A HOLISTIC APPROACH TOWARD MENTAL HEALTH WITH KUNDALINI YOGA

INTRODUCTION

Globally, there is a peak in mental health disorders. Following the coronavirus outbreak, social distancing measures were implemented, which increased this issue. Mentally ill individuals have inadequate resources to meet their requirements. The vast gap that exists globally between the need and availability of therapy sometimes leads to insufficient care. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness, 50% of people suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives, but sadly only 20% have sought professional help.

In recent decades, there has been a surge of interest in yoga and spirituality research. Various empirical studies show the benefits of yoga practice on a wide range of physical and mental health markers, while the notion of spirituality has developed and expanded. The essence of spirituality is the recognition of a sense, emotion, or conviction that there is more to being human than sensory perception—something beyond the "I" or the unique experience of the ego and personality.

KUNDALINI YOGA

Whether you are new to yoga or have been doing it for a while, you must have heard the phrase "kundalini". The yoga of awareness or consciousness is kundalini yoga. It's a holistic practice that includes meditation, chanting, breathing exercises, and physical postures. The main goal is to awaken dormant Kundalini energy, which is found at the base of the spine, and allow it to ascend via the chakras or energy centers. The belief underlying Kundalini energy is that everyone has a coiled serpent-like energy stored at the base of their spine waiting to be awakened. The aim is to generate consciousness, spiritual enlightenment, and a strong link with oneself.

CHAKRAS’ SIGNIFICANCE IN KUNDALINI YOGA: -

The human body includes seven chakras that exist from the tailbone to the top of our head. According to these chakras, one can achieve desirable health from mind-body balance, while a blocked or imbalanced chakra affects other aspects of our mental, emotional, and spiritual health as well.

Kundalini Yoga is a transformative route for anyone who wants to discover the depths of their spiritual potential and inner vitality. It offers a complete approach to personal development, self-discovery, and peaceful life. Whether practiced for physical well-being, emotional balance, or spiritual awakening, continues to be a profound and uplifting journey of mind, body, and spirit integration.

KUNDALINI MEDITATION

When discussing kundalini yoga, meditation is usually emphasized since it promotes awareness, assists with mental calm, and channels kundalini energy. Its practitioners improve their spiritual experience and promote inner transformation by visualization, chanting (mantra), and concentrating on particular chakras during meditation. Below are the elements of Kundalini yoga: -

• Opening Chant: - Starts with Adi Mantra "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo," which calls upon the divine teacher within you and opens your consciousness to a higher plane.
• Pranayama: - Emphasized breathing exercises and spine-stretching poses
• Kriya: - It includes your movements, mudras, noises, pranayama, and meditation
• Relaxation: -Shavasana facilitates the body and mind to assimilate the benefits of a kriya.
• Meditations: - Includes gentle directions and focuses on promoting awareness.
• Closing chant and prayer: - A final chant highlights the practice's energy and spiritual aspects.

BENIFITS OF KUNDALINI YOGA: -

Kundalini yoga is a yogic practice for everyone, irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, or physical ability. It is very much suitable for those in jobs, families, and daily household responsibilities. Nowadays, people have a lot of pressure to fulfill the demands of everyday life, and due to this stress has increased so much in human life. This practice helps an individual to return to their natural joyful condition. It helps to connect to your true identity and allows you to completely walk your path in life by connecting with your elevated Spirit. ?A few of the benefits of kundalini yoga are mentioned below: -

• Relieving stress and Anxiety: -Research was conducted in 2017 and 2018, where participants practiced kundalini yoga for continuous 03 months and they experienced immediate stress relief and lower anxiety levels.
• Enhances Cognitive Function: - Yoga has emerged as an effective remedy to improve memory and cognitive function. According to the survey done by PubMed, a study was published from January 2000 to December 2023. Randomized controlled trials were included to compare Kundalini yoga with other cognitive strategies. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess KY's impact on older individuals' cognitive performance, memory impairment, and associated neurological and psychosocial problems. kundalini yoga (KY) has emerged as a potentially effective non-pharmacological technique to improve memory and cognitive function.
• Improves Self-Perception: - The journey of self-discovery and calm mental state that comes with practicing Kundalini yoga can help you feel more confident and well-being. It also enables you to control yourself more, overcome issues with rage, and discover inner serenity.
• Spiritual Development: - It is claimed that as the Kundalini energy wakes, you become more spiritually connected to yourself and others. These benefits have not yet been scientifically established as these are only personal experiences. Some of them are below: -

1. Increased awareness and mindfulness
2. Increased subtle perceptions related to intuitions
3. Higher state of consciousness
4. Increased creativity
5. Internal peace and happiness
6. Increased energy

• ?Kriyas: - Numerous kriyas found in kundalini yoga can assist in overcoming drug abuse or addiction. Kriyas assist in balancing the neurological system and cleansing the liver. In today's world, these approaches are essential. These therapies can also benefit people suffering from eating disorders, smoking, and other addictions.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The wonderful unfolding of your nature is kundalini yoga. The Kundalini teachings provide us with a guide to achieving inner peace and fulfillment. Unquestionably, kundalini yoga may improve all aspects of life, including health, relationships, career, creativity, intuition, and patience. It can also serve as the foundation for any person's life-changing experiences. Yoga is a popular workout practiced by over 300 million people worldwide and as per a website by yogavidyaschool.com, by 2025, the yoga industry is estimated to reach a worth of more than $200 billion compared to approximately $90 billion today. Does this raise any new questions for you? Find a Kundalini yoga studio near you and check it out.