Kundalini Yoga : Guide for Beginners
It is not always easy to find your way around the different types of yoga that exist. If you do some research on the subject, you will certainly hear about Kundalini Yoga. Considered as a true self-awareness, this discipline can be interesting to consider according to the objectives you are trying to reach. To find out if this is the right kind of yoga for you, here is some essential information to know about Kundalini Yoga.
The origins of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga has its origins in the non-orthodox Indian tradition. This discipline is an integral part of "upanishad yoga". It was not until the 1930's that this practice spread to the European continent, notably through the lectures of Carl Gustav Jung who evoked it in a theoretical way. To find the teaching of this practice in Europe and in the USA, it will be necessary to reach 1969, at the time when Yogi Bhajan participated in the popularization of this discipline.
Initially, Kundalini was used to help addicted individuals get out of their addictions. This program, called SuperHealth, was recognized by the U.S. Senate. After that, Kundalini yoga gradually spread to the four corners of the world to help more and more people, addicts or not.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
For many, Kundalini Yoga is the discipline of choice when seeking to raise self-awareness and find inner peace. Concretely, it will allow the adepts to know themselves better, while working effectively on their intellectual capacities. By taking advantage of it, it is possible to have a better management of one's physical, mental or even emotional state.
If we had to go further, we could say that Kundalini yoga allows us to awaken dormant energy in the depths of our being. When we take a closer look at the subject, we can see that Kundalini is often referred to as the "royal road" because its effects can be immediate for some people. Concretely, from the very first session, it is possible to feel this energy within our body and to benefit from its virtues.
The main characteristics of this type of yoga
Kundalini Yoga will come to act in a global way on our being. The energy that will be drawn from our body will have a positive impact on our health, our mind and our emotions.
It is generally considered that this discipline will allow us to develop our breath in an optimal way, in particular by maximizing the activity of our lungs. This new breath will have a non-negligible power on other aspects of our body.
Unlike other yogas, Kundalini will put our body to the test, notably through exercises. This mobilization of our body will push those who take advantage of it to surpass themselves more and more, while getting to know themselves better.
This physical aspect will also have an impact on our mind and the different postures adopted will help to influence positive things in our spirit. Meditation and relaxation will also be keys in Kundalini, especially by coming to decrystallize the emotions that could have been anchored in our muscles and therefore create heavy tensions that we feel daily.
By practicing Kundalini Yoga on a regular basis, it will be possible to work optimally on letting go, to get rid of tensions and to regain a general feeling of serenity.
Kundalini Yoga: 5 main postures
In order to be able to benefit from all the virtues of Kundalini yoga, there are several postures that the participants will have to put in place during their session. Don't forget to take a look at our article listing the 10 yoga postures for beginners to start off smoothly!
1. The frog's posture - Mandukâsana
To free the chakra from rooting, we will have to take a closer look at the frog's posture. In addition to helping to improve the flexibility of certain parts of our body, this position will help to have more confidence in life in general.
To reach it, you will have to crouch down while keeping your back straight. Then, you will have to put your hands on the ground, while taking off your heels. It will also be important to keep your shoulders low and tuck in your belly button. In this posture, it will be recommended to exhale by putting your heels on the ground and raising your buttocks.
2. The posture of the raven
When working on the sacred chakra, that is to say the one below the navel, we will have to take advantage of the position of the raven.
To realize the posture of the raven, start in standing position then spread your feet the width of your shoulders. Then bend your knees forward while placing your palms on the floor. Then bend your elbows to lean on your upper arms and rest your knees on them. Now shift the weight of your body onto your wrists and lift your legs. Pay attention to your balance!
3. The camel posture - Ustrasana
In order to free the chakras that are at the level of our throat and heart, it will be interesting to focus on the camel's posture.
To do this, we must kneel down, keeping our shoulders low, our navel tucked in and our perineum tight. Thereafter, we will place our hands at the bottom of our previously rounded back. Finally, we will come to place our hands on the back of the ankles.
4. The cobra posture - Bhujangasana
In order to circulate information between our different chakras, it will be necessary to release the one we consider to be the "throat chakra".
To achieve this, we will have to lie down on the ground and anchor the palms of our hands in the ground. Then, we will have to raise our bust by pushing on our arms and repeat this movement up to seven times.
5. The tension posture
When practicing Kundalini yoga, it is also possible to use the tension posture. The latter will work on our chakra at the solar plexus. To put it in place, we must lie on our back and raise our head and feet about 20 centimeters above the ground. Then, we will have to bring our arms above and put our palms face to face.
The benefits of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga will propose virtues on different aspects of our body and mind. Note that in order to get the most out of these different benefits, it will be necessary to practice this yoga on a regular basis.
1. Physical benefits
First of all, it is important to mention the benefits that can be found on the physical level, and therefore, more specifically, on our health.
People who take advantage of these disciplines may notice positive benefits on different parts of their body such as their digestive, nervous, lymphatic or glandular systems. They will generally be more relaxed and improve their respiratory capacities.
2. Mental benefits
On the mental level, we can cite an inescapable benefit on our vitality. In addition to reviving our bodies, Kundalini yoga practitioners will experience a boost in vitality on their minds and a reduction in stress.
This discipline can notably help to regain a livelier mind, while alleviating certain problems of anxiety or depression, which are among the list of emotional benefits.
3. Emotional benefits
On the level of our emotions, Kundalini yoga can also have several advantages. For example, by helping us to become true masters of our mind, it will be possible to benefit from a state of calm and a feeling of serenity regained.
For many, this discipline helps to get rid of negative attitudes, destructive thoughts or behaviors that are harmful to our psychological well-being. Generally speaking, Kundalini yoga is considered to be a way of finding oneself and becoming part of a much more positive dynamic. It will also allow us to be reconciled with ourselves for good.
Who is Kundalini Yoga for?
Since Kundalini yoga is one of the most spiritual yogas that can be found, they are for people who are ready to join this dynamic.
In addition to this, it is important to take into consideration that the practice of Kundalini Yoga is quite intense and can be quite stressful. Nevertheless, you will not really be able to realize it until you have tested a session.
Generally speaking, this yoga is considered to be for people who have a genuine desire to change the relationship they have with themselves and with the world around them. Please note that no previous experience is required to immerse oneself in the practice of Kundalini Yoga.
How does a Kundalini Yoga session take place?
Although the course of a Kundalini Yoga session may vary from one teacher to another, similarities can still be found.
For example, it is customary to repeat several times an essential mantra of this practice: Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. Concretely, this allows individuals to salute the principle of going from darkness to light. It is generally considered that this mantra is indispensable in order to fully connect to the discipline.
Thereafter, various small warm-up exercises will be proposed in order to fully relax the spine and prepare oneself to take advantage of particularly powerful breaths.
The postural exercises may vary from one group to another since the level of the participants will be taken into account. When talking about Kundalini Yoga exercises, we will use the term "kriya" which in Sanskrit means "to be in movement". In addition to the postures themselves, we will also find meditation exercises, either static or in movement, which will allow us to include a more positive dynamic in our body and mind.
Kundalini Yoga: Frequently Asked Questions
How to find a studio near you?
In order to start practicing Kundalini yoga, it is always preferable to be properly accompanied. In particular, you can take a closer look at the different studios that are located near your home for a group class, yoga workshop or individual coaching to try or progress.
For this, nothing better than word of mouth or doing some research on the internet. Whether it is in a big city like Paris, Lyon, Marseille etc... or in smaller cities, you will find a place to welcome you.
Kundalini yoga or Hatha yoga?
Unlike Hatha yoga, Kundalini will act more precisely on the vital energy. In order to know which one to choose, it will be necessary to look in more detail at the specificities of each one. For example, Hatha yoga will be defined by a better control of our senses and our body, notably through a sequence of different postures.
What equipment do I need to practice Kundalini Yoga?
There is no need for specific equipment to practice Kundalini Yoga. Concretely, all you need is a yoga mat, preferably in light colors. We have also written a guide to help you find the best mats for you.
Yoga enthusiasts also don't hesitate to wear a yoga turban specially designed to channel energy. Going further, you may also discover that some people use what is called a "mala" which is a kind of necklace that helps promote change and radiance.
To go further
If you wish to learn a little more about Kundalini yoga, you can find various books that will explain all the subtleties.
If you are looking for a practice to get to know yourself better, you should take a more serious look at Kundalini yoga.
This discipline allows you to benefit from many virtues, from a physical, mental and emotional point of view. Have you ever tried Kundalini? If so, do not hesitate to share your experience with us in comments and share the article with your friends and family!
