Baseer Maroof, LCSW · Raleigh, NC · Adults 21+
Kundalini Yoga
“Breath of Fire is my personal favorite meditation.”
— BaseerKundalini yoga brings together breath, movement, chanting and meditation. In this tradition, energy rests at the base of the spine, and practice wakes it so it can rise to the crown.
Teachers describe that rising energy as clarity, warmth and lift. Students often leave class feeling bright, awake and more like themselves.
Energy rising up the spine
Breathe in and the light climbs from base to crown, one bloom at a time.
Tap a number to light it up.
An artistic picture, not a medical image.
More ways to see it
Close in: an open, easy palm
From behind: the spine as a rising stem
From above: a circle sitting together
Breath of Fire
Fire at the navel, light up the spine
Press Start, or tap the body to pump once.
Press Start for a one-minute round.
Sit tall, raise both arms in a wide V, thumbs to the sky. Quick, even breaths through the nose, powered by the navel. Snap the belly in to push the breath out; let the inhale fall in on its own. Teachers say it wakes your energy and clears the mind.
Go easy: start slow, for a minute or less, and stop if you feel dizzy.
An artistic picture, not a medical image.
Is this class gentle or intense?
Intensity check
Tick what the class or practice involves.
A rough guide, not a medical assessment.
Be careful if…
- History of psychosis or bipolar: avoid intense breathwork and long retreats unless your prescriber agrees.
- Trauma, dissociation or panic attacks: keep your eyes open, breathe slowly and skip breath of fire.
- High blood pressure, heart or eye conditions or epilepsy: skip breath of fire and long holds.
Sources
All sources, linked7 references⌄
- Simon NM et al. JAMA Psychiatry 2021;78(1):13–20. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32805013/
- Shannahoff-Khalsa D et al. Front Psychiatry 2019;10:793. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31780963/
- Cramer H et al. Yoga for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety 2013;30(11):1068–1083. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23922209/
- Noetel M et al. Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2024;384:e075847. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38355154/
- Cramer H et al. The safety of yoga: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Epidemiol 2015;182(4):281–293. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26116216/
- Farias M et al. Adverse events in meditation practices and meditation-based therapies: a systematic review. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020;142(5):374–393. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32820538/
- NCCIH. Yoga: effectiveness and safety. www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-effectiveness-and-safety
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