Kundalini yoga is a form of hatha yoga. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, hatha yoga is the most popular yoga practiced in the United States. Kundalini yoga involves different postures and different breathing techniques. The Mayo Clinic maintains that various yoga techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. There are many other health benefits associated with practicing yoga, but check with your health practitioner before beginning any form of yoga.
Function
The underlying belief about kundalini yoga is that people have a dormant energy that lies at the base of the spine. Through different kundalini postures and breath work, it is possible to awaken this energy. As this energy is awoken and drawn up through the seven energy centers of the body, known as the chakras, you become more spiritually awakened and strengthen the connection between mind, body and spirit.
General Health Benefits
Kundalini yoga helps strengthen the body and improve health and well-being. According to YogaYoga.com, practicing kundalini yoga on a regular basis benefits and strengthens the nervous system, balances the emotions, increases energy levels and improves self-awareness. Kundalini yoga can also strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and improve lung capacity by adopting different breathing techniques.
Stress Benefits
Practicing kundalini yoga regularly helps integrate body, mind and spirit and can help you control your thought processes, which keeps you calm, centered and balanced. All of these things help to reduce stress. Strengthening the body with the different kundalini postures and learning new and more effective breathing techniques can also help you feel calm and more able to cope with day-to-day challenges. Some forms of kundalini exercises involve music or a gong, and this combination can have a more powerful relaxation effect.
Caution
Generally speaking, kundalini yoga is a gentle practice, but injury is possible. If practicing this type of yoga for the first time, ensure that your instructor is properly certified. Always stay within your limits and range of flexibility and ask for help if anything feels particularly uncomfortable. Ensure that your warmup is adequate, and begin with simple poses that will warm up the body and prepare it for exercise.
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