What is Kundalini Yoga, really?
When I began teaching Kundalini Yoga in Zurich in 2009, it was still a real insider tip – hardly anyone knew about this practice, let alone what it was really about. Since then, a lively community has slowly developed, and Kundalini Yoga is finding more and more of a place in Switzerland.
Kundalini Yoga might sound a bit exotic at first – and yes, sometimes it is: with its intense breathing techniques, mantras, and sometimes even bizarre movements, it breaks with many of the usual yoga clichés. But that’s exactly what I love about it. It’s a colorful mix of asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, mudra, bandhas, and rhythm – opening just about every drawer yoga has to offer.
And it’s precisely this special mix that makes Kundalini Yoga so powerful: it strengthens your body, calms your nervous system, opens your heart – and reminds you of who you truly are, beyond the noise of the outside world.
Perhaps you’ve already heard of it and are wondering what Kundalini Yoga is really about? In this article, I’ll share with you where it comes from, what you can expect – and why it has become a true source of clarity, strength, and inner growth for so many people.
Origin and History of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga, as we practice it today, has its roots in the yogic teachings of Northern India. For many centuries, this knowledge was kept alive and passed on orally – from teacher to student. It only became known in the West in the late1960s, when Yogi Bhajan began to teach the practice publicly. His intention was to give people tools to find stability, clarity, and inner alignment within themselves in an increasingly fast-paced world.
He saw Kundalini Yoga as a tool for the transition into the Age of Aquarius – a time of collective transformation, less about hierarchy and control, and more about self-responsibility, intuition, and connectedness.
As a Sikh, he connected the practice with the Shabad Guru – the sacred sound teachings of Sikhism. Guru Nanak (1469–1539), the founder of Sikhism, described sound as a kind of “ninth limb” on the yogic path – in addition to the classical eight limbs of yoga according to Patanjali: Yama (ethical principles), Niyama (personal discipline), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union with the higher self).
Guru Nanak saw sound as an immediate force that directly affects consciousness, expands the mind, and connects us with something greater.
If you’ve ever been to a Gurdwara (Sikh temple) or a yoga class with long chanting, you probably know exactly what is meant. Sound can touch something within us that lies beyond words. Today, science also confirms the profound impact that frequency and vibration have on our entire system – physically, emotionally, and mentally.
What Makes Kundalini Yoga Unique?
Kundalini Yoga stands out through its powerful combination of movement, breath, sound, and inner alignment. It is less about physical perfection and more about mental focus and tuning into the body. With powerful breathing techniques, the nervous system is strengthened, the energy field is cleansed, and emotional blockages are released. It is a holistic practice that brings you out of the head and back into the body in a short and direct way.
In addition, Kundalini Yoga, with its dynamic movements and active meditations, has a positive effect on the glandular, lymphatic, and hormonal systems. This practice supports the balance and health of these systems, contributing to overall wellbeing.
A particularly unique feature are the kriyas – specific sets of exercises with a clear focus and often inspiring names ;-) They range from strengthening self-confidence to activating the heart chakra and cleansing the subconscious. For beginners, these names can feel motivating or simply bring a smile. But as you become more familiar with the teachings of chakras, meridians, chants, and anatomy, the deeper meaning behind them begins to unfold.
What to Expect in a Typical Kundalini Yoga Class
A Kundalini Yoga class is like a journey – a journey inward. It follows a clear structure that guides us step by step closer to our center. At the beginning of the class, we sit on the mat, take a deep breath, and tune in with the mantra Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. This mantra helps us connect with our inner wisdom and the Guru – the teacher within. We also chant the Mangalacharan Mantra three times to energetically cleanse the space and open ourselves to the practice.
What follows depends on the theme of the class. A typical session usually includes:
Warm-up exercises to prepare the body for practice
A Kriya – a specific sequence of exercises dedicated to a certain theme
Deep relaxation, often supported by the gong or calming music
Meditation, which may include different breathing techniques, mudras, or mantras
Closing mantra, to complete the class and integrate the experience – often chanting Sat Nam three times and the Longtime Sunshine Song, which spreads a warm and positive energy
At Jio Kundalini Yoga, classes take place in the cozy Gobinde Yoga Studio in Zurich – or online, if you prefer to practice from home. No prior experience is needed – you are welcome exactly as you are.
Who Is Kundalini Yoga For?
Kundalini Yoga is for everyone. Truly. No matter your age, fitness level, or whether you’ve ever even sat on a yoga mat before – this practice meets you exactly where you are.
It’s not about being super flexible or striking the perfect pose – it’s about tuning into yourself more consciously and reconnecting with your own inner being.
Kundalini Yoga is especially valuable for those who:
Feel like they’re constantly “on” and long for inner calm
Want to strengthen their nervous system and manage stress more effectively
Wish to build emotional resilience and bring more clarity into daily life
Seek deeper connection – with themselves, with life, with something higher
Want to explore the power of the breath
Are looking for guidance, strength, and an anchor during challenging times
Desire a spiritual practice that is both profound and practical for everyday life
You don’t need to bring anything but openness, a bit of curiosity – and the willingness to meet yourself. Everything else unfolds naturally through the practice.
The Key Techniques at a Glance
Kundalini Yoga uses a unique combination of techniques that address both the body and consciousness. Here’s an overview of the most important elements:
Kriya
A Kriya is a set sequence of exercises with a specific focus – for example, strengthening the heart, cleansing the liver, or activating the third eye. Each Kriya works like an energetic recipe, bringing body, breath, and awareness together.
Pranayama
Breathwork helps regulate the nervous system, activate energy, and clear the mind. One of the best-known techniques is Breath of Fire (Agni Pran), which has a cleansing and energizing effect.
Mantra
The conscious use of sound – such as Sat Nam or Wahe Guru – works through vibration directly on the energetic system. Mantras calm the mind, create clarity, and deepen inner connection.
Meditation
Kundalini meditations combine breath, focus, hand gestures (mudras), and often mantras. They help clear the subconscious and expand awareness – sometimes powerful, sometimes very still.
Sadhana
The daily practice in the early morning hours is considered especially transformative. It creates space for inner alignment before the day begins.
How to Start with Kundalini Yoga in Zurich
Getting started is easier than you think – and you don’t need any prior experience. At Jio Kundalini Yoga Zurich you can:
Book a trial class (in person or online)
Participate in workshops & retreats to dive deeper
Enroll in one of our teacher trainings (50h, 200h, 300h) if you’d like to explore the practice intensively
Kundalini Yoga – A Practice That Stays
Kundalini Yoga is a source of strength, clarity, and connection. It’s more than just movement or a bit of breathing – it touches you on all levels: physical, energetic, and emotional. It takes you out of your head and back into your body, reconnecting you with what truly matters: your inner voice, your heart, your strength.
I’ve personally witnessed its deep impact – in my own transformation and as a trainer guiding many others. I only share what truly convinces me. And in Kundalini Yoga, I’ve found my tool. A practice that nourishes, awakens, aligns – and endures.
Whether you’re seeking more peace, direction, or depth – or simply curious about what Kundalini Yoga can bring into your life: you are warmly welcome, just as you are.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Come join a trial class – in the studio or online. I look forward to meeting you.