All you need to know about Kundalini yoga

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Life is defined in the form of energy. We are energy. Anything or anyone that we interact with is energy too. Defined by the presence of internal energy and its power, Kundalini Yoga is an ancient yoga practice that unblocks the energy in our body for a spiritual awakening. Unlike the other forms of yogic practices like Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, etc, Kundalini Yoga focuses more on what lies within. While some say that Kundalini is a synthesis of Bhakti Yoga (the practice of chanting and devotion), Shakti Yoga (expression of energy and power) and Raja Yoga (meditational practice); others call Kundalini Yoga an exception that unties the body of secret locks to attain spiritual awakening. Bijay Anand, Visiting Practitioner at Atmantan Wellness Centre tells you all you want to know about Kundalini yoga.

Kundalini: What does it mean?

Kundal, the Sanskrit word translates to 'circular' or 'coiled snake'. It is believed that divine energy is stored at the base of the spine. Yogic Upanishads have theories where feminine Kundali meaning ring, or coil of rope i.e. the spiritual energy of life force at the base of the spine is coiled up like a snake locking energies and creating a block. Kundalini Yoga is a practice to arouse the Kundalini Shakti and uncoil the base to make the energy flow from the base to the brown through the Chakras.

Chakras or the seven wheels of energy is the energetic highway of the body. As one practices Kundalini Yoga, the Chakras are activated and energy flows freely through them. This awakening is what one seeks when practicing Kundalini Yoga.

The Kriyas and Karmas of Kundalini

Designed to stimulate complete body awareness, Kundalini Yoga is a balanced practise of meditational techniques, kriyas, breathing, physical postures, Asanas, and pressurization that activates energy and body sensitivity. With the help of yogic locks or bandhas, energy is controlled, released and directed towards the meridian points. And with controlled breathing practice that cleanses the nadis, channelises the pathways and improvises on health - traditional Kundalini Yoga raises awareness and energy levels in the body. In a relaxed state of mind, one takes notice of their Chakras and the energy they hold to make them flow through their body freely.

Kundalini for healthy body, mind, and soul!

As you sign up for a class of Kundalini Yoga, you have to let go off your moments of anger, discomfort, jealousy, frustration, and sadness. You have to part with the outer world to dig into your own. With the help of yogic asanas like rock pose, shoulder stands, yogic squats, lotus pose, cat/cow pose, etc the practice takes you from one breathing technique to another to experience complete awareness. As the journey to the inner-self continues, you become one with the Kundalini Shakti to embrace its power within. Mindful chanting, physical movements and soulful energy synthesize together to make you fitter, healthier and aware.

Kundalini Yoga helps you naturally unfold yourself and watch yourself grow. Like a snail uncoiling itself and shedding away its old skin, the practices unblocks your energies to gift yourself a new you! Embrace the self, and connect with the divine in you!

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