seventh chakras. It also builds a support platform between the navel and the heart that lets the spine hold the weight of the head without unnecessary effort, breaking the habit of moving first with the head.
In Practice
How It’s Used
To apply it: activate the Navel Point to stabilize the pelvis, gently lift the chest, and pull the chin inward slightly to extend the natural curve of the neck, keeping the breath flowing easily. The shoulders stay relaxed and drop as the chest lifts, rather than rising up, and the neck muscles hold just enough tension to keep the chin tucked without tightening.
A well applied Jalandhara Bandha protects the neck from excessive pressure during extensions, and the key is maintaining the lock without obstructing the breath. It's typically applied together with Mula Bandha, more intensely at the end of an asana or meditation, or more subtly throughout a posture to keep the spine aligned.
