The Truth About Kundalini Yoga

Even alternative lifestyle site Gaia admits that to the uninitiated, a Kundalini class might have the outward appearance of a stereotypical cult. Instead of the brightly colored yoga outfits we're all used to seeing, everyone is dressed in white skirts, shirts, or flowing white pants, and have white turbans or head coverings. Classes then begin with a chant, and followed by a flow of Kundalini Kriyas or practices, before it ends with a meditation.

If the experience moves you, Kundalini is meant to be transformative. In her blog on Kundalini, experienced yoga instructor and author Karena Virginia reminds her readers that no one has ever "lost it" or gone crazy by doing Kundalini Yoga. But she also warns that awakening the Kundalini or energy coil can be a sensual experience, and yogis could be moved into giving up things that don't serve them — like meat, alcohol... or relationships that might no longer serve them, but they were unable to walk away from before. 

Because change can be scary and moving out of your comfort zone can be seen as a dangerous thing, adopting a Kundalini practice without reading up about it could be perceived as a dangerous experience — it may also not be the best idea for a beginner who has just discovered his or her place on the mat (via Yoga Journal).