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Is Kundalini Yoga Right for You? Explore the Benefits & Risks

Kundalini yoga is not right for everyone, but with a bit of understanding, you can determine if kundalini yoga is the right yoga style for you! The practice of kundalini yoga extends back thousands of years, with its roots in ancient Indian philosophy and the primary aim being the pursuit of enlightenment. But beyond the profound spiritual elements, kundalini yoga is also incredibly powerful for balancing your mental and physical health. 

However, here’s the truth – kundalini yoga also has its risks and dangers, and it may not be the right for everyone. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of kundalini yoga along with the details of who is best suited to practice the kundalini yoga style, followed by an exploration of how kundalini yoga can truly transform your life! So, let’s dive in. 

What is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini yoga is an ancient yoga style with its roots in tantric practices. Kundalini yoga got its name from the dormant kundalini energy that resides at the base of the spine. Through specific yoga poses, breathing techniques, and meditation practices, this kundalini energy gradually rises up the spine through the chakra centers into the crown of the head, where it unites with the shakti energy to facilitate the process of enlightenment. 

However, ancient kundalini yoga practices have developed over time as much of this deeper wisdom was lost or kept secret. In the mid-twentieth century, Yogi Bhajan popularized kundalini yoga practice with a modern spin that incorporated a combination of Ayurveda, Sikhism, and other spiritual elements. Modern kundalini yoga practice is still rooted in this wisdom of enlightenment, but it is primarily used to facilitate balanced mental and physical health. 

What Are the Healing Benefits of Kundalini Yoga?

1. Relieves Stress

Stress levels in modern times are higher than they ever have been before. More people are struggling with the debilitating impacts of chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Often, these mental health struggles come as a cascading effect, and there are a variety of factors that may be contributing causes. Research now shows that kundalini yoga and other holistic healing practices may be a powerful way to combat the debilitating impacts of stress on the body, mind, and soul. Even 10 minutes of kundalini yoga every day can have a profound effect on your overall mental health and daily functioning. 

2. Increases Energy

Much of the increase in stress levels is also due to the high pressure of productivity and the increased workload that many professionals now face. Facing a long workday can be exhausting, and sometimes, that second or even third cup of coffee just doesn’t do the trick. Thankfully, a bit of kundalini yoga practice can profoundly refresh your mind and give you an energy level boost to take on the day ahead. Starting your day with kundalini yoga can enhance your cognitive function, helping you solve problems and make decisions on even the most challenging of tasks.  

3. Improves Flexibility and Strength

Kundalini yoga is also an excellent physical practice that improves overall flexibility and strength. In addition to the standard physical benefits of most yoga styles, kundalini yoga provides unique benefits for increasing lung capacity and breathing function while also improving circulation. Your body and mind form an intricate web of connections, and the subtle nature of kundalini yoga practices can delve into every layer of your being to support your wellness from the inside and out. 

4. Strengthens the Immune System

Another incredible benefit of kundalini yoga for overall physical health is the impact that this practice has on immune function. The immune system protects us from most illnesses and diseases, and when it begins to dysfunction, we may struggle with frequent colds, flus, and even autoimmune conditions. By improving a range of physical functions, kundalini yoga also indirectly supports immune function. In particular, kundalini yoga supports overall physical health by combating insomnia, improving sleep, toning the nervous system, and supporting the body to switch out of “fight or flight” mode.

5. Facilitates Self-Discovery

The primary purpose of traditional kundalini yoga is to facilitate the process of enlightenment or the discovery of your true self. Within each of us lies a spirit soul that is waiting to be discovered. We are more than this physical form – this body contains an inner self that is but a small particle of the profound higher spirit. When we begin to discover the true nature of our inner self, we can truly embark on the process of awakening and realization that deep spiritual practices often talk about. 

What Are the Dangers and Risks of Kundalini Yoga

Although kundalini yoga is generally incredibly safe for all people, there are some cases where kundalini yoga might not be the right fit. Every physical practice comes with some risks, and it is essential to be aware of these dangers to protect yourself during the practice of kundalini yoga. A qualified and competent kundalini yoga teacher can also help mitigate these risks and guide you through these practices to further ensure your safety and that you only gain the many benefits of this practice. 

1. Injuries Are Possible

In any form of physical movement, some injuries are possible, particularly if you practice kundalini yoga without guidance from a qualified teacher. The most commonly injured areas in kundalini yoga practice are the spine, hips, neck, shoulders, and lower back. If these areas are especially sensitive in your body or if you have prior injuries, it is always best to consult with your doctor first before embarking on kundalini yoga practice. A trained kundalini yoga teacher can also work with you individually if you have any concerns about finding modifications and adaptations to further protect your body in the practice. 

2. Can Cause Imbalance For Some People in Their Mental Health

Although this is often not as discussed when exploring yoga practices in general, there can actually be some risks to your mental health, particularly if you have prior struggles. Kundalini yoga practices have been reported to occasionally cause mood swings, confusion, psychosis, anxiety, and depression. Some risk factors to be aware of for individuals practicing kundalini yoga are prior experiences or diagnoses related to psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar, or other severe mood disorders. Often, in these cases, kundalini yoga is not so much the cause of imbalance but a possible precipitating factor in an individual who may already have risk factors in their prior mental health. 

A therapist can also help you determine if kundalini yoga is right for you.

3. Kundalini Rising Too Early

In ancient yoga texts about the mystical kundalini energy, there are some reports of the risks of kundalini energy rising in the body too early before the individual is capable of holding it. Profound spiritual experiences can be incredibly destabilizing and frightening, particularly if you have not experienced something like that before or if you do not have a qualified teacher to guide you through this. The “lightening creeper” of kundalini rising can be a surprising sensation in the body that can be uncomfortable for some individuals who do not know how to manage this increased energy. 

4. Sufficient Preparation is Necessary

In line with the previous point about early kundalini energy rising, it is essential to note that with sufficient preparation, you can protect yourself from many of these possible risks. Some individuals enter kundalini yoga practice expressly seeking these profound spiritual experiences before they are truly ready for them. An important principle to learn when beginning kundalini yoga practice is the principle of patience – take time to fully prepare yourself and understand the practices before diving in too deep. 

5. The Dark Night of the Soul

Many philosophers and spiritual teachers often talk about the experience of the “dark night of the soul,” which is a moment of spiritual revelation for a person in which they may begin to look at themselves, their life, and those around them through a different lens. This shift in perspective can be profoundly healing, but it can also have moments of struggle and darkness as we realize some uncomfortable truths about humanity and the universe at large. But with the right spiritual guidance, you can navigate this spiritual experience with grace and come out into the light on the other side. 

Is Kundalini Yoga Right For Me? – Practice Kundalini Yoga Online with Our Kundalini Yoga Beginner Series!

Kundalini yoga is a profound spiritual practice that provides innumerable benefits to the body, mind, and soul. Like all physical and spiritual practices, there can be some risks involved. But the benefits often outweigh the risks. With the proper preparation and support, kundalini yoga can be an incredibly healing practice, supporting you on your journey through the vast world of spirituality and physical transformation. 

The best way to begin this journey into kundalini yoga is with the gentle support of a qualified kundalini yoga teacher. In our online kundalini yoga beginner series, our expert teacher breaks down this practice into the fundamentals so that you can get a potent taste of these incredible practices with minimal risk. Kundalini yoga is genuinely accessible to all people who are interested in it with the proper support. So, reach out to us for more information on how you can join our online kundalini yoga course and begin your journey into the beautiful practice of kundalini yoga today!