Thanks for writing and for your great question. Bowing is part of many Spiritual traditions. Re; the Salutation exercise on our Kundalini Yoga for Energy & Super Radiance DVD. The Radiance Salutation exercise works on many levels. Physically, it works the inner rotator muscles of the thighs. Lots of sitting (at desks and in cars) tends to make the bones of the hips spread and the hips widen overall. The bowing exercise does the opposite. It works the muscles of the hips to draw everything together for youthful hips. It does stimulate the thyroid gland, as well as the Heart Center, gall bladder meridian, and pineal gland. On a deeper level we are honoring whatever we hold to be most sacred. We are offering up our ego, or fixed self as an offering to our greatness. When the pineal gland is stimulated we get a sense of vast horizons and learn not to "sweat the small stuff." Please be assured that yoga is not in conflict with any religious tradition, rather it is meant to enhance it. If you feel that certain aspects of yoga seem to be in conflict with your religious beliefs, then we recommend relating to your yoga practice in a way which makes sense to you. For instance, you can use the mantra Lord Jesus instead of Sat Nam (they both mean the same thing). People often confuse religion and Spirituality. Spirituality is our own personal deepening of experience. It's letting our lives be informed by Spirit. That includes our religion, relationships, and vocation (and vacation!). It is important for us as Teachers to be very respectful re: people's belief systems, etc., but it is also part of our job to teach people not to compartmentalize when All is One, so that we can all come together as a humanity and celebrate Spirit.  We wish you joy, health, and abundant blessings!