Introduction to Kundalini Yoga Techniques!

Kundalini Yoga techniques utilize a variety of Yogic methods to awaken and nourish the dormant energy that lies coiled at base of the spine of each human being. In a Kundalini Yoga class, the students follow a sequence of Yogic techniques that include classic poses, chanting of mantras and shlokas, meditation and also coordinated pranayama exercises. When the Kundalini Shakti energy is awakened and nourished, she travels along the spine and through the seven chakras, activating and cleansing each chakra as she ascends towards the crown chakra. The powerful energy of the awakened Kundalini energy is said to benefit the practitioner on many levels; physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Each chakra has its own particular energetic makeup, design and seed mantra. All seven chakras are correlated with the organs and glands in its general proximity. Additionally, as the Kundalini Shakti travels through each chakra, spiritual powers or siddhis may arise in the student. Powers such as clairvoyance and clairaudience may become readily available to the student. However, enlightened masters over the ages have warned us to not get too caught up in the siddhis, so that the novelty of their powers do not distract us from the ultimate goal of God realization. When practicing Kundalini Yoga, many of the techniques that are employed during class help to activate, cleanse and balance all seven chakras.

One of the main focuses of a Kundalini Yoga class is pranayama (the yogic breathing exercises). The breathing techniques will help to move stagnant energy that is deeply buried up to the surface, in order release the tension and stress that is holding the stagnant energy in place. The breathing exercises are complemented by traditional asanas, meditation practice and chanting with mudras, or sacred hand positions. A Kundalini Yoga class will follow a very specific sequence of Yogic techniques. The class will begin with the chanting of the Adi Mantra, followed by pranayama, asanas or kriyas, shavasana, meditation and closing prayers with a final chanting of the Sat Naam mantra.

The kriyas that are performed during a Kundalini Yoga class are usually done in conjunction with very specific breathing exercises. The coordination of kriyas with pranayama practice creates a synergistic relationship between the different systems of the body. Different kriyas are targeted to isolate and work on certain groups of organs, muscles and glands to cleanse and detoxify them. This synergy will, over time, improve the overall functioning of the entire physical and emotional system of a Kundalini Yoga student.