Kundalini Yoga Defined

What Is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini Yoga is called "the yoga of awareness" for a reason: its practices are designed to expand consciousness, not just stretch muscles. The style combines physical postures, dynamic breathing techniques, mantra chanting, mudras, and meditation into integrated sequences called "kriyas."

The practice takes its name from kundalini shakti—often visualized as a coiled serpent sleeping at the base of the spine. Through specific practices, this dormant energy is said to awaken and rise through the chakras (energy centers), ultimately reaching the crown of the head and producing expanded states of awareness.

Brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1969, Kundalini Yoga has a distinctive aesthetic: practitioners often wear white clothing and head coverings, chant in Gurmukhi (a sacred Sikh language), and end class with "Sat Nam" (Truth is my identity). The practice can feel quite different from a typical yoga class.

What to Expect in Class

Core Components

Benefits of Kundalini Yoga

• Strengthens the nervous system
• Balances the glandular (endocrine) system
• Increases mental clarity and focus
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Builds physical stamina
• Develops emotional resilience
• Expands awareness and intuition
• Supports breaking habits and addictions

Common Practices

You might encounter these in Kundalini classes:

• Breath of Fire — Rapid, rhythmic breathing through the nose, equal inhales and exhales, powered by the navel
• Sat Kriya — Foundational practice with arms overhead, chanting "Sat Nam" while pumping the navel
• Spinal Flexes (Cat-Cow) — Rhythmic movement of the spine coordinated with breath
• Frog Pose — Squatting to standing repeatedly—demanding and energizing
• Ego Eradicator — Arms at 60 degrees, thumbs up, breathing rapidly—builds upper body and nervous system
• Kirtan Kriya — Meditation chanting "Sa Ta Na Ma" with finger movements—studied for cognitive benefits

Who Kundalini Is For

Kundalini Yoga tends to attract:

• Seekers — Those drawn to spiritual practice and consciousness exploration
• Those working with stress or trauma — The nervous system focus can be therapeutic
• Practitioners wanting structure — Kriyas provide clear, systematic practices
• Those attracted to mantra and sound — Chanting is central to the practice
• People interested in energy work — The practice explicitly works with subtle energy

Important Considerations

Kundalini Yoga comes with context worth understanding:

• Yogi Bhajan's legacy is complicated — Allegations of abuse emerged after his death in 2004. Some organizations have distanced themselves; others continue teaching. Research the lineage of any teacher you study with.
• The practice can be intense — "Kundalini awakening" experiences can be powerful and sometimes destabilizing. Not everyone is suited for this work, and it's wise to proceed gradually with experienced guidance.
• It's explicitly spiritual — If you want purely physical yoga, other styles may be more appropriate.
• The community has its culture — White clothing, turbans, and Sikh-influenced practices are common. You don't have to participate, but you'll encounter them.