Kundalini yoga was first brought to the West in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan of India, reports Guru Rattana, Ph.D., in his book, "Introduction to Kundalini Yoga." It was the first time that the revered techniques, some 50,000 to 70,000 years old, were shared publicly. Spiritual masters of Tibet and India used to practice the techniques of movements, sounds, postures and breathing to activate powerful and enjoyable experiences within the body.
Background
Kundalini yoga consists of yoga postures, special breathing exercises, hand and finger gestures, internal body locks, chanting and meditation. These techniques are used together in specific sequences in monasteries in India and Tibet to create specific results. This type of yoga is thought of as a science that enables you to access your own creative power to elevate levels of consciousness. This power, or shakti, as it's called in India, lies dormant in the base of the spine and awakens like a serpent uncoiling up the spine, or central channel of the body, when the techniques are practiced.
Tuning In
If at anytime you feel you may hyperventilate during Kundalini yoga, whether from breathing techniques or physical postures, ground yourself by tuning within, writes Rattana. Sit down in a comfortable position, breathe in and focus on the third eye chakra, or the point between your eyes. Call in your highest self, or chant the words "og na mo" followed by "guru dev namo." This is calling in divine wisdom to protect you. Hold your hands in prayer position, or at heart center, and continue to breathe deeply into your heart center. Do this if you ever feel short of breath during a yoga practice. Pay attention to the flow of your breath and allow your body to fully relax.
Techniques
Kundalini yoga often includes pranayama, or breathing techniques. Breath of Fire is a technique where quick paced exhalations are forced out of the stomach followed by natural inhalations. This is most likely when you could hyperventilate, if done too quickly or for too long a time. It should not be done for more than a few minutes at a time. If you feel lightheaded at anytime during your practice, lie on your back to do some simple stretches by bringing knees into your chest and wrapping your arms around your legs. You can rock your body upwards and backwards gently to unwind your spine. Also try doing some spinal twists by bringing the knees to the floor to one side of your body while you look in the opposite direction. Make sure both your shoulders stay on the ground.
Chakras
In the book "Meditation and Mantras," Vishnu Devananda shares it is important to understand the chakras, or energy centers of the body, when practicing Kundalini. Kundalini begins to awaken in the base chakra, located on the lower end of the spinal column. It then travels up through the genital organs, navel, heart, throat region, the spot between the eyebrows, and finally the crown of the head. When the energy reaches the head, a state of bliss may be experienced. It is important to visualize each chakra during meditation to stay aware and grounded. Learning from a certified teacher of Kundalini yoga is highly suggested to ensure proper understanding and to avoid any unpleasant experiences such as hyperventilation.
References
- "Introduction to Kundalini Yoga"; Guru Rattana, Ph.D.; 1989
- "Meditation and Mantras"; Vishnu Devananda; 1999
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