Learn How Kundalini Yoga Can Awaken Your Inner Self

Introduction

Yoga is rooted deep in the soil of India. It is not just a physical exercise; it offers several other advantages and benefits to the body’s physical, mental, and internal health. There are several classifications for yoga, and each has its benefits. Some may be beneficial in curing heart problems, while others help alleviate depression. Kundalini yoga is one such form of yoga. Read on to learn more about this yoga practice, its benefits, and more.

What is Kundalini yoga?

Kundalini yoga is meant to awaken the Kundalini energy or shakti within you. The origin of Kundalini yoga is unknown, but the concept is said to have existed since 1000 BC. Kundalini is a Sanskrit term that means ‘coiled one. This form of yoga combines chanting, breathing exercises, singing, and repetitive postures.

Kundalini energy[1] is a form of spiritual energy that is assumed to be at the base of your spinal cord. Hence, Kundalini yoga helps activate this inner energy of the body, and it helps in enhancing awareness of your surroundings and helps manage your ego. Once Kundalini yoga starts the internal energy at the spinal cord base, it allows this energy to move up via the chakras, or energy points, present along the spinal cord. Overall, practitioners of this yoga practice believe that it evokes spiritual wellness. This awakening is also known as the ‘Kundalini awakening.’

What is Kundalini breathing?

Kundalini breathing, also known as Breath of Fire yoga, is a breathing exercise included in Kundalini yoga. This breathing exercise comprises passive inhalations and active exhalations.

Kundalini breathing is a type of breath control yoga activity. It is linked to stress relief and has other benefits, such as improving respiratory health, increasing mindfulness, and boosting concentration. Some researchers say Breath of Fire is also advantageous for optimal gut and abdominal health.

Those just starting with this yoga activity must begin slowly and gradually build the intensity. Doctors usually advise pregnant women and people with heart disease, spinal issues, and respiratory complications to avoid this yoga.

The stages of Kundalini yoga

The ultimate goal of performing Kundalini yoga is to awaken your Kundalini energy. Three stages lead to a Kundalini awakening:

Arabia: The Beginning Stage

It is the first stage of Kundalini yoga. In this stage, you release the energy collected at the base of your spinal cord. By doing this, you start cleansing your root chakra and uniting the root-knot. Knots help block chakras and obstruct the flow of Kundalini energy in the body.

Ghata: The Cleansing Stage

In this stage, you begin eliminating all the negative energy and activities of the day holding you back. This stage can sometimes become uncomfortable and disturbing as you relive your past. But ultimately, the aim is to attain peace.

Third: Eye-Awakening Stage

It is the final stage of Kundalini yoga. You are only a step away from achieving a complete sense of consciousness when you reach this stage, and from here, you can enter a deep meditative state.

How does Kundalini yoga help you?

It is helpful for both physical and psychological wellness. However, there are various other benefits to this yoga practice. Here are some benefits of practicing Kundalini yoga:

It helps in building strength.

While performing this yoga [2], you need to maintain postures for long periods. Hence, it is a great way to build up your muscle strength.

Boosts your mood

The high that you experience after a sweaty yoga session is highly beneficial. Regularly performing Kundalini yoga helps increase the body’s serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for happy thoughts and feelings.

Kundalini yoga for curing heart problems

Studies have shown that the deep breathing practiced during Kundalini yoga helps decrease hypertension, and it helps reduce stress[3] and thus lowers your blood pressure and pulse rate.

Kundalini yoga for Boosting your memory and focus

Researchers have found that Kundalini yoga can positively impact your cognitive functioning, which helps enhance memory and focus.

How does Kundalini yoga help you maintain mental calmness?

Kundalini yoga helps awaken the energy at the spinal cord’s base. It is also helpful in achieving mental calmness.[4] It is made possible by the different poses and activities included in the Kundalini yoga practice. The Breath of Fire, or Kundalini breathing, is also beneficial in releasing stress.

It helps calm the mind and body, keeping your blood pressure and pulse rate regular. It also helps increase the production of serotonin in your body, the hormone responsible for happiness. Kundalini yoga includes practices that help awaken positive energies in the body. This positive energy and peace will help you attain mental calmness.

Conclusion

Since 1000 BC, it has been a mix of various poses and breathing activities that can help you immensely. The sole purpose of this yoga practice is to awaken your Kundalini energy and help you achieve spiritual calmness.

Like other forms of yoga, it offers various benefits. It helps build strength, boost mood, lower blood pressure, and pulse rate, and also helps with digestive problems. If you want yoga exercises to release stress,[5] it is an excellent solution.

References

[1] P. Arambula, E. Peper, M. Kawakami, and K. H. Gibney, Appl. Psychophysiol. Biofeedback, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 147–153, 2001.

[2] G. Gabriel, J. Curtiss, S. G. Hofmann, and S. B. S. Khalsa, “Kundalini Yoga for a generalized anxiety disorder: An exploration of treatment efficacy and possible mechanisms,” Int. J. Yoga Therapy., vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 97–105, 2018.

[3] D. Sugumar and V. Ponnuswamy, “Effect of simplified Kundalini yoga in managing cervical spondylosis,” Kheljournal.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2018/vol5issue5/PartB/5-5-7-662.pdf. [Accessed: 03-Mar-2023].

[4] M. Sarkissian, N. L. Trent, K. Huchting, and S. B. Singh Khalsa, “Effects of a Kundalini yoga program on elementary and middle school students’ stress, effect, and resilience,” J. Dev. Behav. Pediatr., vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 210–216, 2018.

[5] J. N. García-Sesnich, M. G. Flores, M. H. Ríos, and J. G. Aravena, “Longitudinal and immediate effect of Kundalini Yoga on salivary levels of cortisol and activity of alpha-amylase and its effect on perceived stress,” Int. J. Yoga, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 73–80