A Body, Mind, Spirit Approach to Weight Mastery
Most people don't expect to hear Kundalini and weight loss in the same sentence but the fact remains that successful weight loss/management requires a synergistic, multi-dimensional approach.
Beyond the simplistic equation of burn calories and eat less, Kundalini Yoga provides the means to boost metabolism. It works to reduce “problem areas,” overcome compulsive eating habits, get at the root causes for chronic overeating, and resolve the emotional issues which contribute to difficulty in losing or maintaining optimum weight.
Most people's weight loss endeavors are ultimately unsuccessful because underlying causes are never addressed. Kundalini Yoga has been formulated to get beneath the surface. This system is ultimately energy work. Before anything manifests on the physical plane it's already occurred on the energy level and by working on that level directly we can transform our physical reality.
Important tools in Kundalini Yoga are the breath techniques which accompany each exercise. Breath is an energy delivery system. The whole of our metabolic processes are based on respiration: oxygen in, carbon dioxide out. Our respiration is a key component in the conversion of fuel into energy. The breath techniques in Kundalini Yoga also assist in the detoxification process and in energizing. In addition, we call conscious breathing “organic psychotherapy.” It helps one access holding patterns in the nervous system, musculature, and psyche to resolve the traumas of the past. When energy is flowing freely in the body positive changes are more easily implemented.
People also equate yoga with relaxation. This is definitely an important effect of the practice and not only for the obvious benefits. There is a direct relationship between stress and fat. A relaxed body is a fat free body! In Kundalini Yoga we emphasize development of the Manipuri Chakra, or Navel Center. This is the fire in the belly. A strong Navel Chakra gives us the ability to self-determine and sustain intent over time. According to ancient yogic writings, when the navel fire is strong, one can eat anything and never gain weight! Be that as it may, it is true that when the navel fire is weak the very act of eating and digesting saps one's strength. The higher octave of the digestive process is our ability to derive wisdom (nutrients) from the impressions, feelings, and experiences we take in. When one's Navel Chakra is strong we are able to re-pattern the behaviors that cause us pain.
On the physical level, Kundalini Yoga feels natural. It's enjoyable to do. Kundalini was developed spontaneously by sages who were highly in tune with their bodies, internal energy systems, and the rhythms of nature. In India, Kundalini Yoga is considered to be a gift to humanity from the gods. The approach is not a rigid one but employs vigorous movement combined with breath that students find very liberating. In a Kundalini Yoga class you find yourself rocking and rolling twisting and stretching. Students experience a sense of vibrancy and spontaneity they often haven’t experienced since they were children.
Ultimately, Kundalini Yoga is about Spirit. Many people feel a sense of estrangement from their essence which they try to compensate for with various substances or external stimuli. Ultimately the key to mastery of food issues is to feed our souls. In Kundalini Yoga we emphasize the importance of meditation. Most of the meditations in this work make use of mantras. Mantras are coded sounds with unique vibratory effects. The mantras in Kundalini Yoga are all Names of the Infinite and correspond to the highest frequencies in all of us.
We are holographic constructs. Any aspect of us reflects on our whole being. In focusing on weight loss we are in fact addressing all the issues in our lives. In this culture, many people's lives are a constant struggle with weight loss and body image. To serve this need we have produced the Fat Free Yoga series of DVD's (and videos): Fat Free Yoga, Fat Free Yoga Total-Tune-Up, and Fat Free Yoga Cleanse. Some of the segments on these yoga tapes are: Your Life is In Your Own Glands, Lighten Up and Purify (to De-Tux), Beauty & the Breath, Burn Baby Burn (for metabolism), The Fire in the Belly, & Raise Yourself Up.
More info at www.raviyoga.com
Read other articles by Ravi Singh in MerlianNews.com:
Kundalini Yoga: A Universal Path to Spiritual Awakening
"6" Universal Year: Meditations
