Restorative Hatha Yoga Class with Kara Voss

Exploring the Bandhas

‘Bandha’ in Sanskrit means to ‘lock,’ ‘bond,’ or ‘catch hold of.’  Within the classical Indian Hatha Yoga tradition, bandhas are considered both mental and physical (neuromuscular) movements that help you shape or harness the flow of prana (life force energy) as a means for deepening your practice. They work by means of manipulating prana within the astral (energy) body, by ‘locking’ the energy flow in and to a specific part of the body or ‘chakra’ (energy center) temporarily. When the ‘lock’ is released, the energy flows more vigorously through the body and ‘nadis’ (energy channels). This promotes overall health and vitality by purifying, removing blockages, harmonizing and balancing the self. On a physical level, bandhas temporarily halt the flowing of blood, so when released there is an increased flow of fresh blood. This flushes away the old, dead cells and activates the organs to strengthen, renew and rejuvenate as circulation is bolstered. Engaging the bandhas also teaches and strengthens single point concentration, a steady and controlled breath and a clear, calm mind. It helps to regulate your internal systems, from sexual to hormonal to metabolic and digestive. In this class we will be exploring the different types of bandhas and how to apply them in your hatha yoga practice while doing pranayama (breathwork) and asanas (postures).  Regardless of where you are on your yoga journey, understanding and working with these energetic restraints or locks can help you cultivate a deeper spiritual, energetic, and physical connection to yourself and your yoga practice.

Kara Voss Bio

Kara has been practicing yoga for over 25 years and has been teaching since 2011. She is classically trained in the Indian Hatha Yoga tradition (particularly the Sivananda and Iyengar lineages) but has also studied and taught more modern forms of yoga such as Vinyasa, Power, Yin, Kundalini, Aerial, and Hot Yoga.  Kara has also studied and practiced Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and meditation since 2009, and was initiated as a Vajrayana student within the Kagyu lineage in 2012. In 2017, Kara expanded her knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science by becoming a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Since then she has gone on to be certified in various specialties including Corrective Exercise, Behavior Change, and Nutrition.  As a yoga and meditation teacher as well as a fitness trainer, Kara has helped hundreds of people from all walks of life improve their overall health by developing life-enhancing habits, relieving chronic pain and anxiety, rehabbing injuries, and finding more peace, balance, and healing energy within their bodies, minds, and spirits.