Why Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous 1

Why is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous: Know the Dark Side of Shakti?

    Malavika Chandel
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    Kundalini yoga is famous around the world because of its power to enhance human health to the next level. It is popular because it is believed to release internal energy within us, symbolized as a 'coiled snake' at the base of the spine, to achieve a much higher level of awakening or consciousness. It is said that through the "uncoiling of the snake", the 'Kundalini energy' is awakened promoting healing and spiritual growth. The concept of Kundalini is mentioned in the Upanishads. Though not the most dangerous form of yoga, kundalini yoga can be dangerous if not practiced correctly. Let's touch upon why kundalini yoga is dangerous.

    Also Read - Somatic Yoga Benefits: A Deep Awareness of Body & Mind

    What is Kundalini Yoga?

    The practice of kundalini yoga has its roots in the ancient Indian traditions of Tantra and Shaktism.

    The concept of kundalini yoga lies in the awakening of a special energy known as kundalini, which is believed to be like a coiled snake resting at the base of the spine.

    Coiled Snake

    Image courtesy: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ta-graphy/5032552372

    This form of yoga has gained wide recognition for its benefits in stress relief, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

    Kundalini yoga is a combination of breathing exercises (pranayama), meditation, yoga postures (asanas), and spiritual practices.

    In Hindu tradition, kundalini is seen as a divine feminine force linked to the goddess Shakti or Parvati.

    The rise (awakening) of kundalini can improve self-awareness and bring inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual liberation.

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    However, be mindful that if kundalini energy awakens too suddenly or without proper guidance, it can lead to emotional or mental imbalances, also known as kundalini syndrome.

    Let us now see why kundalini yoga is considered dangerous.

    Why Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous

    Image courtesy: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kundalini_Symbool.jpg

    Why Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous?

    The dangers of kundalini yoga primarily may arise due to lack of preparation, improper guidance, or mental health issues.

    These dangers can manifest in the form of physical, psychological, and emotional risks.

    1.) Physical Risks

    Certain extreme practices in Kundalini Yoga like holding the breath for long or tongue-swallowing can deprive the brain of oxygen if not done properly.

    This can be very dangerous and harm the person instead of benefitting spiritually.

    Also, unsupervised practices like near-death experiences can increase physical risk further increasing the dangers associated with Kundalini yoga.

    2.) Psychological Dangers of Kundalini Yoga

    If the Kundalini energy is awakened suddenly or in an unprepared manner, then it can trigger intense emotions, confusion, or even psychotic-like symptoms.

    People already dealing with psychological problems like borderline personality disorders, narcissistic tendencies, or weak nervous systems may experience worsening of their conditions if Kundalini yoga is performed under an inexperienced teacher or inappropriately.

    Kundalini Yoga

    Image courtesy: https://www.lookandlearn.com/history-images/YW027412L/Tantrika-painting

    3.) Dangers of Improper Guidance

    Traditional Kundalini Yoga strongly emphasizes learning the practices under the guidance of a qualified teacher or guru.

    If done under improper supervision, the awakening process may cause more harm, leading to mental and emotional disturbances that are hard to manage.

    4.) Dangers of Cultural Misunderstandings

    Western culture often misinterprets the preparatory methods that are traditionally considered crucial.

    The negligence of traditional preparations may lead to the sudden or accidental awakening of Kundalini, for example, through intense meditation or near-death experiences.

    5.) Emotional or Spiritual Dangers of Kundalini Yoga

    When Kundalini's energy is awakened, it can bring up hidden emotional issues, fear of dying, or worries about losing your identity.

    This can cause strong mood swings, confusion, or over-sensitivity to other people's emotions.

    Due to this, some people may feel losing touch with reality or disconnected from themselves.

    6.) Dangers of Misinterpretation of Kundalini Symptoms

    When Kundalini yoga is not performed under a proper guru, teacher, or therapist, then there is a high possibility that the awakening symptoms are misunderstood.

    Kundalini awakenings often mimic the symptoms of mental illnesses such as psychosis or hallucinations.

    A therapist unfamiliar with Kundalini may misdiagnose the person, leading to inappropriate treatment.

    Why Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous 2

    Image courtesy: https://www.deviantart.com/fractalmonster/art/Kundalini-101104183

    Such a misdiagnosis may exacerbate the emotional and psychological challenges of the person.

    Unable to recognize that such experiences are happening due to Kundalini's awakening, such people may miss getting guidance from knowledgeable teachers or spiritual mentors who can help them truly.

    How Kundalini Yoga Dangers Can be Avoided

    Keep in mind the following points to avoid the dangers associated with Kundalini Yoga:

    · Always practice under the guidance of a qualified guru or teacher who has a deep understanding and knowledge of Kundalini yoga.

    · Before approaching Kundalini yoga, it is advised to learn basic yoga and meditation to build a strong foundation.

    · Ensure that you are physically and mentally strong enough to practice intensive Kundalini yoga techniques.

    · Do not attempt doing advanced practices like prolonged breath retention or intense meditation early on.

    · Do not force yourself for Kundalini awakening. This should happen naturally and with practice and patience.

    · If you have any emotional or psychological issues, address them beforehand to avoid any complications later.

    · To stay connected with reality, incorporate activities like walking in nature or practicing mindfulness.

    · Get a thorough knowledge of kundalini yoga, its challenges, and how to address them effectively.

    · If you feel overwhelmed while doing kundalini yoga, stop the practice immediately and seek the guidance of your guru or teacher.

    Kundalini 2

    Image courtesy: https://www.deviantart.com/envakenkaqti/art/Kundalini-Awakening-541863436

    Takeaway Message

    Kundalini yoga is a powerful form of yoga that has many benefits if done under proper guidance.

    It is not necessarily dangerous for people who are well-prepared and healthy to perform it.

    However, unpreparedness, unresolved emotional and psychological issues, and lack of proper guidance can raise the dangers associated with Kundalini yoga.

    If practiced without knowledge or understanding, or recklessly then it may do more harm than benefitting the person.

    It is advised to prepare yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and then undertake Kundalini yoga under the guidance of an expert teacher or guru.

    Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer’s opinions and should not be considered a substitute for an expert’s advice.

    Readings & References

    · https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/wp-content/uploads/sites/360/2016/12/OTH16-Greyson.pdf

    · https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini#:~:text=Ku%E1%B9%87%E1%B8%8Dalin%C4%AB%20is%20associated%20with%20the,the%20goddesses%20Bhairavi%20and%20Kubjika

    · https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kundalini_yoga

    · https://healthynutritionforyou.com/ayurvedic-herbs-for-brain/

    ·   https://healthynutritionforyou.com/wellhealth-ayurvedic-health-tips/

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