5 benefits of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga was brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan. It is considered one of the most comprehensive forms of all of the Yoga traditions. It combines many practices such as meditation, mantra, physical postures and breathing techniques. It is a Royal (Raj) Yoga as it contains all eight aspects (limbs) of Yoga.
It was kept a secret for many years and was passed down from master to student. Yogi Bhajan, a master in Kundalini Yoga from the Punjab in India came to the West in the 60s and he recognised the time was right to share the technology of Kundalini Yoga. Yogi Bhajan aspired for Kundalini Yoga to be practiced by the householder, to help them manage the demands of modern life.
The Kundalini energy is a poetic metaphor which describes the potential energy that exists within each of us. The Kundalini energy is considered to be located in the energetic body at the base of the spine. With the practice of Yoga, the Kundalini energy expands upwards awakening our potential to connect with our higher selves. Kundalini Yoga practices enliven our Kundalini energy in a systematic and “tried and tested” format so that he student does not access any more energy than they can gracefully accommodate.
5 benefits of Kundalini Yoga
A Strengthened Core. Breath of fire, stretch pose, leg lifts, and Kundalini Lotus are all postures that work the abdominal muscles and navel centre. A strong core is the key to good form in most asanas. Also, in yogic terms, the navel chakra is associated with will power and persistence.
Improved Memory and Reduced Stress. A Kundalini Yoga meditation called Kirtan Kriya has been shown to improve memory and has therefore been recommended to patients who have Alzheimer’s. It’s also been proven to reduce stress.
Sacred Sound. Kundalini Yoga is known for the sacred chant music that is part and parcel of the practice. When we consciously regulate the sounds we make through the use of mantra, breath, and rhythm, we can produce profound effects on our health and well-being, not to mention the pure joy that is experienced when we chant from our hearts and souls.
Expanded Lung Capacity. All of the breathing techniques of Kundalini Yoga (including long, deep breathing and breath of fire) as well as some specific kriyas serve to increase lung capacity. Why does your lung capacity matter? Next time you get angry or stressed, you can see for yourself. Notice your breath. It’ll probably be short and shallow. If you have the capacity to breath long and deep and can slow down and lengthen your inhale and exhale, you can change your emotional state.
Inner Guidance. Kundalini Yoga develops the power of the intuitive mind. Your intuition is the voice of your own inner GPS. Every person has inner guidance available to them and can choose to listen and live with its support. When you clean out the subconscious mind and learn to listen through deep meditation, when your thoughts and feelings resonate with the soul, you can sense the guidance of intuition that is always present. As you develop your internal guidance system, you can use it as a touchstone when faced with the decisions, questions, and choices life brings you.
Emer Duffy is teaching a late summer Kundalini Yoga workshop this Sunday 27th September.