Kundalini Yoga

First introduced to the western world in the late 70s by Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini Yoga is a combination of breath, movement & sound. The ancient teachings of Kundalini yoga were kept secret for a very long time, only taught to royalty and nobility for thousands of years until Bhajan brought it to the West and began to teach it publicly.  

In Sanskrit kundal, means “coiled energy”, and is based on the idea that we all have energy gathered at the base of our spine and, through Kundalini, we bring that energy up our spine through our seven chakras and out the crown of our head. When energy moves freely through the chakras, it stimulates our mental, physical, and spiritual health. It builds physical strength and improves cognitive function, emotional fitness, and spiritual connection.  

In Kundalini Yoga, the primary focus is on the movement and transformation of energy. There is no set series and poses can be anything you choose based on the part of your body that you want to focus on. This could be something very concrete (like better digestion) or something more etheric (like an open heart).

A typical Kundalini yoga class is comprised of 3 parts:

   1. An opening chant (also known as “tuning in”) followed by a brief warm-up of your spine

   2. A kriya or Sanskrit for “action” (which is a sequence of postures paired with breathing techniques)

   3. A closing meditation or song

Each kriya usually includes most of the following techniques: 

   - Asana: body postures

   - Mudras: hand positions

   - Pranayama: breathwork

   - Mantras: intentional, repeated sounds

   - Bandhas: constriction of particular area of the body

   - Drishti: directing the gaze of the eyes

   - Shivasana: relaxation at the end of practice

What are the health benefits? 

• Builds strength

Kundalini Yoga is a great way to strengthen and tone your muscles.Intense breathing techniques—like "Breath of Fire" - can also build core strength, as you have to engage your abdominal muscles with each exhale. 

• Improves your mood

Regular practice increases the production of serotonin in your brain. 

• Lowers your blood pressure and heart rate

Studies have repeatedly shown that Kundalini Yoga—specifically the deep breathing techniques used during it—can decrease the risk of hypertension. Long, slow breaths calm your autonomic nervous system and reduce stress, thus lowering both your blood pressure and pulse rate. 

• Enhances your memory and focus

Kundalini Yoga can impact cognitive functioning, boosting both your concentration and memory.  

• Boosts your metabolism and digestive system

Through the combination of breath and postures, Kundalini Yoga is focused on strengthening your core and diaphragm which improves your digestion and has been shown by researchers to speed metabolism, meaning your body processes energy more efficiently. 

To explore and practice Kundalini Yoga further, I recommend 3H0 that connects millions of people with the transformational practices of Kundalini Yoga.