What is Kundalini Yoga?

"Kundalini Yoga" is a type of yoga that activates the chakras, which are the entrances and exits of energy within the body, and emphasizes not only physical changes but also spiritual changes. Among the various types of yoga, it is considered to be "the most comprehensive and complete yoga."

●Characteristics of Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is called the "yoga of awareness."
This type of yoga has a strong meditative element, combining poses and breathing techniques with Sanskrit syllables called "mantras." It is said to have a strong relaxing effect and to be very effective in improving the mental state.

A major feature of Kundalini Yoga is the existence of energy within the body. Kundalini is energy, and it is believed to circulate through the body through the seven "chakras" that are said to exist in the human body. Chakra means "wheel" in Sanskrit, and is considered to be a "place" where energy resides. Of the seven chakras along the spine, the first chakra is considered to be the entrance and exit point for energy.

The first chakra is located at the very base of the spine, near the tailbone, the second below the navel, the third in the solar plexus, the fourth in the center of the chest, the fifth in the throat, the sixth in the center of the forehead, and the seventh at the top of the head.
Kundalini Yoga allows you to open your chakras, allowing dormant energy to rise from the first chakra at the bottom to the seventh chakra at the crown of your head, liberating your mind and increasing your physical energy.

By understanding the chakras before starting Kundalini Yoga, you will be able to understand the meaning of the poses and breathing and perform yoga with purpose.

The effects and benefits of Kundalini Yoga

By practicing the "Breath of Fire" breathing technique unique to Kundalini Yoga, you can increase your mental strength, physical stamina, and physical abilities, and become more flexible in dealing with stress and changes in the environment.
In addition, by performing various yoga poses while practicing fire breathing, you can expect to achieve the same fat burning effects as aerobic exercise, strengthen your abdominal muscles through rapid breathing, and improve your immune system by increasing your basal metabolic rate.
These effects have attracted attention, and it seems that many athletes are incorporating it as part of their training.

In Kundalini Yoga, also known as the "yoga of awareness," it is said that by becoming aware of a "higher consciousness" that transcends the individual, one can experience being one with the universe.
Being aware of the invisible energy of Kundalini and the chakras also helps to release negative energy from the chakras, which brings about mental stability and new power.
In addition, the Kundalini Yoga curriculum places emphasis on awakening the subconscious. This will help you realize your innate abilities and encourage the development of your talents.

The most common poses in Kundalini Yoga

Breath of Fire is a fundamental technique in Kundalini Yoga.
The purpose of fire breathing is to take in a lot of oxygen and amplify the energy in the body by performing abdominal breathing quickly. It is believed that abdominal breathing strengthens the abdominal muscles and inner muscles, and promotes fat burning through oxygen.
Since this is not a slow breathing technique, it cannot be done by people with chronic heart disease or high blood pressure, or those who are not in good health.

Breathe 30 to 60 times per minute, then increase the number of breaths to 100 to 200 as you get used to it. Breathing Fire for 1 to 5 minutes can help you to calm your mind and body.
In addition, performing other yoga poses while practicing this breathing technique constitutes aerobic exercise, and is said to be effective in increasing physical strength and endurance.