Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

I'm new to yoga and this pod caught my attention because it says ask any question about yoga.  So here it goes…

Are there some forms of yoga that are dangerous?  I'm not talking about sprains.  I'm talking about psychological dangers.   In particular Kundalini yoga and Kundalini syndrome (links are to Wikipedia source which I consider as reputable).  Googling also brought up this FAQ.

What forms of yoga are safe and does not have the possibility of psychological side-effects and is good for beginners to start off with?

Oh, and has anyone ever experienced the side-effects mentioned?

Thanks.

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

Hello Peacefulparadox,



My name is Richelle and I am a student and teacher(RYT) of Hatha Yoga.  I am
also a clinical massage therapist and yoga therapist.  I am not a
psychotherapist or counselor, but I as a healthcare professional I am
intimately familiar with the mental and physical state of those in my
care.  I can speak more to that in a moment.  I first practiced yoga over ten years ago and have some insight into the strength and power of the practice.



First I would like to say that I read through the Wikipedia link above
and made a couple observations.  1. That even Wikipedia has a (!)
warning that the article needs some professional review before it is
counted as accurate.  2. That the article speaks to these symptoms
being the result of intense spiritual or contemplative practice, as well as near-death experience and intense personal crises or experience.  I think it is important to note that these statements allude to a long-term, intensely committed practice…not a beginner stepping onto a mat and learning about yoga and meditation. 

Second, YES!  There are literally hundreds of different types, styles and approaches to the practice that are safe.  Admittedly, I am curious as to why all of your links have to do with Kundalini Yoga?  Kundalini is much more focused on the meditative practices and specifically tapping into the base of our energy and channeling it for enlightenment.  Many, many other styles focus, at least initially, on the physical aspects–asanas or poses–that help limber up and strengthen the body.  I think you need to ask yourself, and let us know, what you are looking for from a yoga practice? 

Without knowing exactly what you are looking for, I can give you some generalized information and some links to other sources of information…

See general differences in style here in the yoga-a-pod for a long list of various styles and links.  Yoga Journal also has a number of resources to find the right approach for you.

One thing to keep in mind is that no matter what style is practiced, there is one common goal:  To become more knowledgable and connected to your own self, your true nature, the light within you.  There is a process that occurs slowly over time that helps your nervous system calm down, your mind quiet and your own personal peace to emerge.  It’s like peeling off the layers of an onion…your body/mind take it one leaf at a time.  You are actually much more likely to strain a muscle than suffer a psychotic break. 

My impression of the side-effects you have concerns about, is that they are not dangerous in and of themselves.  Most of us walking around out there have effectively detached ourselves from the sensations of the body and have very little control over the wanderings of our minds…Yoga serves to bring us back in touch–first with sensation- and later with the breath, the mind and eventually our inner truth.  Some of us have had painful events in our past and a yoga practice may bring up some burried emotions–but in my own experience, those emotion only come up because they are finally on their way out!  Once I reach them, I am able to let them go completely and without regret–and they don’t come back.  I think a person who is not prepared for that may have an aversion to it, but in my experience it has always been a very good thing.  These things can be surprising, unnerving and emotional…but that isn’t always a bad thing.  If you begin a journey into yoga with trained professionals, teachers who have your health and safety in mind, you will move into the practice gradually and peacefully.  It took me years to reach that point.

To return to the subject of my own clients and experiences:  I have many massage clients who have begun yoga practices in conjunction with massage treatment.  They all describe more self-awareness, better control over emotions, less irritability and imroved strength, posture and pain levels.  They sleep better, have better range of motion and more energy. 

I hope you find what you are looking for.  Please don’t hesitate to ask more questions!  I truly believe there is a practice and a teacher for everyone…

Namaste, Richelle

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

Oh, Richelle–I only just caught your answer and it’s excellent! Thank you so much. I’ve been familiar with people having psychological reactions to somatic practices such as massage therapy, but it had never occurred to me to wonder whether the same would be true in yoga. I suppose it’s just evidence of how powerful (and deeply important / necessary) these practices of mind-body alignment are.

And peacefulparadox: I think what’s most important is trust and safety. If you have an instructor who is sensitive to these issues, and if you can trust you body not to let you ‘go too far,’ I’m sure you’ll be just fine. The world tends not to push us harder than we can handle. :)

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

Thank you for that, Richelle!

I have recently found out about kundalini yoga and have been dissatisfied with Wikipedia's essays on it. Your explanation is much clearer.

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

Thanks for both replies.  They are insightful.  I am interested in the dual nature of stretching exercise and the mind-calming effects of yoga.  So yes, I will give it a try starting with local group yoga classes in my community.

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

Great Read!!! ” there is one common goal:  To become more knowledgable and connected to your own self, your true nature, the light within you. ” and the fact that you bring out the truth of wikipedia… that it is a work in progress and not put together by research and discovery completely, helps on the journey through the web.  Thanks for that stability for all.

Re: Are there dangers to some forms of yoga?

Sat Nam, Peaceful Paradox

I am a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher, as taught by Yogi Bhajan.
I'm a little late in the game here – just joined GAIA.

A lot of students ask me the same question.

Here is a short video that I did that will answer your questions ..

Is Kundalini Yoga Dangerous ?


peace & prosperity to you,

Haribhajan Khalsa ( Catalyst Yogi)

http://www.youtube.com/user/CatalystYogi
http://twitter.com/catalyst_yogi
http://www.wellnesscatalyst.com/