What is Kundalini yoga?

Kundalini yoga is a technique that helps us gain energy and release all the inner emotional ballast that makes us weak, downcast and sad. They are a series of postures where body and mind are connected through breathing. We are going to see in some detail what it consists of, the differences with another technique and if anyone can do it.

Yoga can be practiced almost anywhere, from a specialized place inside a gym, to the very sand of the beach. The good thing about yoga is that you need little to contribute a lot. Kundalini yoga is a type of yoga also known as the yoga of consciousness and today we are going to learn everything about this modality that is so beneficial for our body, our mind and for the soul.

At the end of this text we will explain if this modality can be practiced by anyone, and we will tell which is the most special population group when it comes to performing the movements and postures of Kundalini yoga.

What is

The Kundalini is a kind of energy or primordial force that, according to Hindu experts, is something that is housed in the lower part of our back and that constitutes the first chakra. This energy is dormant and with this type of yoga we manage to wake it up.

This same energy is related to the creativity of each human being or individual. The representation is usually a coiled serpent. If we manage to awaken this energy, the legend says, that the snake climbs up the column and purifies the rest of the chakras. The goal is to achieve personal fulfillment in the 3 main planes, which are body, soul and mind.

This form of yoga is considered the original yoga, that is, one of the oldest known. With the practice of Kundalini yoga, the development of attitudes that lead us to achieve well-being, emotional balance and full happiness is favored.

Benefits

Practicing Kundalini yoga has a number of beneficial effects on our body and that is what we are here to point out. The benefits of this sports practice are varied, but they all revolve around physical and mental well-being.

  • Strengthens the abdomen.
  • It favors the control of our feelings.
  • Improve memory.
  • Revitalizes body and mind.
  • Promotes flexibility.
  • Improves joint movement.
  • Releases stress on the spine.
  • Strengthens the immune system.
  • Strengthens the nervous system.
  • Promotes creativity.
  • It makes us more positive and mentally strong.

Differences with hatha yoga

The main difference between the two types is that hatha yoga is based on using the body as a tool to enter ourselves, however, the kundalini method is to achieve balance between body and mind through meditation and breath control. .

Hatha yoga is much better known than the other and is the most practiced in the world, and has much better benefits for physical and mental health. In addition, it also favors concentration, something that is crucial at this time. During the sessions of this type of yoga, it is key to control your breathing to reduce stress levels and bring your body and mind to a neutral space where you can control your emotions and anxiety.

most famous poses

There are a number of key postures to be able to practice Kundalini yoga. As we say, we can practice this modality in special classes and even in our own home by following a YouTube video, for example.

Una mujer practicando yoga

frog pose

The good thing about this posture is that it helps regulate the energy of the first 3 chakras. It provides vitality and energy while helping to tone and strengthen our legs and lower back. Noa we squat with our heels together, but slightly elevated. Then we place the palms of our hands on the ground between our knees (frog position just before jumping).

Now we inhale and raise the hips. We maintain the position until we can no longer and exhale lowering to the initial position. Experts say that this position must be repeated about 20 times and if we do not reach the ground well with our hands, we can use a cushion or some blocks.

crow pose

It is very similar to the previous one, and it is usually a bit scary, since it seems very complex until you try it. It is a posture for intermediate and advanced levels and when we have total control of our body or are in good physical shape.

We squat down, but this time with our feet apart and our knees wider than our hips. We put our hands on the ground and keep our elbows bent and very delicately we raise our hips. Once we achieve it, we maintain the posture and raise the knees above the arms. We have to hold there between 5 and 10 full and deep breaths.

Third Chakra Pose

We lie on our backs on the mat with our feet together and our arms close to our bodies. At that moment we raise our heads about 10 cm and raise our firm arms towards the sky so that the palms face each other.

We maintain that posture and take long, deep breaths. These breaths are interspersed with rapid breaths that consist of deep inhalation and exhaling very quickly. This is known as breaths of fire, as it simulates when a dragon breathes fire, taking a deep breath and letting it out fast and hard.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Technically, it is a form of yoga suitable for everyone, whether we are men or women. In addition, there is no minimum or maximum age to practice it. Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy, can also practice Kundalini yoga.

According to experts, those future mothers who carry out this practice connect at very special levels with their babies. Thanks to breathing, postures, dance, songs, relaxation techniques, etc. Something very important to prepare for childbirth, which is a crucial moment in a woman’s life, and even more so if she is a first-timer.