So, how does Kundalini Yoga work?

Kundalini Yoga is an ancient art and science dealing with the transformation and the expansion of consciousness. The practice focuses on awakening and raising Kundalini Energy up the spine through the energy centres called Chakras. More recently it was brought to the west by Yogi Bajan.

This specific type of yoga is unlike other practices as it works like a technology to active and balance the chakras. During groups of set exercises called Kriyas students work to mix and unite Prana (cosmic energy) with Apana (eliminating energy). This in combination with visualization, projection and focused attention generates pressure enabling the Kundalini energy to rise. Kundalini classes are composed of Pranayama (breathing exercises), Bhandas (body locks), in Kriyas (exercise sets), using Asanas (postures), Mudras (gestures), and Mantras (sacred sounds). Most Kundalini yoga sets are designed to attain specific effects, this is why it is thought of as a technology.

Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga, an individual can unite his/her consciousness with cosmic consciousness on a regular basis by carefully performing the exercises and meditations in specific sequence and combination. Over time and with dedication and practice the student refines their lifestyle, energy bodies and mind. Elevating the entire being.

While most of this may seem like wishful thinking a huge amount of research has already been carried out on Kundalini Yoga and its measurable benefits. The Kundalini Research Institute supports and compiles global studies into the health benefits of yoga and meditation. Excerpts from recent findings here:

A regular question in this field pertains to the time required for the changes in brain function to take place. It appears that changes in brain function can begin to occur in as little as 8 weeks of regular meditation. A later study by Newberg along with Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., the president and medical director of the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation, and his colleagues looked at the cerebral blood flow (CBF) levels in the frontal lobe regions of 15 subjects with memory impairment. Within only 8-weeks of practicing Kirtan Kriya (KK), a well-known meditation practice within Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan, these inexperienced meditators had significantly higher CBF levels in their frontal lobe and right superior parietal lobe than control subjects. This was associated with improvements in several memory tests as well as a significant improvement in fatigue and anxiety measures. The fact that Kirtan Kriya was able to change brain neurophysiology within only 8 weeks, shows that meditation can quickly change brain function.

Kundalini yoga is suitable for everyone, all ages, fitness and mobility levels. Get in touch if you have any questions.