Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga Finding a way to relax after a long day is easier said than done. It’s safe to say we all know ourselves and know what helps us to relax at the end of the day, but branching out into unknown territory doesn’t have to be anxiety inducing. Kundalini yoga is a style that I’ve begun to practice recently. Initially, I wasn’t one to even consider yoga because I was skeptical it could even relax me. Once I tried it, I wished I hadn’t waited so long. Kundalini yoga is an ancient form of yoga. It was introduced to the western world in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan, when he formed the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization. Bhajan wanted the public to have the opportunity to enjoy the various benefits that Kundalini yoga had to offer.Kundaliniyoga essentially focuses on an unknown source of energy found at the base of the spine that is then drawn throughout the body at seven chakras. Individuals who practice this form of yoga believe that enlightenment is achieved when the energy of these chakras is reached. This energy is commonly represented by a coiled snake at the base of the spine. Kundalini yoga also focuses not only on the individual's movements, as with all types of yoga but with breathing as well. The belief is that with each breath, there is a freeing energy in the lower body that gradually moves upward. Movements are performed quickly, and in repetitive nature while holding a pose and breathing in a certain manner.

Anyone who is considering studying Kundalini yoga can expect a class that begins with a small, simple chant that is followed by a warm up that involves stretching of the spinal area to improve flexibility. Afterward, the main exercises, also known as kriya, are performed. A very specific series of poses are done that focus on certain parts of the body, and, unlike many other more traditional yoga classes, the instructor does not make any adjustments to the students' bodies while they are in pose. The class ends with meditation, possibly accompanied by a song and the instructor playing a gong type of instrument. In a Kundalini class, students may also don white, flowing robes and head wraps, although this will probably depend on the class, students and teacher.

In general, Kundalini yoga is one of the more spiritual forms of this type of exercise due to the way it goes beyond simply the physical movements and poses. It is a great means of meditation, spirituality and of course can improve your breathing. Because it required a great deal of concentration, you tend to forget the world around you. It’s a wonderful feeling to leave everything behind and is one of the keys to getting the most out of it. At the same time, Kundalini yoga tends to be quite physically intense and should only be performed by individuals who are up to both the physical and mental challenges it can impose. Kundalini could also assist patients diagnosed with an illness such as PericardialMesothelioma as a complementary treatment. Doing Kundalini regularly is when I started to notice the differences with tension built up through the day. I’m not too much of a sucker for the spiritual side of it, but get benefits from it just the same.

This article is wrote by guest Kristin Wells. I would like to thank her for the wonderful article.  
Kristin Wells is a recent college graduate from The University of Georgia and an aspiring writer. She wants to make a difference in people's lives through her writing. Kristin also likes competitive cycling, running, and traveling as much as possible.