Benefits of Kundalini Breathwork and Other Pranayama Breath Techniques

If you are a yoga practitioner, you surely have heard of Pranayama and Kundalini. Pranayama is series of breath techniques used in preparing the mind and body to the final stage of integration of mind and body in meditation. Kundalini breathworkis different from Pranayama techniques used in Kundalini yoga. Breathing techniques are combined with particular movements. They are practiced to prepare the mind and body for meditation.

Kundalini breathwork as part of the yoga practice is more spiritual compared to other types of yoga. It induces spiritual awakening, enlightenment, and mastery.

Before getting deeper into the practices, let us look at the benefits of kundalini breathwork. The most popular is the breath of fire also known as kapalabhati. Kapalabhati has many benefits on the physical level. Like most Pranayama techniques, Kapalabhatihas been a subject of study by different scientific communities, and found to be effective in:

• Making the lungs stronger – The controlled breathing exercises the lungs, increasing their capacity to take in more oxygen and exhaling more carbon dioxide.
• Improves blood circulation – The continuous exercise of the lungs improves the circulation of oxygen in the blood. The activity of the lungs and other body parts, particularly the abdomen, enables the blood to circulate more, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to various body parts.

• Balances the parasympathetic nervous system – The parasympathetic nervous system governs our most basic fight-flight instinct. Since most problems or issues no longer require us to be in fight or flight mode, a balanced nervous system makes it less prone to stress, panic attacks, and anxiety. Stress and anxiety create a mental and physical response or reaction, when not released causes sickness, lowers immunity, and low energy. Balancing Kundalini and other Pranayama breathwork helps establish awareness and healthy responses to issues and situations.
• Improving cognitive function – Cognitive function encompasses short and long-term memories, and executive function comprises reasoning, problem-solving, flexibility, and resilience.
• Boostingself-confidence – The kind of self-confidence Kundalini breathwork brings out is the kind developed from self-acceptance and positive self-perception. The practice of yoga, Pranayama, and Kundalini boost self-confidence that promotes body positivity and appreciation.

• Promotes calmness and inner peace – The breath is our life force. The more we exercise or practice kundalini and other Pranayama breathwork, the more energy comes in and out, removing energetic blockages that keep you feeling stuck, depressed, or prone to panic attacks. When your chi or energy is flowing freely along with energy centers, you become calmer and more peaceful, no matter what is happening in your environment.
• Create within you a safe space – For most people, to be calm and peaceful, a safe space is a necessity to be able to tap into inner peace. Through constant or regular practice of yoga breathwork, you can create a safe space in your mind that allows you to meditate and feel safe. You do not need an empty corner or room. Your mind is enough room and can be taken anywhere. You can even meditate on busy environments such as airports, bus stations, restaurants, or in between red light signals in traffic.

Kundalini breathwork is beneficial but takes time to practice. Carve time for this practice and see the difference in you over time.