Why practice Kundalini Yoga and Meditation?

Dr. Sang Damanpal, DTCM, IKYTA

Factors such as emotions, finances, marital issues, relationships, work, and even hormone stress can stagnate or block the flow of energy movement. In addition, our perception, thinking, and communication affect how energy circulates in and out of the body.

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation (KYM) is a fast-track technology used to develop Self Awareness. KYM includes pranayama practice, mantra recitation, kriya exercises, and meditation. When it comes to health and vitality, all aspects of the internal Self ( spirit, mind, physical body, organs, and emotional energy) ought to be flowing in harmony. The energy flow keeps the blood and lymphatic circulation in good shape.

KYM technology works on the ten body energies, the chakras system, and the channel meridians. It helps remove or dismantle subconscious thought patterns which do not serve us. Cleaning and releasing the pressure of subconscious junk (unserved old memories of the past) purify the thoughts and intentions. It shifts us toward a higher alignment with our destiny and purposes.

The key is daily discipline and practice.

Practicing at least 11 minutes a day gradually working up to 62 minutes. Many yogis are committed to 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of practice each day. Two and half hours is one-tenth of the day. In the yogic system, 2 1/2 hours of practice of Kundalini Yoga Meditation each day before the sunrise magnifies our energy up to 40% for the day because the sun is at a 60% angle to the earth. It is the quietest, most calming hour and so is perfect for meditation. Of course, if this is not possible, the 2 1/2 hours can be divided into two segments: 1 1/2 hours before sunrise and 1 hour around the sunset. 

Patients who practice KYM  benefit from more energy and body awareness. It gives them a keen sense of inner awareness of their body energy. The instant they feel their body energy is stagnating, they immediately take care of it either by self-care or by seeking professional help. It is potent for disease prevention.

In the United States, we do not emphasize enough maintaining good health through yoga and meditation, a healthy diet, healthy family (relationships), and a healthy lifestyle. These are ways to build immunity and fight off invading pathogens.

Ignoring self-care and working to exhaustion to earn a decent living is a bad approach.

We have the power to choose to give some hours to ourselves. By practicing KYM each day, which takes very little time, the immune system will be strengthened, and intuition will be sharpened. Thus you take care of your body, mind, emotion, and spirit.

Notes: Even three minutes a day will be beneficial.

Cold Water Shower Therapy

Dr. Sang (Damanpal) Nguyen, L.Ac.

Yogic Technologies: Cold Water Shower - Ishnaan therapy

When cold water hits the skin's surface, the capillaries open up and the blood rushes out from the organs, up to the skin to defend against the cold.  Simultaneously, it is strengthening the nervous system, the central nervous system (CNS), the glandular system, and the immune system. As a result, the entire body and the organs become stimulated.

Symptoms:

Depression (cold, acute & chronic), Anxiety, Fatigue (mental, energy, emotional, body…), Sluggish, Burn out, Stressed out, Computeritis

Headache due to heat, Poor-eyesight, Pre-arthritis

Pain due to stagnation, Aura (Electro-Magnetic field) stagnation

When: 

A cold water shower should be done ideally in the early morning or during the day. 

Preparation: 

  1. Almond oil or coconut oil

  2. Dry body brush or Garshana gloves

  3. Towel

Steps: 

  1. Apply the oil onto the skin

  2. Activate the lymphatic system using the dry body brush/Garshana gloves. The order: start from the feet up to the legs, hands up towards the arms, circulate the armpits and breast, abdominal, chest, shoulder, and back (if you can). Then brush gently on the face, the ears, and the crown chakra (top of the head).

  3. Turn on the cold water shower. Introduce the feet and legs first, then the hands and arms, then the rest of the body. Massage and tap: the four limbs, the face, the armpits, the breasts, the abdomen, the chest, the neck, the shoulders, and the back. (Choice: Hair wash can be done separately.)

  4. Chanting mantra “SAT NAM” while taking a cold shower to strengthen the mind.

  5. When finished, dry yourself with a towel. During cold season/weather, make sure to keep yourself warm immediately after the cold water shower.

Contra-Indications: 

  1. No cold water shower during menstruation

  2. No cold water shower during the third trimester of pregnancy (7th month onward)

Caution:

No more than three minutes of cold water shower in the second trimester

Note: 

Do not take a warm water shower first. A warm water shower can be taken separately, later in the day.