Yoga is not just a form of exercise. It is known to revitalize your mind, body, and the soul. Here, the brain is calmed and the senses are stilled, generating a feeling of inner peace and well-being. Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice that originates from India. When one practices it, the strength and power, play separate roles to achieve a perfect balance in every part of the body and mind. There are different types of asanas (postures) that need to be practiced in order to actually benefit from Yoga. Today, millions across the globe practice this technique for health and well-being. The Meaning This yoga actually means the awakening of the Kundalini energy found at the base of the spinal cord. When a person starts practicing this yoga, he/she activates the Kundalini energy through the various pranayams. This is also considered to be one of the most popular forms of yoga today. The name is derived from a Sanskrit word, which means 'coiled up'. The energy is said to be stored in the form of a coiled snake, hence the term 'coiled up'. The main aim of the Kundalini Yoga is to awaken the 'snake' within. This energy should then travel to the brain, which would enable the person to experience a sublime state of mind. Once the Kundalini energy is awakened, it passes through different centers or consciousness of the human body. There are seven chakras that provide power or experience, when stimulated. To actually understand the aspects of this yoga, one must have adequate knowledge of the Nervous System. This is because the Seven Chakras are believed to be present in this area of the body. This form of yoga involves a number of bodily postures, incantations, and breathing patterns. The techniques, involve, positioning of the spine, diverse methods of breath control, use of mantras, and also, how to improve the mental focus of the person. It is firmly believed by the practitioners that, it raises infinite energy and stimulates higher levels for the individual in terms of mental and physical stage. Therefore, it is also known as the 'Yoga of Awareness'. The Yoga teacher only hands over the knowledge of Kundalini to the student, once he is sure of the student's commitment towards it. Awakening the Kundalini Energy

• Practice Asanas, Mantras, and Pranayama
• Practice Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and Bhakti Yoga
• Learn to increase the powers of concentration of the mind
• Take the assistance of an expert Guru

There are some precautions one must take when they practice this yoga. It is said that, if one tries to awaken the Kundalini energy forcibly, it can have adverse results. When it is not practiced in the right manner, it can lead to:

• Mental confusion
• Headache
• Mood swings
• Stress
• Psychosis
• Depression
• Irregular breathing
• Immoral behavior
• Involuntary body movements

This is the prime reason; this type of yoga needs to be performed with the assistance of a professional teacher. Improper practice of this form is known as the Kundalini Syndrome. The energy, therefore, should never be awakened by force. What a person would actually require is patience, perseverance, and ample devotion towards what he/she does. If your energy is awakened, the Yogis claim, that an awakened Kundalini is the beginning of the path that leads towards enlightenment.