Did you know that Kundalini yoga is one of the oldest and most spiritual types of yoga? Along with possessing many physical and mental benefits, it has the ability to enhance your spiritual awareness and transform your life. If you're looking to try a new yoga style and are wondering what the benefits of Kundalini yoga are, this article is for you!
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What is Kundalini yoga?
Kundalini yoga combines deep breathing, kriyas (cleansing techniques), mudras (sacred hand movements), mantras (words or phrases), and physical exercises (asanas). It's a great practice for building physical vitality and increasing consciousness, and it provides many spiritual benefits as well.
Thus, it is very different (and much more spiritual) than the popular fast-paced Vinyasa classes you may have attended at a studio. Most Kundalini kriyas, or postures, target the navel and spine and apply pressure on specific energy centers.
Its origins stem from the ancient lineages of Tantra and was introduced to the western world by the Indian guru Yogi Bhajan.
A Kundalini practice is intended to awaken this energy and bring it up through all the chakras, this is known as a Kundalini awakening. It is believed that yogis who achieve a Kundalini awakening reach enlightenment and gain an enhanced awareness and the ability to move past the ego.
Kundalini is a form of divine feminine energy, also known as Shakti. Traditional tantra teachings define it as a potent life-force energy that lies dormant within the body, usually at the base of the spine by the root chakra.
9 benefits of Kundalini yoga
Besides achieving enlightenment, there are many other benefits of Kundalini yoga, including:
- Reducing feelings of stress and anxiety
- Cultivating a calm, clearer mind
- Improving cognitive functioning
- Lowering blood pressure and heart rate
- Increasing strength and muscle tone
- Enhancing gratitude and joy
- Improving self-image and self-love
- Increasing creativity and inspiration
- Heightening self-awareness
What makes Kundalini yoga different from other styles of yoga?
Kundalini emphasizes deep breathing techniques, which are incredibly calming to the nervous system and help to bring it back into balance. This leads to various benefits, such as:
- Stress reduction
- Lowering blood pressure
There have been several research studies that prove the benefits listed above. For example, an 8-week long 2018 study showed that a consistent Kundalini yoga practice is effective at reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder as it helps to soothe anxious feelings like restlessness and edginess.
Moreover, a small 2017 study on women with anorexia and bulimia showed that it can improve body positivity and self-acceptance. Thus, they concluded that it is an effective complementary treatment for eating disorders.
While Hatha, Ashtanga, or Vinyasa are popular and beneficial, they don't have the same powerful benefits as Kundalini.
Benefits of Kundalini breath of fire
The breath of fire is the most commonly used breathing technique in Kundalini yoga. This pranayama is heating, energizing, and detoxifying. It involves natural inhales and quick, forceful exhales through the nostrils.
This method creates a light and rhythmic pumping of the belly. It can be practiced independently or combined with a yoga pose to create a kriya. Breath of fire benefits include:
- Improving respiratory health
- Purifying the blood
- Boosting the immune system
- Toning abdominal muscles
- Stimulating digestion
- Balancing the nervous system
- Increasing concentration
- Relieving stress
Benefits of Kundalini meditation
Kundalini meditation is an active and energizing practice that uses mantra chanting to move energy through the seven chakras.
While sitting in a meditative position, such as the lotus pose, you chant a Sanskrit mantra such as “Sat Nam,” which means “truth is my identity.” You chant to the rhythm of your breath, so as you inhale, you chant Sat, and as you exhale, you chant Nam. This helps to keep your mind focused and directs energy to the chakras.
Kundalini meditation offers numerous benefits for both the mind and body. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Enhancing awareness and consciousness
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving emotional balance
- Increasing energy levels
- Enhancing creative intuition
- Fostering spiritual growth
Is Kundalini yoga dangerous?
Practicing Kundalini yoga is not dangerous, but there can be a potential consequence if a practitioner experiences a Kundalini awakening before being mentally ready for it.
The term used for this is Kundalini syndrome, and the symptoms can be physical or psychological. However, don’t worry, as most people who have been practicing Kundalini yoga for a while, consider their awakening to be a positive experience!
This is because they know what to expect and are physically, mentally, and spiritually prepared for the intense rush of Kundalini energy. This is why I recommend seeking the guidance of a qualified and experienced Kundalini yoga instructor when learning this practice.
Takeaway
The ancient practice of Kundalini yoga has many benefits for the body and mind, and it is suggested by both yoga instructors and yoga therapists because it promotes physical health and mental wellness.
Kundalini yoga promotes mental peace and clarity, has a therapeutic effect on many bodily systems and organs, and can deepen your spiritual connection. So now you understand what the practice entails and some of its benefits, why not give it a go and experience the benefits for yourself?
FAQ about Kundalini yoga
How often should you do Kundalini yoga?
One of the beautiful things about Kundalini yoga is that you can practice it everyday. Kundalini yoga is not as physical as other types of yoga, so practicing Kundalini yoga 20-30 minutes each day, if you have time, can result in tremendous spiritual benefits.
What happens after Kundalini is activated?
After your Kundalini energy has been activated, your spirit will experience an energetic upgrade. You feel lighter, more at peace, more content and compassionate, and in an overall state of bliss.
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