Kundalini Yoga - The Yoga of Awareness
Kundalini Yoga offers a unique and prescriptive approach (Kriyas), to healing and deepening awareness of the Self.
An ancient practice of discovering Personal Truth (SATNAM) and the connection that anchors Body, Mind, Spirit, and Soul to this Now.
This practice combines postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), meditation (Dhyana), and the chanting of mantras (Dharana). Kundalini Yoga aims to release blockages within the Koshas and channel this energy upwards through the central energy channels of the body, leading to heightened awareness, consciousness and deep inner peace.
Origins
"It is said that Kundalini Yoga was originally used in India by the warrior class in the Sikh religion.
However, an examination of mystical literature and traditions showed that Kundalini, called by various names, seems to have been a universal phenomenon in esoteric teachings for perhaps three thousand years.
Kundalini-type descriptions or experiences are found in esoteric teachings of the Egyptians, Tibetans, Chinese, some Native Americans, and Africa.
Kundalini has been interpreted from the Bible as “the solar principle in man”, and is referenced in the Koran, the works of Plato and other Greek philosophers, alchemical tracts, and in Hermetic, Kabbalistic, Rosicrucian, and Masonic writings."
https://www.thesecretsofyoga.com/kundalini/history-kundalini-yoga.html
Kundalini, Mantra, and the Healing of Trauma
We often think of trauma as an event in our lives as in “a traumatic event”. However, it is useful to think of trauma not as an event but rather as a response. It is a way of responding to a challenging event with all its long term consequences.
“Trauma is not what happens to us. It is what happens inside us”
– Gabor Maté
Kundalini Yoga has been shown to be particularly beneficial for PTSD and trauma healing. Its benefit arises through the prescritive approach that addresses the whole Body, Mind, Spirit complex. Kundalini practice assists in releasing emotional blockages, improving mental clarity, and fostering a deeper sense of connection to ones Self. Kundalini practices are designed to gently and effectively address the challenges faced by those with PTSD.
Yoga Techniques for Trauma Release
In Kundalini Yoga, specific techniques like rhythmic movements, focused breathing exercises, and meditations are used to encourage the release of deeply stored trauma. These techniques help to regulate the nervous system, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and releasing the emotional buildup often associated with traumatic experiences.
Meditation and Breathwork in Trauma Healing
At the core of Kundalini Yoga practice, meditation and breathwork, play a crucial role in this trauma healing. Meditation calms the mind and fosters a deeper level of Self awareness, essential for disrupting cycles of PTSD and addiction. Breathwork (Pranayama), brings about a sense of calm, diminishing the cycles of this out dated stress response. Together, these practices empower individuals with PTSD to regain control over their bodies and minds, paving the way for deep healing.
Articles on Diminishing trauma reactivity in the body
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8799407/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388122001426
https://www.3ho.org/blog-new/the-science-of-kundalini-yoga-for-trauma-and-addictions/
https://thesoundhealer.org/sound-therapy-and-trauma/
More to Come!!!
