Kundalini is the original and most powerful of the 22 schools of yoga, according to Golden Bridge Yoga. It comes from the tantric yoga tradition, which originated in the eighth century and was brought to North America in 1969 by Sikh leader Yogi Bhajan. Yoga sutras, which are writings about yoga, say that you can achieve in one year of perfectly practiced kundalini yoga what would take 22 years in other yoga schools. Kundalini yoga can be practiced by anyone if done according to instructions and learned gradually.
Awakening
Kundalini energy is said to come from the base of the spine. The energy supposedly takes the form of a coiled snake that is poised there, ready to move up through the seven chakras, or energy centers, when it is activated. The word kundalini is Sanskit for "coiled up." The aim of kundalini yoga is to awaken the snake so it can move up your spine all the way to your brain and create a sublime state of ecstasy and awareness.
Elements
Kundalini yoga includes pranayama, or breathing techniques; asanas, which are body postures; mudras, or hand positions; mantras, or sound currents; bhandas, which are body locks; and meditation and deep relaxation. Kundalini yoga uses the breath scientifically to change energy states, and includes long, deep breathing, a more rapid breath for cleansing purposes called breath of fire, and sitali pranayama to regulate digestive and sexual energy. Asanas are used in all yoga practices, but kundalini yoga uses angles in the poses, which cause glands to secrete and circulate. Six hand mudras correspond to different areas of the body and brain for stimulation. Mantras are the scientific use of sound current to affect consciousness by helping focus the mind. Bhandas use specific combinations of muscle contractions that change blood circulation, nerve pressure and cerebral spinal fluid, and also concentrate the body's energy for raising consciousness and self-healing.
Guidelines
The best and safest way to learn kundalini yoga is through the help of a guru or qualified teacher, according to AnmolMehta. Clothing should be loose and comfortable, shoulders and spine covered, and feet bare. Try not to eat for two to three hours beforehand. All breathing is done through the nose. Warm up your body before challenging asanas and do not overdo it. Generally, kundalini yoga works best if practiced in the early-morning hours in a well-ventilated place. Music can be used, but not during meditations. Kundalini yoga should never be practiced under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Be committed and trust the process.
Cautions
According to ABC of Yoga, kundalini can be awakened in the following ways: through the practice of asanas, pranayama and mantra; by concentration and training of the mind; by practicing hatha, bhakta and jnana yoga; through selflessness and intellectual inquiry; and, most importantly, through the help and guidance of a guru. ABC of Yoga cautions against trying to activate your kundalini forcefully or without the expertise or a guru. This can lead to mental confusion, headache, psychosis, intense mood swings, epilepsy or other involuntary body movements, stress, depression, irregular breathing or immoral behavior. Awakening kundalini requires patience, perseverance and devotion to your practice.
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