WHAT IT IS
Kundalini Yoga is one of the most transformative types of yoga, designed to increase vitality, heightened consciousness and spiritual awareness. Through chanting, dynamic breathwork and unique movements and postures, Kundalini Yoga taps into a higher universal vibration within those who practice. It aims to tap into and release the serpent power (kundalini) that exists at the base of the spine in a coil, drawing it up through the seven chakras.
Rooted in Tantric Yoga, the origins of Kundalini Yoga date back centuries. It was more prolifically introduced in the U.S. by Yogi Bhajan in 1969, whose teachings shaped Kundalini Yoga practiced and passed on today. Most traditional Kundalini teachers will have undergone Kundalini-specific training, though you may find elements of this practice incorporated into different yoga methods (and vice versa).
WHAT TO EXPECT
Less steeped asanas more traditionally used in forms of Hatha Yoga, Kundalini Yoga incorporates a combination of special mantras with “kriyas”, or a series of physical postures or positions, breathing and sound with an intentional outcome. It is a yoga of awakening.
Through chanting sacred words, there is a literal vibration of vocal chords that reverberates within you, and an energetic vibration that reverberates through you. Coupled with breathwork, varying from the gentle to the intense, specific body positioning, mudras (hand positions), and movement patterns (asana or Kriyas), Kundalini brings us closer to oneness – within ourselves and with the universe. It ignites movement of prana, lymph and blood flow in the body, so if you’re feeling tired, stressed, have congestion or a headache – it can help loosen stagnation and help restore balance in your tissues.
In harnessing the power of Kundalini, you’ll likely finish your session feeling lighter yet more grounded, peaceful yet energized. Prepare to be blissed out.
BENEFITS
Kundalini Yoga is another yoga for everyone, for every body. It helps remove stagnation, unlock blocks and channels energy throughout the body, truly engaging with the mind and spirit. If your immune system is feeling taxed, if you are needing to let go of something, if you are undergoing change or challenge in your life – look to Kundalini to help revive your whole system. It is a yoga practice both for and of life.
QUOTE
“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.” -- Yogi Bhajan
