Given the ability of Yoga to adapt to the needs and requirements of its followers, there are many different styles of Yoga today. However, Kundalini Yoga is said to be one of the most powerful forms of Yoga there is today. The word ‘kundalini’ is a Sanskrit word, meaning ‘coiled up’ and refers to the coiled up energy that is lying at the base of one’s spine. However, this energy is said to take the form of a snake lying coiled up. The aim of Kunadalini Yoga is to awaken this coiled up snake and send it upwards towards the base of the brain. When the snake reaches the base of the brain, the result is said to be supreme ecstasy and awareness.

Like many other styles of Yoga that were brought to the West by highly trained Yoga masters from India, Kundalini Yoga was introduced to the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1969. Kundalini Yoga comprises of many different facets of Yoga, namely Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and Yoga Meditation. It also focuses on chanting and using Yoga mantras.

According to Yogic belief, there are seven Chakras of centers of consciousness in our body. They all reside in the spine. Each Chakra has the power to provide a unique experience and awareness when it is stirred or awakened. Each chakra in the spine gets awakened as the coiled snake of energy makes it way up the spine towards the base of the brain. So, how can you get this Kundalini in your body to move up your sine and awaken all your chakras? Here are some of the ways in Yoga that you can employ to do so:

• Using Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and Mantras
• Using Yoga meditation to train, control and concentrate your mind
• Practicing other styles of Yoga, for instance, Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakta Yoga
• Being self aware

It is important that you do not attempt Kundalini Yoga on your own. The presence of a Yoga Guru or mentor is absolutely crucial. Given that we are dealing with energy and consciousness, you can risk adverse effects by attempting Kundalini Yoga without the help of a Guru.

Here are just some of the side effects you may experience if you tried Kundalini Yoga on your own:

• You may find yourself mentally confused
• You may suffer from headache or heaviness of head
• You may get severe mood swings
• You may get psychosis of some sort
• You may feel extremely stressed and may even get depressed
• You may find your breathing to be irregular and abnormal

These results may vary from person to person, but it is crucial that you avoid trying Kundalini Yoga on your own, because the results may be quite dangerous and may affect your life adversely. On the other hand, you will get a lot of positive results by practicing Kundalini Yoga with the help of a mentor. Kundalini Yoga is not very difficult to master, as long as you have a Yoga Guru to show you the path.