Activating Muladhara: Simple Techniques

In my article Understanding Muladhara, I wrote about what is Muladhara and its importance. In that article, I did not expand on the techniques mentioned there, such as Kriya Yoga and Vajroli Mudra. Given the interest, I am now expanding on both to start you on your journey to cleansing and activating Muladhara. If you missed my article on Muladhara, here is the link… https://beneaththelayers.com/…/05/understanding-muladhara/

Let’s start with Vajroli Mudra… It is a yogic technique often associated with pranayama and the practice of subtle energy control. It is said to help with strengthening the pelvic floor, enhancing sexual energy, and promoting overall vitality. It involves the contraction of specific muscles in the pelvic region, particularly the muscles around the urethra and pelvic floor. It is believed to aid in the mastery of sexual energy and is often practiced in conjunction with other yogic techniques, such as Kriya Yoga.

How to Practice Vajroli Mudra

1. Find a Comfortable Position: Sit in a comfortable position, such as Padmasana (Lotus Pose) or Sukhasana (Easy Pose), with your spine straight.
2. Breathing: Start with a few deep breaths to relax. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly.
3. Engage the Muscles: Gently contract the muscles of the pelvic floor, as if you are trying to stop the flow of urine. Hold this contraction for a few seconds.
4. Release: Relax the muscles and breathe normally.
5. Repetition: Repeat the contraction and release cycle several times, gradually increasing the duration of the contraction as you become more comfortable.
6. Visualization (Optional): You may visualize energy rising up the spine as you perform the mudra, enhancing your focus and intent.
7. Duration: Aim to practice for 5-10 minutes, gradually increasing the time as you develop strength and familiarity.

Here are some tips: Practice mindfulness by staying aware of your breath and body sensations throughout the practice. Stay relaxed. Avoid straining…if you feel discomfort, ease up on the intensity of the contraction. Stay consistent…regular practice can enhance the benefits over time. Aside from other health benefits, Vajroli Mudra can help men learn to prolong ejaculation, and for women, it helps retain muscle tightness and control pelvic walls during intimacy, creating various sensations for both partners involved.

Precautions…Avoid during menstruation or pregnancy without guidance. If you have any medical conditions, primarily related to the pelvic region, consult a healthcare professional before practicing.

Kriya Yoga: Kriya Yoga is a simple, yet extraordinarily powerful, meditation technique -a quick path to reach higher states of consciousness and change your life by developing mind, body, intellect and awareness of the soul. The word ‘kriya’ itself signifies the unity of work and veneration of activity and divinity. Continuous awareness of the power of the indwelling soul can transform all of our actions – when it comes to sexuality, it can open our eyes, taking us from the mundane to a passionate yet sacred moment, that can be healing and liberating.

Based on the science of breath, the technique emphasizes the relationship between the breath and mind. The breath influences the mind and vice-versa. This reciprocal relationship reveals the secret of controlling the mind: ‘Breath control is self-control. Breath mastery is self-mastery.’ When the breath is mastered, how we see ourselves and our world is transformed from dogmatic and rigid to a wild yet sacred path.

Practicing Kriya Yoga involves several key components, including meditation, breath control, and specific techniques. Here’s a general guide to get you started…

Find a teacher…Kriya Yoga is best learned through a qualified teacher or organization. Consider finding a local class or an online course to get proper guidance. If not possible, follow these steps conscientiously.

Prepare Your Space…Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you can sit undisturbed. Create a peaceful environment, perhaps with candles or incense.

Start with Basic Meditation…Sit in a comfortable position with your spine straight. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Focus on your breath, observing the natural rhythm without trying to change it.

Practice Breath Control (Pranayama)…Kriya Yoga emphasizes breath control. Start with simple techniques like deep abdominal breathing or the alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana)…Use your right thumb to close your right nostril and your right ring finger to close your left nostril. Inhale…close your right nostril and inhale deeply through the left nostril. Switch…close the left nostril with your right ring finger, release the right nostril, and exhale through the right. Inhale through the right nostril. Switch again…close the right nostril, release the left, and exhale through the left. Continue this pattern for several cycles. Aim for 5-10 minutes, focusing on your breath.

Gradually, you can learn more advanced techniques like Kriya Pranayama, which involves specific patterns of inhalation and exhalation.

Learn Kriya Techniques…Once you’re comfortable with basic practices, start learning the specific Kriya techniques. This may include:

• Kriya Pranayama: A method of energizing the body and mind through breath control.
• Meditation on the Chakras: Focusing on the energy centers in the body.
• Guided Visualization: Imagining light and energy moving through your body. For all of these, consistency is key. Aim to practice daily, even if for a short duration. Gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable.

After each session, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Journaling can help you track your progress and insights.

Explore texts related to Kriya Yoga, such as “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda, to deepen your understanding of its principles and benefits.

If you find it difficult to concentrate alone, engaging with a community can provide support and encouragement. Consider joining local or online groups focused on Kriya Yoga. Progress in Kriya Yoga can be subtle and gradual. Allow yourself the time and space to grow in your practice.

When it comes to these techniques keep in mind the most important things…always listen to your body. Do not push yourself, you will get there with practice.

Enjoy the journey!