Kundalini yoga is also known as the “Yoga of Awareness.” It was originally called Laya yoga. This practice was first introduced in the west in 1960 by Yogi Bajan. He was also the founder of 3HO (Happy, Healthy, Holy Organization). 

Kundalini yoga aims to awaken the serpentine energy of the base of the spine, known as kundalini, which lies coiled at the base of the spine. The goal of Kundalini yoga classes is to unlock this energy through breathing exercises, physical postures, chanting, and meditation.

Kundalini yoga’s chief purpose is to create physical vitality and generate more consciousness about yourself, your body, your feelings and what surrounds you. It brings a deep and meaningful inner change and presents a whole new life perspective. It is a brand new way to understand the purpose of life.  

Kundalini yoga awakening benefits

Kundalini yoga combines specific kriyas and meditation that aims at enhancing the kundalini energy. This practice is also known as kriya kundalini yoga. It prepares the practitioners physically and spiritually to deal with the intensity of this energy. The first step in a Kundalini class is to chant and then warm up your spine. This class revolves around kriyas and ends with meditation classes and chants. 

1. Reduces Stress- Kundalini mainly focuses on yogic breathing (pranayama) and provides positive effects on the mind and body. Most of these techniques include long, deep breath that helps to relax the body and fades away stress. These movements stretch and loosen muscles that can relieve tension from the body. It also reduces stress levels and uplifts your mood. 

2. Strengthens Core- Most kundalini movements and techniques focus on the core or abdominal muscles. In particular, the breath of fire works at the navel centre. Core strength is always essential in yoga as it improves your health and posture in life. Additionally, the navel chakra is closely related to emotions. Thus, strengthening your core muscles can help in controlling your emotions in a better way and handling life’s many triggers that can lead to stress. 

3. Improves Lung capacity- The breathing technique in kundalini yoga can considerably increase your lung capacity. In today’s time, most people do not even know how to breathe righteously, which can harm both physical and mental health. When lung capacity enhances, more oxygen flows through the body. As a result, you can improve your memory and achieve mental clarity. A body with a higher oxygen level can also move more freely and have less muscle tension.

4. Brings Peace & Joy- Like any other form of yoga, kundalini yoga also improves the practitioner's overall emotional well-being. In this type of practice, meditation plays a prominent role. It helps in keeping the mind grounded and provides inner peace of mind. It is always good to take time out of your day to relax your mind and calm your body. It can bring forth great joy and happiness. 

5. Brings Awareness- The reason why so many people are drawn to this particular type of yoga is that it allows them to easily bring themselves into the present moment. The movement associated with kundalini yoga and left nostril breathing requires appreciable concentration and awareness. During a session of yoga, practitioners can also let their pasts go and forget their anticipations for the future. Living in the present moment allows you to appreciate what you have and worry less about what you do not have. 

The bottom line

A more spiritual practice than other forms of yoga, Kundalini yoga emphasizes mindfulness and concentration. As other types of yoga flow with the breath, kundalini group yoga classes include singing, chanting, movements and breathing in specific patterns. The prime purpose of this form of yoga is to promote spiritual enlightenment. 

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