Known as the yoga of awareness, Kundalini yoga is a powerful form of yoga that provides deep healing by releasing any trauma from the energetic body through a combination of breathwork, meditations, chanting and kriyas (a specific set of physical actions that work toward a particular outcome). Its purpose is to activate the Kundalini or shakti spiritual energy that is located at the base of the spine. As Kundalini yoga awakens this energy it enhances awareness and helps us to move past our ego.

While the origin of Kundalini yoga is unknown, the concept of Kundalini energy was first mentioned in the ancient Vedic texts from 1000 BC. Kundalini yoga was introduced to Western countries in the 1960’s and has steadily increased in popularity. The term Kundalini, comes from the Sanskrit word kundal, which means circular. It also refers to a coiled snake. Kundalini energy is likened to a coiled snake that sits at the base of the spine, sleeping and unaroused. Kundalini yoga is practiced to activate this energy, which allows it to move up and through the chakras along the spine. As Kundalini energy rises it helps balance the chakras, which contributes to spiritual wellbeing. With regular practice one can achieve spiritual enlightenment, also known as a Kundalini awakening.

Traditionally considered to be meditation aids, the chakras are the energy centres within the body. There are many chakra systems, with the most common being the seven-chakra system. The English and Sanskrit names of the chakras, are as follows:

Crown chakra – Sahasrara Third eye chakra – Ajna Throat chakra – Vishuddhi Heart chakra – Anahata Solar plexus chakra – Manipura Sacral chakra – Svadhisthana Root chakra – Muladhara

Kundalini yoga refers to an eighth chakra or aura, which is the electromagnetic field that surrounds the human body.

According to research Kundalini yoga can help ease stress and anxiety, improve cognitive functioning and boost self-perception and self-appreciation. By working with the chakra system, Kundalini yoga helps us achieve wholeness and integration, eliminate blocks and limiting beliefs, improve self-confidence and resilience, recognise the abundance that is our birthright, live from our hearts and journey to prosperity.

Kundalini yoga consists of 6 main components which are done in following order:

• Every class begins with an opening chant to tune in. 
• This is followed by breathing exercises known as pranayama and sometimes movements to stretch the spine. The goal of pranayama is to practice breath control.
• The next component is the kriya, which is a sequence of postures, pranayama, mudras (hand positions) and meditation. The length and intensity of the kriya varies.
• The kriya is followed by relaxation which allows the body and mind to absorb the effects of the kriya. 
• The instructor then provides a guided mediation to cultivate awareness.
• The class ends with a closing chant.

Please subscribe to receive details of upcoming Kundalini Yoga classes, workshops and retreats.