What Are The Health Benefits Of Kundalini?

Kundalini can literally be translated as "the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved" in Sanskrit. This refers to the belief that kundalini yoga helps to uncoil the energy from the base of the spine. Kundalini enthusiasts believe that this coil at the base of the spine controls both physical energy and mental clarity. While the spiritual benefits of kundalini yoga practice are deeply personal and rely on the individual, the physical health benefits are easier to measure.

Flexibility

Kundalini is considered to be an advanced yogic practice. Not meant for beginners, a solid foundation in hatha yoga can help you be more successful when practicing kundalini. Since kundalini is more physically demanding than some of the other types of yoga, it can help you increase your flexibility. Many kundalini poses are done while standing on the head, which can help increase both balance and flexibility, which in turn help you to retain flexibility for daily living activities.

Muscular Strength

You'll need muscular strength to contort your body into various kundalini poses and hold them as you meditate and awaken the dormant energy in your spine. Because of this, kundalini yoga can be used as an exercise in muscular endurance. Poses such as bridge pose will cause you to support your entire body with your upper back and feet only. Holding your body in difficult poses can help tone and tighten muscles as part of a daily workout.

Physical Energy

Kundalini philosophy teaches that every individual possesses a coil of energy at the base of the spine that must be harnessed and released through yogic practice. Kundalini can trigger what can be described as energy moving up the spine. That energy can help you feel more invigorated and, if you follow the spiritual teachings of yoga, a greater sense of enlightenment.

Mental Clarity

The various practices of yoga can be utilized to help manage a number of mental conditions, including depression, fatigue and anxiety. Kundalini is no exception. The precise movements, calm practice and focus on your mind and body can help you achieve a greater sense of peace in the face of an otherwise hectic lifestyle. Giving yourself 60 minutes to focus on your body and wellness as you hone your yogic practice can help manage anxiety and depression as well as promote mental clarity for a more peaceful lifestyle.