Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a pervasive mental health issue wherein repetitive unwanted thoughts and behaviors, or rituals, are performed to provide relief from anxiety resulting from the obsessive thoughts. Traditional treatments include anti-anxiety medications and the evidence based practice of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, DBT. However, the non-traditional practice of kundalini yoga is gaining attention for its potentially therapeutic promise in reducing the symptoms of this debilitating anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of OCD
Individuals suffering with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, often struggle with internal doubt and anxiety levels. The rituals devised by the person with OCD may dominate their daily lives to such extremes that they may be unable to leave their homes without excessive checking and repeated actions such as counting, cleaning, hand washing and repeating phrases or mantras. Often obsessed with filth in the environment, these individuals may find it difficult to have contact with others in public areas. If you or someone you care about shows OCD traits or behaviors, consult with a mental health practitioner to discuss treatment options, including the complementary therapy of kundalini yoga.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini yoga is a yogic practice that combines meditation and a disciplined physical practice designed to tap into consciousness, self awareness and intuition. Mainstream kundalini yoga teachers utilize breathing techniques, meditation, repetition and movement to help students achieve "enlightenment."
Obtaining Control
The inability to control thoughts and actions are the hallmark of the anxiety caused by OCD. Kundalini yoga may help people suffering from OCD through a dedicated practice of training the mind to release thoughts while providing a structured practice that will be embraced by the OCD consciousness. Like the evidence based practice of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, kundalini yoga offers retraining of thought-based behavioral patterns for a more effective anxiety-reducing activity.
Obtaining Balance
It is important to note that any complementary therapy should be closely supervised by a trained mental health practitioner who can offer support. Some mental health conditions place an individual at higher risk for suicidal idealization and actions; utilizing alternative treatments can be very effective but should be used as a complementary therapy rather than as an exclusive answer to a serious mental health condition.
References
- The National Institute of Mental Health: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- University of California, San Diego: An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga Meditation Techniques That are Specific for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders
- "Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychology"; Todd Feinburg and Martha Farah; 2003
- "Counseling and Psychology Theories in Context and Practice"; Sommers-Flannagen and Sommers-Flannagen; 2009
- "DSM IV"; American Psychological Association; 2009
