How Mula bandha can be incorporated into Pranayama practice

Mula bandha is the force or energy created by lifting the pelvic floor and controlling the breath. It is the root lock and calls the fire within that causes everything to come alive, to move. Mula bandha increases flexibility and stimulates heat. By contracting the perineum and drawing the energy up from the base of the spine, one can intensify and direct the life energy, cultivating a sense of heightened awareness and increasing vitality.

Mula bandha ignites the flame of kundalini (cosmic energy), the serpent power. By bringing awareness to the core of the body, mula bandha helps prevent injury. It guides you to move from your center, grounding you so you can become light and fluid in your yoga practice.

The muladhar chakra is supposed to be located near penis. Hence this bandha relates to muladhar chakra and is termed as mulbandha. Also it relates to the base of the spine, this may be the other reason for naming it as such because 'mul' means root or base.

The yogic text state that Mula bandha is to be practised while doing Pranayama. While performing pranayama, the blood is accumulated around the waist. Practice of Mula bandha results in circulation of this accumulated blood.   Mula bandha helps to leave rubbish at the flame long enough for the rubbish to be burned that is generated through practice.