Kundalini Yoga is an uplifting blend of spiritual and physical practices, which incorporates movement, breathing techniques, meditation, and the chanting of mantras. The goal is to build physical vitality and increase consciousness by freeing the serpent power (kundalini) that is coiled in the base of the spine and drawing it upward through the seven chakras, leading to an expanded state of consciousness, known as a kundalini awakening. For some, the experience can be blissful and filled with feelings of love and a sense of the interconnectedness of all things.

Kundalini Yoga is also known as laya yoga, and derives its name through a focus on awakening kundalini energy through regular practice. It has its roots in the Tantric Yoga tradition, which dates back to the eighth century. Yoga practitioners refer to it as “the yoga of awareness”. It tries to encourage the creative potential of individuals to personify their true values, speak the truth, and focus on the compassion and consciousness needed to serve and heal other people.

Kundalini Yoga draws from Bhakti yoga for devotion, Shakti yoga for power, and Raja yoga for mental power and control. With the practice of Kundalini Yoga it is said that one can liberate oneself from one’s Karma and realise one’s Dharma or life purpose.

The practice encourages complete body awareness to prepare the body, nervous system, and mind to handle the energy of Kundalini rising. The majority of the physical postures focus on navel activity, activity of the spine, and selective pressurisation of body points and meridians. Breath work and the application of bandhas (yogic locks) help to release, direct and control the flow of energy to higher levels. Along with the many kriyas (a combination of breathing, postures and sounds), meditations and practices of Kundalini Yoga, a simple breathing technique of alternate nostril breathing (left nostril, right nostril) is taught as a method to cleanse channels and pathways, to help awaken Kundalini energy.

Kundalini yoga has also been shown effective in treating early onset Alzheimers dementia. For more information please see the following article here.

At Aquarius Yoga we can incorporate Kundalini Yoga into private sessions if requested or we have a regular class on Tuesday evenings (for more information please click here). Please contact me if you would like more information about this style of yoga or to book a class.