Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous?

What is Kundalini Yoga?

Kundalini yoga was popularised by a leader named Yogi Bhajan, who taught how to awaken kundalini to his students in the USA. It is practised worldwide and has been mentioned in ancient texts. The word "kundalini" originated from the Sanskrit language, and it denotes an unaroused coiled snake. When you practise this yoga, it is said to make people awake or arouse the coiled snake located below the spine. Once awakened, some people believe that it opens their chakras and leads to spiritual enlightenment.

Why do Some Think Kundalini Yoga is Dangerous?

If this yoga is not done properly, it can harm the spine or nervous system, leading to health problems.

According to followers of the Tantra and Shakti doctrines of Hinduism, this form of yoga can awaken your kundalini. Some say that it is dangerous, as your body is not prepared for what is about to come in future.

What is Kundalini Awakening?

In Sanskrit, “kundal” means “coiled snake”. So, kundalini is this coiled-up energy believed to live at the base of your spine from the moment you are born. This energy is seen as your deepest life force, where your creativity, spiritual power and divine feminine energy (called shakti) come from.

It is believed that when this Kundalini energy wakes up, it starts rising up through your spine, moving through your seven chakras. As it travels upward, it helps balance your entire system, including mind, body, and soul, and can open you up to a bigger, more connected sense of awareness.

When someone experiences a Kundalini awakening, a major inner shift happens as it increases happiness, inner peace, creativity, kindness and spiritual connection.

What Happens After a Kundalini Awakening?

A Kundalini awakening is the beginning of a deep spiritual transformation, bringing changes to your body, emotions and energy. Here’s what happens after a Kundalini awakening:

• More energy

After Kundalini awakening, you can feel like a strong flow of energy moving through your body. It can make you feel more alive, healthier and more aware of the good things in life.

• Releasing old emotions

As the energy moves, it can bring up old pain or memories you haven’t fully dealt with. This gives you a chance to face and let go of them, which helps you feel lighter and be at peace.

• Changing the way you think

A Kundalini awakening can help clear out negative beliefs, like thinking you are not good enough, and replace them with more loving ones, like “I deserve love” or “I am enough”.

• Feeling more connected

You may start to feel a deeper connection with yourself, others, and even something greater than yourself. A Kundalini awakening can also make you feel that you truly matter and are loved just as you are.

• Shifts in sleep patterns

You may also experience trouble sleeping, waking up often during the night, or feeling the need to sleep more than usual. These changes occur as your body adjusts to the new energy and the shifts within you.

• Body tension and discomfort

As the Kundalini energy rises, it can cause some aches and tightness in your body. These pains are usually temporary and happen as your energy blocks start to release. Common areas of discomfort include the back, neck and shoulders.

Myths About Kundalini Yoga

Let’s look at some myths linked to Kundalini yoga and the factual side of these —

Myth #1 — It’s Dangerous

Fact: Kundalini Yoga is safe, naturally loving, and healing, with no recorded instances of causing insanity.

Myth #2 — It’s a Religion

Fact: Kundalini yoga enhances spirituality, regardless of one's religion, using mantras accepted universally.

Myth #3 — Awakening this Energy is Frightening

Fact: The awakening is generally a blissful and healing experience, not scary unless preconceptions persist.

Myth #4 — You have to Wear a Headpiece

Fact: Wearing a head covering is optional, not mandatory for practice.

Myth #5 — It’s All About Sex

Fact: Kundalini Yoga involves energy work that can enhance overall awareness and healing, not just sexual arousal.

Myth #6 — It will Hurt your Relationship with Family & Friends

Fact: Kundalini yoga can positively shift personal frequency and relationships, fostering joy and healing.