How to Practice Kundalini Yoga at Home

Practice Kundalini Yoga at Home

Kundalini yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures with breathwork, chanting and meditation. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years and can help improve mental health, lower stress levels and boost self-esteem. It can also boost the immune system, improve sleep and promote weight loss, among other benefits.

Kundalini, derived from Sanskrit for coiled serpent, refers to the reserves of energy located around the sacrum or “sacred bone” at the base of the spine. This energy is said to churn the deepest abysses of the human subconscious mind and release its hidden potential, unlocking your fullest potential. Kundalini yoga helps you to harness this power and to use it for healing, awakening and growth.

There are a variety of ways to practice kundalini yoga, from attending live classes to using videos online and at home. It’s best to find a qualified instructor or to join a Kundalini yoga course online community to begin your practice, so that you can be sure you are learning the practice correctly. A teacher will guide you through the kriyas or sets (sets of exercises, postures and movements) that form the core of a class, helping you to understand their purpose and how they relate to your body and life.

How to Practice Kundalini Yoga at Home

A class will usually start with an opening chant, or a sound akin to a shamanistic drum beat, to set the tone for your experience and to tune in. You’ll then move through pranayama, or breathing exercises, often including a warm-up movement sequence to prepare the body for deeper postures. Then, you’ll go through a kriya — a set of postures, breathwork, music and meditation that can vary in length depending on the instructor.

Once the class ends, many people like to close with an acknowledgment of their ancestors, their lineage, the land or by taking a few grounding breaths. The tradition in many kundalini yoga communities is to close with the Long Time Sun song, but you can close your practice however feels authentic to you and what will help you to integrate your newfound energies into your daily life.

You don’t need any special equipment to practice kundalini yoga, although having a mat and some props can make the postures more comfortable. Ideally, you should find a place that is quiet and free of distractions. Having a bottle of water nearby can be beneficial, too.

It’s important to practice kundalini yoga in a space that is clean, comfortable and at the right temperature. Many teachers recommend practicing in the early morning if possible, but you can do it at other times as well. If you have any health concerns, such as breathing problems, heart conditions or joint issues, consult your doctor to see if this type of yoga is appropriate for you.