Traditional Kundalini Yoga

While Kundalini yoga is often associated with chanting and spiritual practices, it is also reliant on a variety of physical poses that focus energy from the core (around your midsection) to other parts of the body. Traditional Kundalini is designed to develop four traits key to all types of yoga - consciousness, strength, character, and awareness. Kundalini is often referred to as an advanced type of yoga only truly suitable to those with some experience performing poses and using yogic chants.

The first appearance of Kundalini yoga is estimated to be around 1,400 to 1,000 B.C., but the exact date is difficult to pinpoint as many experts believe most of the concepts had been passed down for centuries before that through oral tradition. The first oral record of Kundalini yoga is found within the earliest known scriptures attributed to Hinduism, the Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad.

Types of Movements

One of the concepts that might be new to first-time traditional Kundalini yoga students is the concept of a "yoga lock" or a specific type of pose that involves muscular contraction to retain and channel Prana (or "vital life" in English). Three principle locks used in traditional Kundalini include the Mulabhanda (the most frequent), Uddiyana Bhanda, and Jalandhara Bhanda. One advanced lock is actually a combination of all three principle locks at the same time, called Mahabhanda, or the "Great Lock."

Of all the locks, the Uddiyana Bhanda likely looks the most familiar, which is accomplished by lifting the diaphragm and pulling the upper abdominal muscles backwards, which creates a cavity. This seated lock is performed with crossed legs and is thought to gently massage heart muscles while sending pranic energy to the neck and brain.

Mental and Physical Requirements

One of the underlying physical requirements in traditional Kundalini is high self-esteem and comfort with your body. Many serious traditional Kundalini practitioners prefer to exercise without shirts in order to fully observe abdominal muscles (women often wear small tops). Especially with the yogic locks, visual assessment of the stomach is essential to achieving accurate poses for the maximum benefit.

Psychologically, you should be open to some of the Eastern concepts of traditional Kundalini, such as the presence of Kundalini energy within your body. If you're not open to these ideas, traditional Kundalini may not be your best option when choosing a yoga type.

Equipment Requirements

• Yoga Mat
• Comfortable Clothes
• Large Mirror

Mental and Physical Benefits

Mental

• Improved Kinesthetic Awareness
• Increased Learning Efficiency
• Better Attention
• Improved Mood
• Increased Self-Acceptance

Physical

• Improved Strength
• Improved Reaction Time
• Improved Posture
• Increased Endurance
• Improved Balance

Aerobic Effect

Kundalini is not as active of a yoga type as one like ashtanga. The benefits to the circulatory system are achieved through proper breathing and release of stored energy. Adding the extra little touches to a design is what makes each display a true one-of-a-kind. Military shadow boxes have been around for years, but now with the addition of modern technology and our computerized cutter (CMC), we bring new life to any display case along with precision accuracy. We can handle even the toughest of challenges that are brought our way!

Some of the positions of kundalini yoga do increase the heart rate significantly, though, and coupled with the breathing techniques, can provide a good aerobic exercise.

Kundalini yoga incorporates mantras, meditation, visualization, and guided relaxation to purify the mind, body and emotions. It is designed to activate energy in the spine. Many people use it as a natural way to release endorphins.

In addition, Kundalini yoga is often used to treat addictions as it utilizes several aspects associated with centering the mind. For these reasons, Kundalini yoga is an excellent choice for individuals that are looking to regularly perform a type of yoga that emphasizes focusing, calming, and centering of the mind.