Developed in 1916 by Paramahansa Yogananda, the Energization Exercises are a component of his Kriya Yoga style of yoga. The purpose of these exercises, which take about 15 minutes to perform, is to relieve stress and prepare the body for meditation. In 1920, Yogananda left his homeland of India to bring the practice to the United States, where he lectured on the benefits of Kriya Yoga all across the country. He founded the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los Angeles. All of these exercises are performed while standing.
Purpose
Practitioners of Kriya Yoga believe the Energization Exercises draw cosmic energy into the body through the medulla oblongata, which is part of the lower brain stem. The full set comprises 39 exercises designed to increase your energy, awareness and overall well-being. After practicing these exercises, the resulting state of relaxation and improved concentration should enable longer, more successful meditation sessions.
Double Breathing
Double breathing is a breathing technique used throughout the Energization Exercises. Practitioners believe it helps oxygenate the blood and remove toxins. This method consists of two inhalations through your nose--the first short, the second long--followed by two exhalations--again, first a short one and then a long one--through both your nose and mouth. This breathing technique should energize and relax your body.
Calf Recharging
Standing on your right foot, bring your left leg up while bending the knee and tensing your calf muscle. Relax with your leg lifted, and then tense the muscle again and bring the leg down. Repeat this three times, then tense your ankle and rotate it in a circle three times. Repeat this sequence on the other side of your body.
Body Recharging
The body recharging exercise is performed by inhaling slowly while tensing your body until it vibrates. While looking up and holding this tension, draw energy into your body and then finish by exhaling and relaxing. Repeat this exercise one to three times.
Palms Touching
To perform the Energization Exercise double breathing with palms touching, hold your arms out straight, exhale twice with first a short and then a long exhalation, bend your knees and then touch your palms together in front of your body. Inhale twice--first a short breath and then a long breath--and then return your body to the starting position. Relax your body with the exhalations and tense it with the inhalations, repeating this exercise three to five times.
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