Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini, or the “Yoga of Awareness”

Understanding Kundalini Yoga

Just as all rivers end up in the ocean, all yoga ends up raising the Kundalini.

Kundalini derives from the Sanskrit word kundal, or “coiled energy.”

Its purpose is to activate your Kundalini energy, or shakti. This is a spiritual energy that’s said to be located at the base of your spine conceptualized as a snake.

Compared with other forms of yoga, Kundalini yoga is a more spiritual practice and has a different vibe from other forms of yoga. While each kundalini teacher has their own unique approach, classes are often organized around a particular intention, such as boosting intuition or improving digestion, says Downing. Instructors choose from numerous kriyas offered by Kundalini yogic practice, which are composed of meditation, physical posture, affirmations, and breathing techniques to help reach intended objectives.

Who gets the most out of Kundalini Yoga

Your Body

Because you hold each posture for an extended period of time (sometimes up to five minutes!), Kundalini yoga is a great way to strengthen and tone your muscles.

Your Mind

In addition to cognitive and memory improvements, the people that practiced Kundalini yoga also have fewer symptoms of depression. Even the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation recommends a Kundalini kriya for improving memory retention.

Your Life

That “high” you get after a sweaty yoga class is a real thing—research has found that regularly practicing Kundalini yoga increases the production of serotonin (the happy hormone) in your brain.