Kundalini is a latent, yet potentially vibrant energy that resides at the base of the spine. Kundalini-style yoga awakens this raw energy and directs it upward through the body to connect with the universal consciousness. According to the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, the founder of 3HO: Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization, when kundalini energy is fully activated, you should be spiritually mature and ready for the experience, with your energy channels clear. Otherwise, the potential for negative side effects, such as physical, emotional or mental disturbances, are possible.
Physical Side Effects
Yoga therapist Ravi Dykema says that often, especially when a person's Kundalini is aroused accidentally, they can experience uncontrollable muscle twitching, and even head shaking and rocking. For some people, the involuntary movements can become disruptive and distracting--although, for most, the symptoms lead only to slight embarrassment. Another physical side effect often associated with practicing Kundalini yoga is a feeling of dizziness. Yogi Anmol Mehta says lightheadedness often occurs simply from practicing the "Breath of Fire Pranayama." This discomfort is easily remedied by resuming a natural breathing rhythm. However, other times this dizziness is accompanied by ringing in the ears and is associated specifically to the phenomenon of the Kundalini energy rising.
Emotional Side Effects
Not surprisingly, many people become frightened during a Kundalini rising episode, especially when they experience the sensation for the first time, or when the movement occurs unintentionally. This fear can lead to insomnia or nighttime panic attacks, as well as an acute inability to concentrate. On the other end of the spectrum, Ravi Dykema says some people vacillate between feelings of great joy and happiness to discomfort because of the overwhelming nature of the energy flow. Some people might encounter feelings of grandeur after experiencing the often-blissful nature of Kundalini. This egotism can become detrimental in the search for spiritual enlightenment, however.
Mental Side Effects
Because the energy moving within a person during a Kundalini rising is a powerful experience, people with deep-seated traumas and unconsciously repressed feelings often experience psychotic episodes during or after the event. Because of the intensity of Kundalini, these people might relive traumas of the past, which can create mental anguish and profound pain. Some people also might achieve heightened psychic perceptions, which might--or might not--be pleasurable or beneficial for their mental well-being. For these reasons, it is best to practice Kundalini yoga under the guidance of knowledgeable instructors.
References
- The Kundalini Yoga Experience: Guru Dharam S. Khalsa & Darryl O'Keeffe: 2002
- Kundalini Problems: Why is Kundalini Energy Sometimes Disruptive?
- Buddhi Mudra: Breath of Fire Kundalini Yoga Pranayama
- Yoga Paths: Kundalini Yoga
- New Brain--New World: Kundalini and Psychosis
Member Comments
claudianight December 8
Thank you for this article. After taking an 8 week yoga class this past spring and practicing regularly during the summer, I abrubtly stopped.
I suddenly felt scared by the overwhelming thought that I wanted to completely change my current existence(job,home,etc). I've never been diagnosed with a mental illness but could have kept walking(like Forrest Gump running) just to see where it would take me.
I loved the physical benefits of Yoga but am scared to start again due to the emotional energy that rose up. Any suggestions on how to control this?
lindsaywitt May 4
My husband sadly took his own life after a kundalini awakening, and I believe this would not have happened if he was under guidance from an experienced instructor. There is a diagnosis is the DSM-IV, which is the primary American Psychology Diaganostic Manual which is called "Religious or Spiritual Problem" that was added recently based on these type of psychosis. This type of practice can be very dangerous and should be done under the guidance of a seasoned practitioner.