Uddiyana Bandha stimulates and lifts the energy of the lower belly (apana vayu), to unite it with the energies localized in the navel (samana vayu) and heart (prana vayu). <br /><br />Feet standing shoulder distance apart torso bends over with hands pressuring down on thigh tops to facilitate control & direction of ab movement begun AFTER FORCEFUL EXHALATION BREATH *empty lungs* is contained & BELLY SUCKS IN & UP INTO RIBS..trying to make yourself as SKINNY as possible.<br /><br />tips for beginners:<br /><br />1) always practice on EMPTY STOMACH. ALWAYS done on EXHALE breath.<br /><br />2) TRY to RELAX BELLY & EXPAND RIBCASE after first forceful exhalation and before 'mimic action' AS IF YOU WERE INHALING to draw belly IN AND UP into ribs.<br /><br />3) maintain pressure by THROAT LOCK to chin and ABDOMINAL LOCK (uddiyana bandha) to 'cork the bottle' keeping energy from leaking.<br /><br />4) 'pop the cork' just prior to releasing the lock by sipping tiny air in to prevent coughing.<br /><br />Uddiyana Bandha is great at the beginning of a yoga practice to help wake up the lower belly / core strength, or to specifically develop lower belly strength to support the lower back, neck and shoulders.
