What Is Kundalini Yoga?

Many styles of yoga come from the same basic tenets of breathing techniques, meditation and poses. Kundalini yoga is one style of yoga with these same tenets, although it has created focuses and poses specific to this style. To try Kundalini yoga, find a certified yoga teacher trained in this specific area.

History

According to the 3HO Foundation, Kundalini yoga originates from beliefs of the Sikh faith, although it doesn't identify with a religion. This type of yoga was originally secret. Kundalini originated in India, from where Harbhajan Singh Puri, or Yogi Bhajan, brought it to the United States in 1969 and opened the secret teachings to everyone.

Tenets

Kundalini yoga's focus differs from that of many other types of hatha yoga. This type doesn't have a strong emphasis on the physical poses but focuses on meditation, breathing and chanting. Kundalini works around a belief in chakras, or energy centers of the body that represent specific aspects of being. This type of yoga strives to move energy through the chakras, with the focus moving through acceptance, creativity, commitment, physical body and energy, compassion, truth and finally to supreme consciousness, according to "Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques."

Purpose

The purpose of Kundalini yoga is not to become physically fit, lose weight or any other superficial goal. It has a deeper purpose to bring you to your life's purpose. It also strives to help people deal with the struggles of everyday life. Kundalini yoga touts some of its health benefits as regulating the glandular and nervous systems and teaching control over your mental and emotional health.

Postures

Though a Kundalini class doesn't make postures its main focus, it still incorporates them into its whole experience. Kundalini uses poses from traditional hatha yoga and also uses some of its own. The 3HO Foundation says that each Kundalini pose is "an exercise, a meditation, a connection to energy flow, and a self-diagnostic instrument for the Kundalini Yoga practitioner." Kundalini encompasses staying in poses for lengthy periods and pushing your limits on breathing and meditation.