Are you looking for a way to get in shape and discover a different way to balance your well-being? If so, consider giving kundalini yoga a try. This form of yoga can help you strengthen your body, increase your flexibility, and boost your energy levels. Kundalini is an intense practice, but both its physical and mental benefits make it a great option for beginners and advanced yogis alike. This post shows you the basics of kundalini yoga and provides you with tips for getting started. So if you're ready to begin your journey toward better health, keep reading!

What is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on awakening the energy at the base of the spine. This type of yoga is beneficial for overall vitality and well-being. Unlike other types of yoga, kundalini yoga is more active and can be quite strenuous. Other types of yoga focus on holding poses for long periods, but kundalini yoga is more dynamic with a focus on breath work and movement.

Kundalini yoga is great for beginners because it can be done at your own pace and is adaptable for advanced yogis and all fitness levels. All different types of people can attend Kundalini yoga but if you have any of the following conditions, please consult your doctor before starting a class:

• high blood pressure

• heart conditions

• pregnant

• have had a recent surgery

The benefits of Kundalini Practice

Kundalini yoga is beneficial for improved brain functionality and overall well-being. This type of yoga can help to improve flexibility, strength, and stamina. Kundalini yoga can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase energy levels. In addition, kundalini practice is great for the mind, body, and spirit.

What type of practice is Kundalini?

Kundalini yoga is a type of yoga that awakens the kundalini energy that is dormant at the base of the spine (Anahana.com). While the studies on the effects of kundalini yoga are limited, one study found that it has the potential to improve mental health and well-being.

Kundalini yoga not only had physical benefits but also mental benefits. "The practice of Kundalini Yoga can help you to connect with your authentic self and access your inner power." (Becker, Robert.) Some of those benefits include:

• better sleep

• feeling more alert

• having more energy

• improved flexibility

• stress management

• reducing anxiety

How does Kundalini Practice help psychiatric disorders?

According to David S. Shannahoff-Khalsa, Director of The Research Group for Mind-Body Dynamics at UCSD's BioCircuits Institute:

"The ancient system of Kundalini yoga includes a vast array of meditation techniques and many were discovered to be specific for treating the psychiatric disorders as we know them today. One such technique was found to be specific for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the fourth most common psychiatric disorder, and the tenth most disabling disorder worldwide"

How does Kundalini Practice help with anxiety?

General anxiety disorder (GAD), characterized by excessive worry and tension, is present more days than not for at least six months. People with GAD may have a hard time controlling their worries. They may worry about money, their wellness, family, or work. People with GAD often have physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

As previously mentioned Kundalini yoga not only provides physical gains but mental ones as well. A few examples of the advantages you'll see are a better ability to think and decision-making skills. In a recent study published in 2020, the JAMA Network found that this type of practice helps adults suffering from anxiety in conjunction with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).

If you're searching for ways to nourish your life with vital energy, Kundalini should be at the top of your list. AcuMantras is the perfect place to enjoy Kundalini yoga every other Saturday!

How does a Kundalini Yoga Class Improve the Core?

Kundalini yoga classes help improve the core by strengthening the abdominal muscles and toning the pelvic floor. The core is the center of the body and includes the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and hips. These muscles work together to support the spine and pelvis. Strong abdominal muscles are important for mobility, balance, and good posture. This in turn improves digestion and has been shown by researchers to speed up metabolism (meaning your body processes energy more efficiently).

Yoga terminology

Kundalini is an effective form of yoga, and it asks practitioners to use unfamiliar terms like kriyas, mudras, mantras, and chakras. By being aware of the meanings of these words ahead of time, you can get the most out of your Kundalini experience. 

Kundalini means "coiled serpent" and refers to the divine energy that lies dormant inside the human body.

What is a Kriya in yoga?

In Kundalini yoga, a kriya is a set of exercises performed in a specific order (Yogapedia). Kriya is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control.

What is a Mudra in yoga?

A mudra is a hand position that is often used in yoga. Mudras are a tool to master the mind and help direct blood flow within the body (Yogapedia). Mudras were characterized by ancient yogis as energy-flowing postures meant to connect individuals with the universe.

What is a Mantra in yoga?

A mantra is a word or phrase repeated during meditation. Mantras help relax the mind and enhance the flow of energy within the body. (Yogapedia)

What are Chakras?

The chakras are the seven main energy centers of the body. Each chakra represents a different color, element, and quality in the body. (Yogapedia)

Knowing these terms can help you follow a kundalini yoga class better, and help you to get the most out of your practice.

The basics of Kundalini Class

Kundalini class typically involves a combination of postures, breathwork, and meditation.

The postures, or asanas, are designed to stretch and strengthen the muscles.

Asanas are often performed in rapid succession, with little rest in between. It is important to remember that kundalini yoga is not a competition. You should move at your own pace and listen to your body. The word asana literally means “seat,” though sometimes it's called a pitha in Sanskrit (New World Library). Asanas poses are standing, sitting, prone and supine.

The breath work, or pranayama, is said to help regulate the body's energy.

Pranayama is often used in combination with the asanas to help increase the flow of energy within the body. Keep in mind that kundalini yoga is not about forcing the breath. The breath should be allowed to flow naturally.

Meditation, or dhyana, is said to help quiet the mind and focus attention.

Dhyana is a term used for the eighth step Yoga practice of Sage Patanjali. In the true Yoga circles, they do not like that it is used as a meditation. 

Dhyana is often used in combination with the asanas and pranayama with the objective of achieving a state of deep concentration. Meditation is not about emptying the mind. It is about concentration and incorporating your breath and body into the practice.

With various classes consistently attended you will start to see improvements in your practice. Key things to keep in mind are to be patient with your practice and not to compare yourself to others in your class.

Your first class of Kundalini Yoga: What you should know!

Interested in trying kundalini practice? There are a few things you should know before getting started.

Learn about the yoga practice teacher

First, it's important to find a class that is taught by a qualified instructor, such as Andrea Catsicas at AcuMantras. There are many kundalini yoga classes available, but each practitioner provides a different experience for all students' spiritual growth. 

It's important to find a teacher who is experienced and who can offer guidance and support. At AcuMantras our KRI-certified yoga teacher Andrea Catsicas has been teaching children, teens, and adults for over a decade in the areas of spirituality, mental vitality, personal growth empowerment & emotional intelligence.

Self-awareness

Second, it's important to be aware of your fitness level and to set realistic goals. Kundalini yoga is a challenging type of physical and spiritual practice, so it's important to start slowly and build up your stamina over time.

Proper preparation for yoga practice

Third, it's important to have the right gear. You'll need comfortable clothing that you can move in, and you may want to invest in a mat and yoga props such as blankets and bolsters.

Be open to trying a new level of consciousness

Fourth, it's important to be open to new levels of yoga practice. Kundalini yoga can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Be prepared to push yourself both physically and mentally. The meditation component of kundalini yoga can be especially challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding bringing your harmony and helping you understand the importance of analyzing the breath in any physical activity.

AcuMantras

At AcuMantras we imagine a “Healthy World” in which all individuals, without socioeconomic bias, have access to the benefits of East Asian Medicine. To inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing information and access. We would love to have you join us for a special kundalini practice every other Saturday.

AcuMantras Special Events in Broward County

You're welcome to learn more about AcuMantras teachers and classes. If you're in Broward County or the surrounding areas in South Florida, we invite you to deepen your knowledge of East Asian practices through any of our weekly or monthly classes. One of the primary elements of AcuMantras is to educate the community on holistic practice methodologies. All AcuMantras practitioners and teachers are licensed and board certified by their respective professions.

Kundalini yoga and corporate wellness

You can support our local community in Broward County by attending any of our classes offered or by becoming a corporate wellness partner. When you join the AcuMantras movement you are providing support to our mission which is to make holistic medicine treatments more affordable and accessible to all.

Kundalini yoga is available for corporate wellness partners who seek to improve work-life balance for their employees. This physical and spiritual practice serves as movement meditation and necessary breathwork to enhance team productivity and creativity.

Would you like to incorporate Kundalini yoga for your corporate wellness initiatives? Ask our partnerships team how it can be implemented at your business.

Now Offering Various Forms of Yoga at Plantation, Florida:

References

"The Effects of Kundalini Yoga on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Adults.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol. 25, no. 2, Apr. 2017, p. 736+

Dharma Mittra, Asanas: 608 Yoga Poses (New World Library, 2003, ISBN 1-57731-402-6).

An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga Meditation Techniques That Are Specific for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders by DAVID S. SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA

Efficacy of Yoga vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Stress Education for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder A Randomized Clinical Trial Published in JAMA Network by Naomi M. Simon, MD, MSc1; Stefan G. Hofmann, PhD2; David Rosenfield, PhD3; et al

Yogapedia: What does Mudra mean? Last Updated: September 10, 2020 https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5027/mudra

Yogapedia: What does Kriya mean? Last Updated: October 21, 2018 https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5022/kriya

Yogapedia: What does Mantra Yoga mean? Last Updated: May 5, 2018 https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5315/mantra-yoga

Yogapedia: What does Chakra mean? Last Updated: April 23, 2020 https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4964/chakra

Anahana: What type of yoga is Kundalini? https://www.anahana.com/en/yoga/kundalini-yoga