Kundalini yoga
Kundalini yoga combines breathing exercises, simple repeated movements, postures, the chanting of mantras and meditation. It comes from Indian tradition and became known in the West from the late 1960s. Classes are built from kriyas — set sequences of exercises, each with its own focus, done as they are written.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- In yogic tradition, its aim is to awaken kundalini, an energy said to rest at the base of the spine. You do not need to share this belief to take part.
- Breath control: the practice uses many techniques, from long, slow breathing to the quick, rhythmic breath of fire.
- Calm and focus through meditation, mantra and sound.
- Mobility of the spine: many exercises are repeated bends and twists, often done sitting.
- Endurance of a different kind — some exercises ask you to keep the arms raised or repeat one movement for several minutes.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- A mat, and a blanket or cushion to sit on: much of the class is spent sitting cross-legged.
- Loose, comfortable clothes. Many teachers and regular students wear white, and some cover their heads; this is a tradition, and studios do not usually expect it from newcomers.
- Water, and a light layer for the relaxation and meditation.
- Come on an empty stomach, since some breathing exercises work strongly with the belly.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes.
- It opens with tuning in: a short mantra chanted together, often three times.
- A warm-up, then the kriya itself — a set of exercises, each done for a given number of minutes, often with the eyes closed and a particular way of breathing.
- Deep relaxation lying down; some teachers play a gong.
- Meditation, often with a mantra, a hand position (mudra) or a breathing pattern, and a short closing song.
- A first class may feel unusual. You may chant silently, rest whenever you need to and slow down any breathing exercise.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- People more interested in breathing, meditation and inner calm than in postures.
- Those who find it hard to sit still and like meditation that includes movement.
- Beginners: most exercises need neither flexibility nor strength.
- Anybody curious about the spiritual side of yoga.
- It suits less somebody looking for a workout, or who would rather not chant. Fast breathing can make you dizzy: in pregnancy, with heart, lung or blood pressure conditions, or if you are prone to dizziness, ask your doctor first and tell the teacher. You can always switch to slow, calm breathing.