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Kundalini Yoga is an ancient form of Yoga, which creates a communication
between the mind and the body by making use of a set of technique that involve
the mind, senses and body. In Sanskrit, the word 'kundalini' literally means
'something that is coiled'. The life force, lying dormant in the seven chakras
in the body, is regarded as a coiled up serpent and Kundalini is the untapped
energy (prana), 'coiled' at the base of the spine that can be drawn up through
the body, by awakening each of the seven chakras.
Kundalini Yoga focuses on the practitioner's psycho-spiritual growth and the
body's potential for maturation. The enlightenment of the seven chakras of the
body occurs, when the untapped energy (Kundalini) reaches the Crown Chakra. The
type of Yoga is often represented as a snake, coiled at the base of the spine.
Hence, the role of spine and the endocrine system are given special
consideration by this type of Yoga. Kundalini Yoga also pays special attention
to the breath and the movement of the person performing it.
Kundalini Yoga consists of Asanas that are performed in conjunction with a
specific breath, which intensifies the effects of the particular poses. The
purpose of such a control of breath is to freed the energy in the lower part of
the body and allow it to move freely, in the upward direction within the body.
The sequences of Kundalini, known as kriyas, consist of repetitive movements,
done by holding a pose, while breathing in a specific way. The entire thing is
done in a rapid pace, so that the person gets the full benefit of Kundalini
Yoga.
Apart from the kriyas, Kundalini Yoga also involves the performance of
meditation as well as the chanting of mantras. Pranayams and mudras are also
done, while performing the Kundalini Yoga. All these focus on a specific area of
the body. Since all theses are included in it, Kundalini Yoga is considered
physically intense. According to the Yoga gurus, the stretching exercises
included in Kundalini Yoga are not merely gymnastic exercises. In fact, the
bodily postures, expressive movements and utterances are beneficial for the
health in a number of ways. Apart from increasing the breath control, it aids in
improving the concentration of the practitioner.
Kundalini Yoga is sometimes referred to as 'the yoga of awareness'. This is
because the different methods of breath control, the chanting of mantras, mental
focus and various types of Asanas (typically with cross-legged position, with
the spine positioned straight) together awaken the Kundalini within the body. By
doing Kundalini Yoga, the infinite potential energy in the body is raises, with
stimulates the higher centers, thereby giving the practitioner the enhanced
intuition and mental clarity.
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