Haven Yoga Meditation provides an in-depth look into Kundalini and its many benefits.
When looking for yoga classes in Brisbane, you may be unsure of what style will work for you. If you’re specifically interested in the spiritual or mental benefits of yoga, you may want to try Kundalini. Keep reading to find out more about this ancient and enlightening practice.
What is Kundalini?
Dating back to about 1,000 BC, Kundalini yoga is one of the oldest and most sacred forms of yoga. Kundalini incorporates different postures, movements and breathing patterns to awaken energies hidden within us. The word ‘Kundalini’ translates to ‘coiled snake’, referencing the coiled-up energy at the base of our spine that this practice tries to unfurl.
How is Kundalini practised?
Typically, Kundalini yoga classes begin with an opening chant (also known as “tuning in”), followed by warmup breathing exercises called pranayama. The class then will be focused on 1 or 2 kriyas, which is a sequence of postures, hand positions (or mudras), pranayama and meditations. The intensity and length of the kriya is determined by your instructor, and the area of the body and mind that the Kriya is focused on. It may be best to attend a beginner’s class if you’re new to yoga. After these exercises, there will be a period of relaxation followed by a closing meditation or chant.
Who can benefit from Kundalini?
Kundalini is perfect for people looking for a more spiritual way of practising yoga. Also, it can help those who suffer from anxiety, muscle tension, and metabolic issues, as well as those looking for a greater perspective on life, and a stronger connection between mind, body and soul.
What are the benefits of Kundalini?
There are several benefits to taking Kundalini yoga classes in Brisbane, or wherever you’re based. For one, the meditative aspects of Kundalini can reduce anxiety, brain fog, and mood swings. Moreover, the kriya postures improve physical fitness, ease digestion, and reduce muscle tension. Certain Kundalini postures will assist with reducing the power of ego, allowing you to step outside of yourself, be more present in the moment and make better choices.
How effective is Kundalini?
There have been several studies into the effects of Kundalini, with the majority of them concluding that the practice can reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. A study by the Journal of Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics found that students who undertook Kundalini classes showed significant drops in stress and increased levels of resilience*. Another study revealed a notable reduction in the anxiety symptoms of women who practised Kundalini for eight weeks**.
Who can instruct Kundalini?
Kundalini yoga classes in Brisbane and other locations should be taught by an experienced practitioner. Most Kundalini teacher training courses are 200 hours long and involve both theoretical and practical instruction.
*Based on the 2018 study “Effects of a Kundalini Yoga Program on Elementary and Middle School Students’ Stress, Affect, and Resilience.”
**Based on the 2018 study “Kundalini Yoga for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: An Exploration of Treatment Efficacy and Possible Mechanisms.”
