Untapped Spinal Energy Kundalini Yoga
Untapped Spinal Energy Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga includes breathing control with a focus on the
effects of the breath on each pose.
"Kundalini" in Sanskrit refers to untapped energy at the base of the
spine that can be tapped and drawn upwards through the body to awaken each of the seven
chakras.
The seven chakras are the Root (between the tailbone and pubic
bone), the Belly (two inches below the navel and also called "sacral"), the Solar Plexus (two
inches below the breastbone), the Heart (behind the breastbone), the Throat (in the nook between
the collarbones), the Third Eye (in the forehead's center), and the Crown (just behind the skull's
top).
Each chakra is also associated with certain gemstones, and having
a chakra out of balance allegedly has emotional effects. The poses seek to free this trapped
"kundalini," drawing it upwards through the body to heal and "purify" the body, emotions, and
mind.
Though an ancient form of yoga, Kundalini yoga has only been
introduced to the Western nations within the past half century. Yogi Bhanjan founded the 3HO (the
Healthy, Happy, and Holy Organization) in 1969 to introduce it to the public.
Mantras (or chants) are common, with teachers often calling out a
mantra and the class responding. This type of yoga is precise, combining certain postures, sounds,
and breathing for specific results. People overcoming addictions have found Kundalini yoga
particularly helpful to them in managing that.
Movements are most often swift and repetitive, contrary to some
other forms that hold positions for a long time or work through a large number of poses.
Each pose series has a specific breath associated with it that
intensifies the poses' effects. The Kundalini yoga sequences can involve using the correct breath
with some rapid, repeated asanas, or a sequence could be a lengthened time in a pose while
breathing in a certain way.
Kundalini yoga classes usually involve a spine-stretching warm-up
that also improves flexibility. The bulk of the class is spent in a kriya, a specific sequence of
poses focusing on a particular area of the body and in meditation, including chanted mantras,
breathing control, and hand positions that focus the energy of a yoga pose or
meditation.
Though one of the more spiritually-oriented types of yoga,
Kundalini yoga is extremely intense physically.
By its emphasis on breathing, chanting, and meditation, it appeals
to people who like both mental and physical challenges.
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