Kundalini Yoga
Yoga has gotten a lot of attention in North America as of late. Everyone from high school kids to business execs, and, of course, our favourite Hollywood celebrities are partaking in the ‘alternative workout’. Yoga has clearly become a very trendy way to keep in shape both physically and spiritually. But, according to some, the commercial craze that has surrounded yoga has created many misconceptions and loss of the fundamental essence of the practice.
At Pure + Simple, we are blessed to have a trained and talented yoga instructor working with us. Kim, a Kundalini instructor who has devoted her life to instructing and inspiring her students, works at our Yorkville location. She states, “If one is looking for a total mind, body and spirit overhaul, there is a little hidden gem in the world of yoga called Kundalini Yoga, which has yet to emerge into the mainstream. Like many Eastern traditions such as acupuncture and reiki, Kundalini Yoga is a means of redirecting and harmonizing the flow of energy throughout the body to remove blocks that cause disease.”
Kundalini, also known as ‘householders yoga’ because of its quick effects, uses asanas (postures), mantras (sound), bandhas (locks) and pranayam (breathing exercises) in order to awaken the dormant kundalini energy at the base of the spine where it can begin its ascension through the chakras. “A profound spiritual awakening occurs when kundalini reaches the crown of the head. Physically, kundalini yoga balances the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety levels. It can also improve digestion which ultimately allows for better detoxification and assimilation of nutrients. Mantra and meditation stimulate the pituitary gland to secrete hormones that balance the endocrine and nervous system.”
It goes without saying that a balanced mind and body are certainly great perks to Kundalini or any other type of yoga, but the benefits don’t stop there. Once the body has balanced the digestive tract, nervous system, and hormone levels, your skin can only benefit. Hormonal outbreaks decrease, inflammation is reduced, and moisture levels are maintained with greater ease due to less stress on the system. This translates to more hydrated, toned, and clearer skin. As Kim states, the many benefits of kundalini yoga is irrefutable and we can all agree that better health is the cornerstone to glowing skin, abundant beauty, and a radiant spirit.
“Wahe Guru!!”
For more information on Kundalni, or if you would like to participate in one of Kim’s classes, please visit: http://www.devjeetkauryoga.com