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KUNDALINI: A Signature Treatment at Mandarin Oriental, Miami
by Anne Dimon (Review posted 2005)
When I first heard of the Kundalini I have to admit I was a lttle skeptical. A dormant energy coiled like a spring? Sounded a little far fetched to me. But being familiar with Mandarin Oriental and the chain's overall quality, professionalism and attention to detail I knew that they would only introduce a treatment that lived up to their high standards.
On a recent trip to Miami, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Kundalini first hand. The two-hour treatment, a fusion of chakra balancing, thai techniques and touch, colour, sound and gem stone therapies, is a journey into a deep sense of relaxation and overall sense of wellbeing.
Much of the credit for my personal enjoyment of this beautiful treatment goes to Natalia, one of the spa's trained Kundalini therapist who is acceptionally nurturing and has a deep passionate commitment to her chosen professional. She loves what she does and that energy comes across in the treatment. In the years I've been visiting and writing about spas I've learned that a therapist can truly enhance or detract from the enjoyment of a treatment.
Did it uncoil my dormant Kundalini? Not sure. But overall, I found the treatment, which is growing in popularity at the Mandarin Oriental Miami, to be unique, powerful, grounding and energizing.
At $320, it's not cheap but you leave with a feeling that it was well worth it. The price also includes an upgrade to a spa suite and a gift of a semi-precious gemstone necklace.
More about the Kundalini
According to the Hindu tradition, the Kundalini rises from the root-chakra up through the spinal channel, and it is believed to activate each chakra it passes through.
The initial awakening is usually only a starting point that will not prosper fully for most individuals in their lifetime. Except in rare cases, it takes decades, for the body to be rewired to handle the high-powered wattage of a full-blown Kundalini awakening. All of the physical and spiritual manifestations are said to be the result of the Kundalini energy working its way through stress blocks and fears that are believed to stand in the way of the completion of this transformational process.
There has been an awakening of Kundalini knowledge among the western population since the 1970s because of two major reasons: more people trained in the spiritual disciplines are likely to release the energy, and the increased numbers of people that are aware of Kundalini are more likely to recognize its symptoms and benefits.
Its power is said to be enormous. Those having experienced it claim it to be indescribable, but bizarre physical sensations and movements, visions, brilliant lights to bliss and transcendence of self are some of the experiences described.
Copi Krishna (1903-1984), of India, devotedly spent most of his life learning the secrets of Kundalini. He considered it “the most jealously guarded secret in history” and “the guardian of human evolution.” To him it was the driving force behind genius and inspiration. He also thought within the brain is the blueprint to evolve humankind to a higher consciousness, one that makes use of Kundalini. He also believed that channeled property Kundalini could improve the health, regenerate and restore the body and lengthen life.
Kundalini awakening can occur through various yogic practices and disciplines developed over thousands of years specifically for preparing the mind and body for this vast influx of power. It is believed that prayer, devotional practices, chanting, selflessly serving others, meditation, mantras, ritual dance, drumming and many other sacred endeavors can awaken the dormant Kundalini. Through the use of aromatherapy, color therapy, gemstone therapy, sound therapy and advanced massage techniques, the flow of energy through the chakras is freed, the muscles are relaxed, the tensions disappeared, the mind is relaxed and the whole body is ready to tape into this new potential.
Awakening the Kundalini is not an easy thing. But if we begin developing this dormant and “coiled up” energy in a conscious way it could open doors in our spiritual development and kick start new areas for healing and spiritual attunement.
Editor’s Note: Catherine DaValle created the Kundalini Journey for the Spa at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami. To the best of our knowledge, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is the first and only North American spa to have a Kundalini treatment on their spa menu. The 80-minutes Kundalini Journey ($320 U.S.) is being described as possibly the first step a guest takes in awakening his/her Kundalini. For more visit www.mandarinoriental.com or call (305) 913-8332.
