In Sanskrit, Bandha is a “body lock” or hold.

Four Bandhas

1. Mula Bandha – the root lock (a contraction of the perineum).
2. Jalandhara Bandha – the throat lock (tucking the chin close to the chest).
3. Uddiyana Bandha – lifting of the diaphragm lock (a contraction of the abdomen into the rib cage).
4. Tri Bandha (in Sanskrit is – tri=three, and bandha=lock or hold) –  all three locks at the same time.