Whilst yoga generally is renowned for helping the body to be healthy and flexible, there are also different styles of yoga, which focus’s on the more spiritual aspects and increasing the latent energy contained within all of us.

Kundalini yoga-also known as the ‘lock of hair of the beloved’ this is a term used as a way of depicting the way that energy flows through us and by using Kundalini Yoga, we can awaken this energy within us, by means of postures, breathing exercises, meditation and by use of chanting.

This is a very powerful system which increases our opportunity for individual growth.

Kundalini yoga enjoys simple techniques which are available to everyone, regardless of physical ability or age. Dedicated practice ensures a balanced mind, a renewed connection with your inner wisdom, it helps to increase your vitality and yet be peaceful and strong.

Furthermore for those students who are interested in this discipline, the added advantage is that no previous knowledge is required before the benefits of Kundalini yoga are experienced in a very short time.

It simply provides us with the techniques to awaken and harness this energy which lives in all of us, so that we can be happy and healthy.

Where possible, students should attend a class as the teacher will be able to guide and encourage those who are keen to learn. Each class will usually look at undergoing warm ups for flexibility and work on the spinal area. There will be an exercise sequence relating specifically to inner energy and of course relaxation and meditation to follow.

For those who continually strive to learn, Kundalini yoga has thousands of exercise sets within its system so there are many opportunities for the student to continually develop.

It is about encouraging people to strive forwards but to not exceed their safety limitations.

Exercises themselves can last for 1-3 minutes but could last for longer. Also included within the sessions are:

Mantra’s- these use sound and vibrations for effect.

Mudras-these are hand or body poses which are held during specific exercises or during meditations

Chakra’s-These have a specific frequency and area which they correspond to, such as the heart, solar plexus. Kundalini yoga helps to ensure that the energy flows freely through these areas.

It is worth noting that some beginners may experience some feelings of discomfort initially such as light trembling sensations when in some of the postures or feelings of light-headiness.

If this does occur it is worth realizing that it occurs as part of the cleansing of physical and mental toxins.

Kundalini yoga is a lifelong discipline designed to encourage all aspects of self -development so that students can live in a healthy body yet obtain higher consciousness.

There are numerous yoga poses, which are designed to stretch, tone and limber up all aspects of the yoga enthusiast’s body. All yoga poses have key benefits, which go far deeper than general flexibility; they can massage key organs and improve general health.

The great thing about yoga is that there is no expensive equipment required to practice, all that is required is mental presence of the student and the desire to learn.

Although there are many aids available to help them progress through the various yoga poses, an understanding of the benefits of each posture is more useful.

The spine is considered to be the central point of a healthy body; an inflexible and stiff spine greatly inhibits movement and can age a person’s appearance dramatically. All of the organs such as intestines, heart, lungs, liver etc are placed in front of the spine, so it is important that the spine is kept strong and healthy so that it can support the body sufficiently. As such there are numerous yoga poses, which focus on key important areas of the body such as:

Spine

Downward Dog-this pose is excellent for those with rounded shoulders, it is also a marvelous stretch for the backs of the legs.

The Cobra-one of the better-known yoga poses and this improves the backward extension of the spine

The Locust-this is useful for those who suffer with sciatica as it will help to ease the condition

Forward Stretch- helps to strengthen and lengthen the spine in a forward stretching moving, this really helps to protect the spinal discs if done correctly.

Heart and Circulatory System

The Complete Breath- this strengthens the muscles around the heart and improves the capacity of the lungs

The Bridge- this posture is useful for stretching the spine and improving high blood pressure

Neck Pain

The fish Pose-this lengthens the neck and spine but care should be taken with this pose as it is fairly demanding.

The Triangle- Stretches the shoulders and neck releasing tension which may be stored in the upper back.

Should not be attempted if the neck area is stiff and painful or if sciatica is present.

Digestive/ Abdominal area

Abdominal lock – to help improve muscles in this region and to help correct or improve conditions such as IBS.

Boat Pose- Excellent posture for strengthening the stomach and correcting digestive conditions.

There are many yoga poses and benefits not listed here, in fact the list is just too numerous, but by incorporating regular and gentle yoga poses into your daily exercise regime, the body will respond by becoming stronger, have greater flexibility, better inward health and clearer mind and increased focus. Allow approximately thirty minutes a day to start feeling the benefits.