Kundalini Yoga
The mother of all yoga, an ancient technology brought to the West by yogi Bhajan. Kundalini represents a dormant coiled energy at the base of the spine. This is the source of Life-force, or Prana. With practice, this energy is trained to flow correctly through previously blocked energy centres, which brings about a balanced physiology.
Yoga means “union”.
The idea is that practising yoga and meditation serves to unite mind and body, as well as individual consciousness with Universal consciousness. An awakened person lives a life of simplicity, contentment and unconditional acceptance.
The Purpose
Kundalini yoga sets are called ‘Kriyas”, a unique collection of yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditations that have a particular order and intention. There is a defined purpose to every set – to combat depression, remove fear, strengthen the nervous system, as examples.
Medical and Psychiatric Benefits
Yoga has been studied in the medical scientific community. The combination of exercises, breathwork and meditations have an effect on the neuro-endocrine system. Cortisol, the stress hormone is decreased. BDNF – brain-derived-neurotrophic factor, which grows new brain connections is increased . Dopamine and noradrenalin circuits slow down, and GABA, serotonin, glutamate and acetylcholine firing is increased .
Mental Health
Significant improvement in psychological health – lower levels of anxiety, depression, stress and distress
Cognition
Studies report improved attention, processing speed and executive function.
Physical Health
Scientific reviews show improvements in diabetes, cardiovascular function and musculoskeletal conditions.
Pranayam
This is Conscious breathing . A yogic science in itself that uses rhythm and depth of breath to effect and manage different energy states of health, consciousness and emotion.
The mind follows the breath and the body follows the mind. It all begins with the breath.