Yoga helps some people move or redistribute energy throughout their body in order to detoxify and de-stress. Kundalini is a style of yoga that puts a strong emphasis on health and healing. It is designed to awaken the coiled energy said to be stored at the base of your spine. Kundalini yoga focuses on stimulating and consciously directing this energy through the chakras, or energy centers, along your spine.
Practices of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga is a system of practices designed to awaken your higher consciousness. The practices of Kundalini yoga include specific breath work, chants, postures and meditations. Each of these practices aid the process of detoxification and the release of stress. The benefits from the practices of Kundalini yoga should be found through the guidance of a certified instructor.
Detoxification
Kundalini yoga employs a dynamic approach to detoxification through the use of cleansing and energizing techniques known as kriyas. Kriyas combine various postures with a breathing technique called kapalabhati, or the breath of fire. With this technique, the breath is forceful on the exhalation and passive on the inhalation. Postures are then coordinated to have muscle contraction with the exhalation. Such techniques produce cleansing effects to the body through internal heat and stimulation.
De-stress
Kundalini yoga is often called the yoga of awareness. It promotes connecting with your higher consciousness, innate intuition, and creativity. With this awareness, students of Kundalini yoga learn to naturally manage and reduce stress. One of the major pathways to this awareness is meditation. Meditation can increase overall physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being by allowing the mind to enter a more alert and aware state. Kundalini yoga can bring the body and mind to a place where meditation is easily achieved.
Kundalini Yoga in the United States
Kundalini yoga was popularized in United States in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. Yogi Bhajan introduced this yogic philosophy to inspire a community of individuals who desired inner peace. Kundalini yoga has a set of beliefs and practices, so it is important to learn more about these values and decide whether Kundalini yoga is the right path for your detoxification and de-stressing process.
Warning
All intensive practices of yoga for detoxification and de-stressing require careful knowledge and attention. Kundalini yoga can promote a rapid release of energy. Don't attempt to begin Kundalini yoga without first seeking approval from your doctor, and then finding a qualified professional to guide your practice.
References
- "Yoga Journal's Yoga Basics"; Mara Carrico; 1997
- Kundalini 3HO Foundation
Member Comments