One of the key features of Hatha Yoga are the bandhas (locks) and mudras (gestures), A mudra is a gesture or 'seal' - a combination of subtle movements which alter mood, attitude and perception and which establish a link between the physical body, the mental body and the energy body. This link deepens awareness and concentration.

In Sanskrit, Bandha means 'lock', 'hold' or 'tighten'. The aim of bandhas are to lock prana (energy) into particular areas and redirect the flow for spiritual purposes of awakening.

In this workshop we will explore the 4 main yogic locks - Moolabandha (the root lock), Uddiyananabandha (the stomach lock), Jalandharabandha (the throat lock)and Mahabandha (the great lock), along with some key mudras which help us to develop the locks.

Through a series of physical explorations and breathing techniques, we will identify the different areas in the body where these locks are located, understanding how they might offer us a deepening of our yoga practice, in terms of our movement, our self-awareness and our energy, and a deepening of our understanding of yogic anatomy and philosophy.

We will discover how our breath links us in to the natural bandhas in the body, and through various pranayama (breathing) practices, we will get closer to the relationship between the bandhas and the breath, the combination of which can have a powerful effect on the way that we move, feel and breathe.

Ultimately these practices support us to enter into a meditative state which can lead to focus, insight and a deep sense of peace, calm and freedom.

Please come on an empty stomach if possible eating breakfast at least 3 hours or more before the start of the session (or just having a cup of tea and waiting until after the workshop to eat).