The Eastern practice of Kundalini yoga combines breathwork, meditation, and chanting to awaken the body’s latent energy. What is it, though? The Sanskrit word for “Kundalini” translates to “coiled snake” in English. It is a strong, innovative force thought to flow along the spinal column. You may fulfil your potential and find your life’s purpose when you tune in and align with that energy.
Kundalini is traditionally practised daily to “uncoil the snake” and connect with one’s divine force. The fantastic benefits are being confirmed by science. According to a study, regular Kundalini yoga can help people cope with anxiety. Cortisol is a stress hormone that serves as the body’s alarm mechanism, and research found that regular practice of Kundalini yoga lowered cortisol levels.
The advantages of a set of yoga postures, meditation, breathing exercises, and chanting designed to stimulate the Kundalini and realign the chakras were experienced by those who participated. Even if you’ve never heard of Kundalini, you’ve probably heard of or even participated in Yoga.
What Is Kundalini Yoga?
Asana (yoga postures) repetition, mantra chanting, and meditation are the core practises of Kundalini Yoga. This style of Yoga is practised primarily to stimulate the Kundalini shakti, or energy centres, within the body. The foundational idea behind Kundalini yoga, sometimes called “Laya Yoga” or the “Yoga of awareness,” has existed for ages and is even described in spiritual scriptures and old Vedic literature. Although this style of Yoga has gained popularity all around the globe, its roots still need to be discovered.
The word “kundal,” from the Sanskrit language, means “circular” and refers to a coiled snake, from whence the English word “Kundalini” is derived. Several yoga instructors also claim that dormant Kundalini energy can be visualised as a coiled snake resting at the base of the spine.
When you perform the kundalini yoga postures, the energy at the base of the spine is awakened and travels up the spine, awakening the other Chakras along the way. As a spiritual practice incorporating chanting, movements, singing, and breathing in precise patterns, Kundalini yoga stands apart from other types of Yoga.
Kundalini Yoga’s Brief History
Kundalini’s philosophy can be traced back to the Upanishads, which are at least 2,500 years old and are among the most ancient Vedic scriptures. Yogi Bhajan, a native of the Punjab, is often credited for introducing Kundalini to the West in 1968.
“Kundalini” came from the Sanskrit word kundal, which means “circular” or “coiled.” The Yoga practise teaches us that our vital life force is stored in a coiled position at the base of the spine.
Using breathing, mudras, mantras, and physical movement, Kundalini can be awoken and channelled through the body’s seven energy centres (chakras) before being discharged at the crown chakra (the top of the head): It is believed that releasing this vital energy will lead to greater insight, awareness, and equilibrium.
What Sets Kundalini Yoga Apart From Other Forms Of Yoga
Hatha, Vinyasa, Iyengar, and Anusara Yoga all share an emphasis on synchronising physical movement with the breath and structural alignment. The goal of Kundalini yoga is more spiritually oriented than other forms of Yoga. Kundalini is unique in many other respects, however.
The mantra “Om” is replaced in Kundalini yoga by “Ong, Namo, Guru, Dev, Namo.” The literal translation of this mantra is “I invoke the inner divine teacher.” The Breath of Fire, a major component of Kundalini yoga, is characterised by rapid, rhythmic breathing that can be performed with or without movement.
Unlike traditional Yoga, which draws on Sanskrit mantras, the mantras employed in Kundalini yoga are written in the Gurmukhi language. Kundalini yoga employs dynamic, vigorous poses instead of the static or smooth movements typical of other types of Yoga.
As previously said, Kundalini yoga emphasises the body’s internal energies, including gland secretions, Kundalini, blood flow, and external alignment. I could go on, but they are the most salient distinctions between Kundalini yoga and your more familiar styles. Cultural music, singing, chanting, and breathing are all more immersive. An individual can experience a spiritual awakening after as little as one session.
What Benefits Does Kundalini Yoga Offer?
There is empirical and anecdotal evidence for the efficacy of Kundalini Yoga. Some reasons for practising Kundalini Yoga are listed below.
Lessen Your Stress And Anxiety
Some research suggests that Kundalini can immediately help with stress-related health problems like high blood pressure and insomnia. A subset of middle-aged women who had experienced reduced stress and blood pressure following training was studied. In addition, research suggests that Kundalini Yoga can help alleviate GAD symptoms.
Strengthen Emotional Stability
Kundalini Yoga has been shown to boost endorphin production in the brain, resulting in a more relaxed and upbeat state of mind by restoring harmony to the body’s parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
Boost Cognitive Performance
Increased brain blood flow is another advantage of Kundalini yoga for better concentration and memory. Researchers found that Kundalini helped seniors sharpen their minds and make better decisions.
Strengthen Respiratory Health
According to studies of yogic breathing practises Kundalini can also aid in enhancing respiratory health and expanding lung capacity.
How To Awaken Your Energy With Kundalini Yoga
Breathwork
Pranayama, or yoga breathing exercises, strengthen the mind-body connection and stimulate Kundalini. The many forms of breathwork each have their own set of advantages. You can relax your mind and emotions by taking long, slow breaths, or you can boost your body by breathing in and out of each nostril in turn. The Kundalini breathing technique, known as the breath of fire, purifies the body and stimulates the neurological system, and you may have heard of it.
Mantras
You may already know that saying positive affirmations aloud can have an uplifting effect on your mood. Mantra recitation has a similar effect. The Kundalini is stimulated by the energetic vibration created by the repetition of sounds.
Mudras
Mudras are hand gestures used in meditation to stimulate the Kundalini. Kundalini Yoga includes instructions on how to execute each mudra. The Gyan Mudra, sometimes called the Seal of Knowledge, is made by touching the tips of your thumb and index finger together.
To make the Shuni Mudra, also called the Seal of Patience, bring the tips of your thumb and middle finger together. The Seal of Prayer, also known as Pranam Mudra, requires little more than pressing the palms of the hands together at the heart.
Kriyas
Kriyas combines the efficacy of many kundalini practices. According to Yogapedia, kriyas are a collection of breathing techniques, physical postures, and sonic mantras to activate the Kundalini energy centres in the brain and spinal column. They induce meditation, which calms the mind and raises the spirit.
Yogi Bajan, the creator of Kundalini yoga, passed on several kriya sequences to his students. One common position is to sit on one’s heels with one’s knees together, as in the Sat Kriya. Interlace your fingers and raise your arms upwards. Next, tense and release your abdominal muscles as you recite Sat Naam. This method aids in detoxification by stimulating the nervous system and endocrine glands.
The Kirtan Kriya, one of the most significant kriyas, can also stimulate the Kundalini. Please sit cross-legged for the entire 30 minutes. While reciting the mantra “saa taa naa maa,” which means “infinity,” “life,” “death,” and “rebirth,” your hands should be positioned in a mudra that shifts as each fingertip contacts the tip of your thumb.
A spiritual awakening is possible through Kundalini yoga. The rewards will become apparent as you consistently use these methods. Reduce your time commitment gradually each day. You’ll pause to awaken your Kundalini and channel its tremendous power.
Asanas
Asana was initially used to refer to a seated yoga position, but now it can refer to any yoga posture that helps a yogi feel better. Asanas are employed in Kundalini to cleanse the chakras and provide a channel for energy. Among the best yoga positions to practise are:
Root Chakra – Chant ‘lam.’
Tree Pose or Vrikshasana: Maintain a tall, upright stance. Raise both arms in front of your chest, palms together, as if praying. Now, connect your palms and raise both arms overhead. Put the inside of your left thigh on the sole of your right foot as you bend your right knee. Hold this position for as long as possible while keeping your left leg straight. Take it easy momentarily, then switch to using your left foot. Do so five times.
Sacral Chakra – Chant ‘vam’
Goddess Pose or Deviasana: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart as you stand tall and proud. To assume a squatting stance, pivot your feet outward and cross your knees over your ankles. Now bring the elbows up to the sides of the shoulders and turn the palms in towards each other.
Maintain an active arm position, like carrying a heavy ball above your head. Keep your chin level with the floor as you stare forwards. Keep this position for a full minute, then slowly rise to your feet. You can take it easy and do this five more times.
Naval Chakra – Chant ‘Ram’
Boat Pose or Navasana: Lay flat on your back with your knees drawn up to your chest. Exhale and try to push up off the ground with your chest and feet while keeping your arms extended towards your feet. Check that your hands, feet, and eyes are in perfect alignment.
As your abdominal muscles gently contract, you’ll feel a stretch in the area around your belly button. Hold this position for at least two minutes while breathing deeply and slowly. Exhale as you slowly lower your body, relax, and do it again.
Heart Chakra – Chant ‘Yam’
Camel Pose or Ustrasana: Put your soles facing upward and your knees contacting the floor. Keep your hands on your hips and your knees and shoulders in a straight line. Take a deep breath in, then bend forwards slightly while holding onto your feet with your hands. Keep this position for as long as you can (at least one minute), then slowly return to an upright position while letting your legs and hands relax.
Throat Chakra – Chant’ Ham’
Bridge Pose or Sethubandhasana: To begin, assume a flat, back-lying position. Please get on your knees and elbows. Put both feet level on the floor, hip-width apart, and clasp your hands behind your head. Slowly try to get off the ground by balancing your weight on your hands and feet. Keep your body in this curved position for twenty to thirty seconds, then slowly return to a standing position.
Third Eye Chakra – Chant’ Om’
Easy Pose Or Sukhasna: Maintain a comfortable meditating posture. Put your right hand behind your back and grab your wrist. Keep breathing in and out, rounding out your chest as you do so. As you bend forward, focus on bringing your right forehead to your right knee as you exhale. Take a deep breath in and come full circle. To proceed to the other side, touch your right knee with your forehead.
Crown Chakra – Silence after ‘Om’
Corpse Pose or Shavasana: Relax by lying on your back with your eyes closed. Take a deep breath, calm your mind, and relax your muscles. Relax and take your time with this. Don’t stifle your breathing, and remember to breathe properly. Get up after waiting a while.
Conclusion
Kundalini yoga is an Eastern practice that combines breathwork, meditation, and chanting to awaken the body’s latent energy. The Sanskrit word for Kundalini, “kundal,” means “coiled snake” and is believed to flow along the spinal column. Regular practice of Kundalini yoga can help people cope with anxiety and lower cortisol levels. The core practices of Kundalini yoga include asana, repetition, mantra chanting, and meditation.
Kundalini yoga is a spiritual practice that focuses on stimulating the Kundalini shakti, or energy centers, within the body. The philosophy of Kundalini can be traced back to the Upanishads, which are ancient Vedic scriptures. The practice teaches that our vital life force is stored in a coiled position at the base of the spine.
Kundalini yoga is unique in its emphasis on synchronizing physical movement with breath and structural alignment. The mantra “Om” is replaced by “Ong, Namo, Guru, Dev, Namo,” and the Breath of Fire is characterized by rapid, rhythmic breathing.
Kundalini yoga offers several benefits, including reducing stress and anxiety, strengthening emotional stability, boosting cognitive performance, and strengthening respiratory health. Breathwork, or yoga breathing exercises, strengthens the mind-body connection and stimulates Kundalini. The technique, known as the breath of fire, purifies the body and stimulates the neurological system.
Mantras and mudras are powerful tools for boosting the Kundalini, which is stimulated by the energetic vibration created by the repetition of sounds. Mudras, such as the Gyan Mudra, Shuni Mudra, and Pranam Mudra, are hand gestures used in meditation to stimulate the Kundalini.
Kriyas, a collection of breathing techniques, physical postures, and sonic mantras, activate the Kundalini energy centres in the brain and spinal column, causing meditation to calm the mind and raise the spirit.
Yogi Bajan, the creator of Kundalini yoga, passed on several kriya sequences to his students, such as the Sat Kriya, which involves sitting on one’s heels with one’s knees together, interlaced fingers, and raising one’s arms upwards.
A spiritual awakening is possible through Kundalini yoga, and the rewards will become apparent as you consistently use these methods. Asanas, which are yoga positions that help a yogi feel better, are employed in Kundalini to cleanse the chakras and provide a channel for energy.
Some of the best yoga positions to practice include the Root Chakra Chant ‘lam,’ Tree Pose or Vrikshasana, Sacral Chakra Chant ‘vam,’ Goddess Pose or Deviasana, Naval Chakra Chant ‘Ram,’ Boat Pose or Navasana, Heart Chakra Chant ‘Yam,’ Came Pose or Ustrasana, Thorat Chakra Chant’Ham,’ Bridge Pose or Sethubandhasana, Third Eye Chakra Chant ‘OM,’ Easy Pose Or Sukhasna, Crown Chakra – Silence after ‘Om,’ and Core Pose or Shavasana.
In summary, Kundalini yoga offers numerous benefits, including boosting the Kundalini, cleansing the chakras, and promoting relaxation. By practicing these techniques, yogis can experience a spiritual awakening and improve their overall well-being.
Content Summary
- Kundalini yoga blends breathwork, meditation, and chanting to awaken latent energy.
- Kundalini, the coiled snake energy, flows along the spine in this Eastern practice.
- Aligning with Kundalini energy can lead to realizing one’s potential and life’s purpose.
- Daily practice helps uncoil the snake and connect with the divine force.
- Scientifically proven benefits include anxiety reduction through Kundalini yoga.
- Regular practice of Kundalini yoga lowers cortisol levels, a stress hormone.
- Yoga postures, meditation, chanting, and breathwork stimulate Kundalini energy.
- Kundalini yoga enhances chakras and realigns energy centres.
- The practice stands apart with its unique blend of movement, chanting, and breathing.
- Kundalini philosophy traces back to ancient Upanishads and Yogi Bhajan introduced it to the West.
- Kundalini’s coiled energy at the base of the spine can be awakened and channelled.
- Kundalini yoga’s focus on internal energies sets it apart from other forms.
- The Breath of Fire technique purifies the body and stimulates the nervous system.
- Kundalini employs Gurmukhi language mantras and dynamic poses.
- The practice emphasises gland secretions, blood flow, and external alignment.
- Kundalini yoga offers benefits like stress reduction and emotional stability.
- Boosted endorphin production leads to emotional balance through Kundalini yoga.
- Improved brain blood flow enhances concentration and memory with Kundalini.
- Kundalini practice aids in enhancing respiratory health and lung capacity.
- Pranayama breathwork strengthens the mind-body connection.
- Mantra recitation stimulates Kundalini through energetic vibrations.
- Mudras, like Gyan Mudra, stimulate Kundalini during meditation.
- Kriyas combine breathing techniques, postures, and mantras to activate Kundalini energy.
- Kriya sequences like Sat Kriya aid in detoxification and energy stimulation.
- Kirtan Kriya meditation stimulates Kundalini through specific mantras and mudras.
- Kundalini yoga offers a path to spiritual awakening and empowerment.
- Asanas in Kundalini cleanse chakras and provide energy channels.
- Tree Pose and Goddess Pose target specific chakras through yoga postures.
- Naval Chakra activation through Boat Pose enhances energy flow.
- Heart Chakra activation is achieved through Camel Pose.
- Throat Chakra stimulation is done with Bridge Pose.
- Easy Pose serves Third Eye Chakra activation.
- Crown Chakra is aligned through Corpse Pose.
- Kundalini yoga focuses on energy centres within the body.
- The practice’s effects are both empirical and anecdotal.
- Kundalini yoga aids in managing stress-related health issues.
- Endorphin production through Kundalini enhances emotional stability.
- Brain blood flow improvement enhances cognitive performance.
- Kundalini practice contributes to better respiratory health.
- Pranayama breathwork is vital in Kundalini yoga.
- Mantras create energetic vibrations for Kundalini stimulation.
- Mudras like Gyan Mudra aid Kundalini meditation.
- Kriyas combine various techniques to activate Kundalini centres.
- Kirtan Kriya is a significant meditation technique in Kundalini yoga.
- Kundalini yoga’s rewards become apparent with consistent practice.
- Asanas in Kundalini yoga cleanse chakras and promote energy flow.
- Specific poses target each chakra for energy stimulation.
- Kundalini yoga enhances well-being through energy activation.
- Kundalini yoga offers a holistic approach to spiritual and physical wellness.
- Practicing Kundalini yoga awakens energy centres and empowers individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Kundalini Yoga’s Explanation?
Kundalini yoga is more spiritual than other types of yoga. Whereas other types of yoga flow with the breath, Kundalini yoga combines chanting, singing, movements, and breathing in specific patterns. The purpose is to promote spiritual enlightenment. There are several science-backed benefits of Kundalini yoga.
What Is Kundalini, And How Do You Activate It?
Kundalini is a primal energy which is awakened through meditative and yogic practices. It can be regarded as the source mother of energies, and its awakening unleashes a power that can be transformative. Its awakening opens a gateway to deep meditative states or powerfully disruptive states.
What Happens When You Awaken Kundalini?
During a Kundalini awakening, people report physical sensations, such as warmth or tingling, disorientation, and temporary discomfort. If a person isn’t fully prepared for the experience, some claim they may experience long-term negative effects.
What Is The Purpose Of Kundalini Energy?
The energy of Kundalini is known for its transformative power in self-development and spiritual development, and Kundalini awakenings vary from person to person. Remember, your destiny is always in your hands; you always have free will while utilizing your breath to move the energy in your body.
What Is The Most Important Thing In Kundalini Yoga?
However, the most important thing about Kundalini Yoga is the experience it gives you. Also, like life, you never know what that will be, but people often report emotional releases, a feeling of gratitude, clarity, more energy and calmer. The large emphasis on breath can be a reason for this.