Jihva Bandha (tongue lock) is Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy has been around since 1918 when the first article was published describing exercises for the development of the face and tongue muscles (Dr. Alfred Paul Rogers). Jihva Bandha (tongue lock) is the yogic principle tracing back deep into history.

Explaining tongue attachment to throat:

The tongue is vital to digestion. It is a “freely moveable muscular organ” and it is the first organ of digestion. The back of the tongue is attached to the hyoid bone and to the epiglottis. Below the hyoid is the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The thyroid is considered one of the “master glands” and is primarily responsible for metabolism. When the throat is constricted, and the hyoid bone locks, the tongue may similarly constrict.

Why should one consider practicing myofunctional therapy?

Any kind of bracing or gripping in the throat region (vishuddhi chakra) can have a paralyzing effect on digestion and in turn the overall metabolic functioning of the body. Additionally, the throat is the transition between the heart and the head. The throat is the 5th chakra, the place where we speak our truth — called satya in Sanskrit.

Breathing through the nose 95-100% of the time is part of the goal of Myofunctional Therapy.

The goal is not just having the muscles in harmony, but the results from having muscles in balance help with breathing, speaking, sleep, and posture.

How to practice Jihva Bandha:

Practicing Jihva Bandha / myofunctional therapy, your tongue should be resting entirely on the palate. Not just the tip of the tongue, but the middle and posterior sections should be resting up. This helps to broaden the upper palate and create space in the back of the oral cavity. It is particularly beneficial for those who have had extensive dental work, grind their teeth or have tension in the TMJ (Temporal-Mandibular Joint).

My personal experience resting tongue on pallet:

In rabbit posture, the traditional instruction is tongue in mouth. This is not a mainstream interpretation, however, Bikram clearly says it in the traditional dialogue. 11 years after learning and repeatedly teaching this concept, the ‘penny is meandering’ so to speak.

A few years back I tried to practice having my tongue on the roof of my mouth and I was not ready for it. My tongue pulled like a suction and the roof of my mouth grew very sensitive. Fast forward to recent history; the technique being highlighted to me again in yogic studies; I find myself being able to practice at regular intervals and is joyfully progressively becoming a habit, even one might say a comfort zone. This technique does wonders for helping one speak less - AKA keeping your mouth shut! Wonderful, when really working on those listening skills!

May the Force be with you! You are the revolution you’ve been waiting for.

Blessings, Simunye,

Marah