Kundalini is one of the more spiritual types of yoga. It goes beyond the physical performance of poses with its emphasis on breathing, meditation, mudras and chanting. However, the Kundalini sequences can be very physically intense. This type of yoga appeals to those who are up for both mental and physical challenges.

A Kundalini Yoga class starts off with tuning in through chanting, followed by a warm up. This is then followed by a kriya, a sequence of yoga poses with the aim of achieving a focused physical or emotional outcome. The kriya is then followed by a deep relaxation session which helps to integrate the effect of the kriya. The class ends with a meditation and a closing song.

Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan® was introduced to the west by Yogi Bhajan in the 1960s. It is also known as the yoga of awareness due to its focus on self-awareness of one’s higher consciousness. The technology is a science of the mind and body, to elevate the spirit.

The Kundalini is untapped creative energy at the base of the spine that can be drawn up through the body awakening each of the seven chakras. Full enlightenment occurs when this energy reaches the crown chakra at the top of the head. Kundalini energy is often represented as a snake coiled at the bottom of the spine.