Kundalini classes will include a warm-up period to help stretch out the spine and increase flexibility, then a series of poses that focus on one area of the body, and then a mediation period, often complete with chants. It’s a very spiritual form of yoga and quite physically intense. Some of the sequences of exercises will be fast, repetitive movements done while breathing or holding a pose while breathing in a specific way.
While practicing Kundalini yoga, you need to have a nice atmosphere in the room to encourage the concentration that is needed to do this form of yoga. Music is an important part of Kundalini yoga classes, as it can help us relax. Some people contend that tradition says Kundalini techniques are only communicated from the master to the student once the student, or disciple, is found to be ready. In these instances, masters believe that by not following instructions correctly harmful effects may occur.
Kundalini yoga can be very helpful for our overall health. It has been found to be a good way to reduce stress, something that seems to affect the vast majority of us more than ever. Practicing this form of yoga on a regular basis can help lift the spirits of your entire being, while improving and strengthening the nervous system. By integrating the body and the mind, Kundalini yoga can help control our various thought processes. While all of this is happening, Kundalini yoga may calm the mind, keep emotions balanced, and as a result, reduce stress.
Kundalini yoga may also help with asthma, diabetes, stress-related diseases, pain, healing, and improving addictive behavior, as well as treating mental health issues.
If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to understand what a chakra is and how asanas may help you in your life, you’re not alone. I have felt the same way at times while researching this topic. But I think it’s important to go back to the basic premises of yoga and how the combination of breathing and poses and postures can help us feel less stressed and anxious. When we do the focused yogic breathing of inhaling fully and completely and then exhaling all of the air in our bellies, we will feel more relaxed. As we relax more, our levels of stress may go down as well.
Have you tried Kundalini yoga? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Did you enjoy it, or did you find it to be more intense than you were bargaining for?
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_yoga
http://www.articledashboard.com/article.php?id=1216692&act=print
http://yoga.about.com/od/kundaliniyoga/a/kundalini.htm