Jalandhara: net, support,
Bandha: lock, close, shut, re direct
Chin Lock (net-holding lock. Like a fisherman would use to hold one end of his net beneath his chin, while casting out the rest of it).
Jalandhara bandha, the chin lock, is an essential ashtanga yoga technique, it is the upper bandha of the three main bandha's. It's sphere of activity is in the region of the head, brain, palate, neck, and throat center along the middle axis of the body. By applying Jalandhara Bandha, the chin lock, you endeavor to stop the upward movement of Prana Vayu, the inhalation pattern, and also to redirect its expansive energy downwards. Jalandhara Bandha is a both a physical and an energetic practice and each of these aspects has its challenges and rewards.
The physical chin lock is performed by lifting the chest and lowering the chin firmly onto the notch between the collarbones. This seemingly straightforward action is actually quite challenging for many people, and thus success might require considerable contemplation and practice.

In this video I instruct you in Jalandhara bandha and give you tips on how to develop the proper head positioning.