Kundalini is a form of yoga practiced since ancient times. Kundalini is more focused on the breath and energy than it is on movement, unlike other forms of yoga. The idea is that energy can move from the first chakra, located at the base of the spine, all the way up through the seventh, or crown chakra, awakening the mind and body along the way. Kundalini is said to be transformative on many levels, from belief systems to health.
Mental Dysfunction
Perhaps the most commonly purported dangerous side effect of kundalini yoga is mental dysfunction. This could include mental illness or the loss of normal mental functions. But as Guru Rattana, Ph.D., notes in his book, "Introduction to Kundalini Yoga," these "spontaneous" mental dysfunctions occur among practitioners who raise psychic energy without first preparing the physical body correctly. He notes that proper preparation prevents this and other negative effects.
Stimulate Negative Patterns and Actions
Another one of the purported dangers of kundalini is the possibility of stimulating "depraved" energy that will cause you to act out in negative ways. This may also be a possible side effect of not preparing mentally and physically before practicing kundalini yoga. In the book, "Kundalini Rising: Exploring the Energy of Awakening" by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and Ken Wilber, the authors note that kundalini simply brings awareness and new perspectives which disrupt old patterns of living, and therefore may be hard to address and incorporate into your life in a safe manner.
Mixing Kundalini With Drugs
One important danger to note is the mixture of practicing kundalini while taking drugs. This can include prescription drugs that are in some way mind-altering, but specifically focuses on marijuana, cocaine and other illegal substances, according to David Shannahoff-Khalsa in the book, "Kundalini Yoga Meditation." These substances change not only your mind, but also your energy, so attempting to raise that energy through kundalini can cause panic attacks or other anxiety-producing reactions.
Smoking Cigarettes
Do not smoke if you practice kundalini, according to Shannahoff-Khalsa. It is harder to employ kundalini techniques such as energy and breath, because smokers have reduced lung capacity, and the toxins of cigarettes affect brain function. If you quit smoking, give your body a few months to adjust before beginning a kundalini practice.
References
- "Introduction to Kundalini Yoga"; Guru Rattana, Ph.D.; 1989
- "Kundalini Rising: Exploring the Energy of Awakening"; Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and Ken Wilber; 2009
- "Kundalini Yoga Meditation"; David Shannahoff-Khalsa; 2007
