According to Shakta Kaur Khalsa, author of "K.I.S.S. Guide to Yoga," Kundalini yoga was taught in secrecy for thousands of years. Students were required to work for many years before receiving the little-known teachings of Kundalini. This changed in 1969 when Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini to the United States and offered his teachings openly to Western youth. Students can now learn the teachings of Kundalini yoga in small towns and large cities throughout the United States.
Serpent Power
According to Cynthia Worby, MSW, author of "The Everything Yoga Book," the core concept of Kundalini is the uncoiling of the "serpent power." This idea illustrates the awakening of latent energy at the base of the spine, and the transfer of this energy throughout the body. Some practitioners refer to this energy as God, but it is simply the potential within the self, says Khalsa.
Nerve Channels
According to the principles of Kundalini, three nerve channels run along the length of the spine, according to Khalsa. The central nerve channel, called Shushmana, runs in a straight line along the spinal cord. Shushmana is orbited by two additional nerve channels. The first is Ida, which is negative energy represented by the moon. The second is Pingala, which is positive energy represented by the sun. These nerve centers balance each other, says Khalsa.
Glandular Stimulation
According to Khalsa, practicing Kundalini poses and breathing exercises stimulate the glandular system. The focus of Kundalini is stimulating the pineal gland, which is though to secrete consciousness-elevating chemicals in the brain. Practitioners believe that this not only raises consciousness, but elevates mood, as well.
Ong
"Om" is an utterance that denotes the "unmanifested Creator," says Khalsa. In Kundalini yoga, "Ong" is a variation that signifies the Creator in its manifested states. According to the principles of Kundalini, chanting "Ong" opens the third eye center, allowing the mind to become receptive to expanding consciousness.
Breath of Fire
Strong breathing is an integral part of Kundalini, according to Khalsa. Practitioners add the "Breath of Fire" to yoga poses to achieve beneficial effects in a short period of time. Breath of Fire is rapid breathing (two to three breaths per second) accomplished by pulling the navel toward the spine to push the air out, and then releasing the navel to allow air into the body. Khalsa describes Breath of Fire as a continuous breath flowing in and out of the body.
References
- "K.I.S.S. Guide to Yoga"; Shakta Kaur Khalsa; 2001
- "The Everything Yoga Book"; Cynthia Worby, MSW; 2002
