kumbhaka mudra

(also called kumbhaka bandha) literally, the "seal, or gesture, of the Chalice," or for kumbhaka bandha, "locking the chalice." Kumbhaka bandha is one of the advanced "locks" used to control the flow of prana energy within the body. It is performed by symmetrically tightening all of the thoracic muscles, usually during rechaka kumbhaka, or internal breath retention. In the physical body, this pressurizes the air in the lungs, and promotes internal (cellular) breathing. In the subtle body, it helps direct the prana (Kundalini) upwards, into the heart center, "opening" or energizing this area, before pushing it up into the next center. This mudra can also cause a tremendous "head rush," so please heed the Caution accompanying the technique in the main text. Do not perform this technique if you have, or might have, any of the following: hypertension, high blood pressure, or a medically diagnosed "heart condition."