Once you have mastered the energy locks, you are ready to incorporate them into more complex techniques that form the core of tantric practice: Aswini Mudra (अश्विनी मुद्रा) and Vajroli Mudra. These practices generate intense energy in the lower body while keeping it contained, building up pressure in the energy channels. Once the containment is released, the pressurized energy shoots up the spine, breaking through any blocks or restrictions.
Aswini Mudra (अश्विनी मुद्रा) - Gesture of the Horse
Ashwini Mudra derives its name from the Sanskrit word "Ashwini," meaning 'Horse.' This name is inspired by the anal contraction resembling the movement a horse makes with its sphincter immediately after evacuating the bowels. This is a very powerful technique to pump the energy up into the Manipura chakra. This asana involves the contraction and relaxation of the buttock muscles, sphincter, perineum, and the entire pelvic region.
Method 1: Traditional Aswini Mudra
Position of Readiness:
- Sit in any comfortable meditation asana.
Steps:
- Close your eyes and relax your entire body.
- Become aware of your natural breathing process for a few minutes.
- Take your awareness to the anus.
- Contract the sphincter muscles of the anus for a few seconds without straining, then relax them for a few seconds.
- Try to confine the action to the anal area.
- Repeat the practice for as long as possible.
Key Points:
- Contraction and relaxation should be performed smoothly and rhythmically.
- Gradually increase the speed of the contractions.
Method 2: Rapid Contraction Aswini Mudra
Position of Readiness:
- Sit on your heel or on a rolled-up towel or tennis ball to feel pressure on the Muladhara Chakra (between the genitals and anus for men, on the clitoris for women).
Steps:
- Inhale, filling your lungs to about 1/3 of their total capacity.
- Contract and relax the anus 15 times, approximately twice per second.
- Exhale.
- Again, inhale, filling your lungs to about 1/3 of their total capacity.
- Contract and relax 15 more times.
- Exhale.
- Inhale for the last time, filling the lungs to about 1/3 of their total capacity.
- Contract and relax 15 more times.
- Hold the breath, pull the shoulders forward, and press the chin against the chest for a moment.
- Feel the heat and hydraulic pressure build up.
- Take a sniff of air and exhale through the nose as you release the tension.
- Visualize the energy moving up the spine.
Benefits of Aswini Mudra
- Improves Functionality: This Mudra has particularly beneficial effects on the empty spaces in the stomach, improving their functionality.
- Strengthens Uterus: It positively impacts the uterus in women.
- Tones Muscles: It tones up the pelvic muscles and the nerves surrounding the anal sphincters.
- Rectum and Anus Health: Very useful in rectum and anus diseases.
Special Note:
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: This Mudra is one of the most important exercises for preparing the mother for childbirth. Version 1 is recommended for pregnant women, and the Mudra can also be practiced while lying on the back with the knees bent. Regular practice exercises and strengthens the muscles of the entire pelvic region, helping the mother cope with the weight of the child during pregnancy and easing childbirth by training the mother in relaxing the muscles of the vagina. This results in less resistance during labor, reducing pain and fatigue.
Bandhas and Pranayama
Bandhas, or energy locks, are essential for the practice of Pranayama. There are three main types of locks:
- Jalandhar Bandha (Chin Lock)
- Moolabandha (Anus Lock)
- Uddiyan Bandha (Abdominal Lock)
These locks are crucial while practicing Kumbhaka (retaining the air inside or outside of the lungs). During Pranayama, these three Bandhas are used to enhance the practice and ensure the proper flow and control of energy within the body.
Incorporate these powerful techniques into your practice to experience a profound transformation in your energy levels, physical health, and overall well-being.