Uddiyana Bandha

“Flying up lock”. Abdominal retraction and elevation of the diaphragm that directs prāṇa upward.

Technique:

1. Exhale completely
2. Without inhaling, draw the abdomen toward the spine
3. Elevate the diaphragm, creating an abdominal cavity
4. Hold as long as comfortable
5. Release, inhale

The HYP (3.55) states:

“Uḍḍiyāna, when practiced constantly, even an old person becomes young.”

Effects:

• Massages the abdominal organs
• Stimulates the solar plexus (maṇipūra)
• Elevates prāṇa toward the higher centers
• Is the “lion that kills the elephant of death”

Only practiced on an empty stomach. It is the most powerful bandha according to many texts.