Kundalini yoga is a yoga discipline that focuses on the mind and the body. It incorporates methods specifically tailored to bridge the gap between the mind and body, encouraging them to function as one entity. Kundalini is a prana, or life force, found in the body, which is awakened and utilized through the practice of Kundalini yoga.

Kundalini is a Sanskrit word that means “that which is coiled”. The image used in conjunction with Kundalini is a coiled snake. Ancient manuscripts describe the three levels of Kundalini. The first Kundalini is para-kundalini, which is a type of energy found everywhere. Prana-kundalini is the energy found in the mind and body. Shakti-kundalini is the third level and serves to mediate between the other two levels. Kundalini students attempt to master these life force forms.

Kundalini yoga is the practice of poses or asanas, breathing, chanting, and concentration. There are several basic techniques in Kundalini. One position is sitting crossed legged with a straight spine and utilizing breathing techniques and chanting to achieve mental focus. While there are healing aspects of Kundalini it does not take the place of medical diagnosis.

Kundalini yoga uses Vinyasa breathing techniques. Students breathe while moving their energy from lower to higher chakras. A charka is an energy center in the body such as the heart chakra. There are a total of seven chakras in the body. They begin at the bottom of the spine and follow the spine to the top of the head.

Kundalini yoga is unique in that is prescribes an eighth body chakra. This chakra is the aura that surrounds each person. It is an electromagnetic field that is strengthened as students practice Kundalini.

Many centuries ago kings and emperors discouraged Kundalini yoga. The practice of Kundalini is thought to leave students with increased mental powers that were deemed dangerous and Kundalini was banned in many places.

There is no longer a fear of Kundalini yoga and it is widely practiced throughout the world. It is possible to find Kundalini yoga classes in many Western cities and holistic healing centers. It is also becoming more mainstream and actually turning up in major medical facilities. The enhanced mental insight gained with Kundalini yoga is thought to aid in the healing of several potentially terminal diseases.

If you are searching for a Kundalini yoga class it is important to find a certified Kundalini yoga instructor.