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THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
Volume 10, Number 1, 2004, pp. 000–000
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
PRACTICE
An Introduction to Kundalini Yoga Meditation Techniques That are Specific for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders ABSTRACT
The ancient system of Kundalini yoga includes a vast array of meditation techniques and many were dis- covered to be specific for treating the psychiatric disorders as we know them today. One such technique wasfound to be specific for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the fourth most common psychiatricdisorder, and the tenth most disabling disorder worldwide. Two published clinical trials are described here fortreating OCD using a specific Kundalini yoga protocol. This OCD protocol also includes techniques that areuseful for a wide range of anxiety disorders, as well as a technique specific for learning to manage fear, onefor tranquilizing an angry mind, one for meeting mental challenges, and one for turning negative thoughts intopositive thoughts. Part of that protocol is included here and published in detail elsewhere. In addition, a num-ber of other disorder-specific meditation techniques are included here to help bring these tools to the attentionof the medical and scientific community. These techniques are specific for phobias, addictive and substanceabuse disorders, major depressive disorders, dyslexia, grief, insomnia and other sleep disorders.
INTRODUCTION
been taught that were known by yogis to be specific for dis-tinct psychiatric disorders. These disorders as we know them This paper refers to the system of Kundalini yoga as today have no doubt been common to humanity since the
taught by Yogi Bhajan, a living master of Kundalini yoga, Hatha yoga, and White Tantric yoga. In December This author first began to learn Kundalini yoga in 1974, 1968, Yogi Bhajan left India to come to the West to teach and during his early training as a Kundalini yoga teacher, what he had learned to those with a spiritual hunger, an in- in addition to numerous other meditation techniques, he terest to explore altered states of consciousness without learned a Kundalini yoga breathing meditation technique drugs, and to help implement novel treatment modalities for specific for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder health care and the enhancement of life. When he arrived (OCD). This technique was first published in a scientific text he stated his mission: “I have come to create teachers, not in 1991 (Shannahoff-Khalsa, 1991). In that text Kundalini to gather disciples.” Determined to train leaders and teach- yoga meditation techniques were also taught that were spe- ers with the power to heal, uplift, and inspire humanity, he cific for treating anxiety, fatigue, stimulating the immune taught Kundalini yoga openly to the public, breaking the tra- system for treating solid tumors, expanding and integrating dition of secrecy that had surrounded it for thousands of the mind, developing a comprehensive, comparative and in- years (Bhajan, 1997). Since that time he has taught nearly tuitive mind, and one for regenerating the central nervous 5000 different meditation techniques, of which many have system. In 1992, the author had his first opportunity to at- The Research Group for Mind–Body Dynamics, Institute for Nonlinear Science, University of California, San Diego, and The Khalsa Foundation for Medical Science, Del Mar, California.
SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA
tempt treatment of individuals with OCD in an open non- proximately 2–4 weeks to begin to show improvement, and placebo-controlled clinical trial. This trial led to funding by CBT can take even longer. One advantage of CBT over med- the Office of Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes ication is that the results last much longer once discontin- of Health for conducting a randomized controlled partially ued (Hembree et al., 2003). Discontinuation of pharmaco- double-blinded trial comparing this Kundalini yoga proto- logic treatment is, however, almost always associated with col against a group using two common meditation tech- a complete relapse (Cheslow et al., 1991; Fontaine and niques. These trials are described below.
Chouinard, 1989; Pato et al., 1988). When patients are re- In addition, techniques are included (after the material on mitted on medications and stop using them, their symptoms OCD) for treating addictive disorders, depression, grief, almost always revert to their original severity. However, learning disorders, phobias, and sleep disorders, respec- Kundalini yoga can be used to produce both quick tempo- tively. However, the latter techniques have not yet been sub- rary relief as well as long-term improvement and remission.
mitted to controlled clinical trials, but have been used by A case study of quick temporary relief is presented in Shan- yogis for thousands of years for treating the respective dis- nahoff-Khalsa (2003a) along with a review of prior Kun- orders. Also, the author has anecdotal evidence of their ef- ficacy. Nonetheless, there is a strong calling for rigorous Two year-long clinical trials have been conducted to test controlled clinical trials to test validity.
the efficacy of Kundalini yoga meditation techniques for thetreatment of OCD. The first trial was an open uncontrolledpilot (Shannahoff-Khalsa and Beckett, 1996), and the sec- THE TREATMENT OF OCD
ond was a randomized controlled trial (Shannahoff-Khalsa,1997, 2003a, 2003b; Shannahoff-Khalsa et al., 1999). The OCD is one of the most disabling of the anxiety disor- first trial was conducted in an attempt to test a technique ders and is likened to a “waking nightmare” (Rapaport, that was claimed by yogis to be specific for the treatment 1990). Rasmussen and Eisen (1990) state that OCD has a of OCD (Shannahoff-Khalsa, 1991). The second trial was lifelong prognosis and is the fourth most common psychi- conducted to include a comparison meditation group using atric disorder after phobias, substance abuse, and the major the well-studied Relaxation Response technique (Benson, depressive disorders, and is twice as common as schizo- 1975) along with the Mindfulness Meditation technique (Ka- phrenia and panic disorder. OCD often begins during child- bat-Zinn, 1990) for 30 minutes each to approximate the time hood or adolescence and has a lifetime prevalence rate of for the Kundalini yoga protocol, to in part control for the 2.5%–5.0% (Rasmussen and Eisen, 1990). According to expectations of “meditation” per se and for the effects of Murray and Lopez (1996), OCD is also among the top 10 personal attention by a therapist in a group setting.
causes of disability worldwide. OCD is not responsive totraditional insight-oriented psychotherapy (Jenike, 1990)and is considered to be one of the most difficult psychiatric THE PILOT STUDY: AN OPEN
UNCONTROLLED TRIAL
The conventional treatment modalities are psychophar- macologic and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in the form In a small uncontrolled trial (Shannahoff-Khalsa and of exposure and response prevention. Unfortunately, neither Beckett, 1996), in which five of eight patients completed a offers quick relief to reduce the anxiety-provoking obses- 12-month trial, the group showed a mean Y-BOCS im- sions and compulsions that are the troubling marker of OCD.
provement of 55.6% going from a total score of 19.8 at base- While OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder, its rate of line to 8.8 at 12 months. The Symptom Checklist-90-Re- symptomatic response to medication is much slower than vised (SCL-90-R) (Derogatis, 1993), Obsessive Compulsive other anxiety-related disorders. In addition, “40%–60% of (OC) scale, and Global Severity Index (GSI) showed mean patients exhibit only minimal improvement or no change improvements of 53.3% and 52.7%, respectively, for the five with serotonin re-uptake inhibitors alone (Goodman et al., completers. These five were all previously stabilized with 1992),” and “as many as one third are unimproved after ap- fluoxetine (20–40 mg) for longer than 3 months prior to the parently adequate drug treatment (Goodman et al., 1992),” start of the study. Of the five, three were completely free of yielding the “drug treatment resistant patient.” In respon- medication for at least 5 months prior to the end of the 12- ders, medication produces “only a 30%–60% symptom re- month study and the other two were significantly reduced duction and patients tend to remain chronically symptomatic by 50%. One year later, four of the five subjects had been to some degree despite the best of pharmacologic interven- off medication for periods between 9 and 19 months with tions (Jenike, 1992),” and a “20%–35% decrease in mean lasting improvement. The three who had dropped out early Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) scores were all unmedicated and had each completed the first 3- may represent a clinically meaningful change in symptom month mark for therapy. Their Y-BOCS totals went from a severity, clearly leaving room for improvement (Goodman mean of 23.3 to 19.6. While these findings of sustained and et al., 1992).” When medications work they usually take ap- clinically significant improvement in the five “completers” KUNDALINI YOGA TECHNIQUES
were obtained in an uncontrolled meditation trial, placebo scale), 60.6% (SCL-90-R GSI scale), 70.1% (POMS), 48.3% effects with OCD patients are usually low. A 3%–13% (PSS), and 19.7% (PIL test), and all changes were statisti- placebo effect was observed in a clomipramine-placebo dou- cally significant at p Յ 0.003 (analysis of variance). The 0- ble-blinded controlled study (Griest et al., 1990). A more month baseline Y-BOCS score (n ϭ 11) was 22.1 and the recent multicenter double-blinded placebo-controlled flu- final score at 15 months was 6.6 (n ϭ 11). And for these 11 voxamine study showed a 17.5% Y-BOCS improvement for patients the Y-BOCS totals included three 0 scores, one 1, the drug and a 7% placebo improvement (Goodman et al., two 5s, one 6, and an 11, 14, 15, and 16. Six (6) of the 12 1996). Therefore, a randomized-controlled clinical trial medicated patients to enter completed the study. Three (3) (RCT) comparing to another meditation protocol was nec- of these 6 were free of medication for a minimum of 6 months prior to study end. The others reduced. The 70%mean group Y-BOCS improvement is an unusually high per-centage rate for clinical change compared to other treatment A RANDOMIZED BLINDED CONTROLLED
modalities. Griest et al. (1995) compared the results from MATCHED TRIAL
four multicenter placebo-controlled trials of clomipramine,fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline and found respective Two groups were randomized for gender, age, Y-BOCS percent Y-BOCS improvements of 39%, 27%, 20%, 26% severity ratings, and medication status, and blinded to the for the “best-dose comparisons.” Also, Kobak and col- comparison protocol for a 12-month trial. Patients were told leagues (1998) recently conducted a meta-analysis to com- at the initial interview that two different meditation proto- pare behavior therapy to the serotonin reuptake inhibitors cols would be compared and that the trial would run 12 and concluded that: “Behavior Therapy was comparable to months unless one protocol proved to be more efficacious, the serotonin reuptake inhibitors.” Seven (7) of the 11 pa- then groups would merge for 12 additional months using the tients finishing the RCT here have achieved what may be more efficacious protocol. At baseline, group 1 (Y-BOCS ϭ described as a subclinical state for the disorder, and the three 22.75) consisted of 11 adults and 1 adolescent and group 2 0 scores and one 1 score may be considered by some as a (Y-BOCS ϭ 22.80) included 10 adults. Group 1 used the Kundalini yoga meditation protocol (Shannahoff-Khalsa, The patients in both clinical trials had the typical range 1997) and group 2 used the Relaxation Response plus Mind- of multiple obsessions and compulsions as defined by the fulness Meditation technique, each for 30 minutes to com- Y-BOCS Symptoms Checklist (see Shannahoff-Khalsa, pare for time requirements with the Kundalini yoga proto- 1997). Also, in the second trial, five of the patients started col. Six psychologic rating scales were used at 0-month therapy with trichotillomania, and their progress with this baseline and all 3-month time points: Y-BOCS; SCL-90-R OC-spectrum disorder seemed to improve in a parallel fash- OC; SCL-90-R GSI; Profile of Mood States (POMS, Total ion to their other symptoms. In fact, it appears that all symp- Mood Disorder score; McNair et al., 1992); Perceived Stress toms, regardless of subgroupings, seem to improve at a near Scale (PSS; Cohen et al., 1983); and Purpose-in-Life test (PIL; Crumbaugh and Maholick, 1976).
The Kundalini yoga protocol for the treatment of OCD is Seven adults in each group completed 3 months of ther- described in complete detail in Shannahoff-Khalsa (1997) apy. Group 1 (Kundalini yoga) demonstrated greater and sta- and Shannahoff-Khalsa (2003a). However, the first three tistically significant improvements on the Y-BOCS, SCL- techniques and the OCD-specific technique (number 8 in 90-R OC and GSI Scales, POMS, and nonsignificant but that protocol) will be included here immediately below. The greater improvements on the PSS and PIL scales. An intent- first three techniques would be useful as a prelude for the to-treat analysis (Y-BOCS) for the baseline and 3-month treatment of the addictive disorders, depression, grief, and tests showed that only group 1 improved. Within-group sta- dyslexia. However, only technique 1 here would be a use- tistics showed that group 1 significantly improved on all six ful precursor for someone practicing the techniques listed scales, but group 2 (Relaxation Response plus Mindfulness below for the sleep disorders, assuming the sleep disorder Meditation) had no improvements. Group 1 improved techniques are practiced before bed time. The reasoning here 38.4%, going from a Y-BOCS total score of 24.6 to 15.1 is that techniques 2 and 3 below are too stimulating and (change score of 9.4) and group 2 went from 20.6 to 17.7 would prohibit the relaxed state conducive to a restful sleep.
(change score of 2.9), a 13.9% improvement. For those ini-tially in group 2 who entered Kundalini yoga treatment, their “Tuning in” to induce a meditative state: technique Y-BOCS scores improved 44% for their first 3 months. Both 1 in the OCD Kundalini yoga protocol groups were merged for an additional year using the Kun-dalini yoga protocol. When comparing the 0-month baseline “Tuning in” is always included before the practice of any (n ϭ 11) mean to the 15-month mean (n ϭ 11) for all of Kundalini yoga meditation or exercise. This practice helps those who completed the study, the improvements at 15 establish a meditative state and gives the experience of be- months were 70.1% (Y-BOCS), 58.8% (SCL-90-R OC SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA
Description of technique. Sit with a straight spine and hale and raise the shoulders up toward the ears, then exhale, with the feet flat on the floor if sitting in a chair. Put the letting them down. All breathing is only through the nose.
hands together at the chest in “prayer pose” (i.e., the palms Eyes should be kept closed and focused at the third eye.
are pressed together with 10–15 pounds of pressure between Mentally listen to the sound of the inhalation and exhala- the hands). The area where the sides of the thumbs touch tion. Continue this action rapidly, building to 3 times per rests on the sternum with the thumbs pointing up (along the second for a maximum time of 2 minutes. This technique sternum); the fingers are together and point up and out at a should not be practiced by individuals who are hyperactive.
60°-angle to the ground. The eyes are closed and focused atthe “third eye” (imagine a sun rising on the horizon). A Technique for OCD; technique 8 in the OCD mantra is chanted out loud in a 11/2 breath cycle. Inhale first through the nose and chant Ong Namo with an equal em-phasis on the Ong and the Namo. Then immediately follow Description of technique. Sit with a straight spine in a with a half-breath inhalation through the mouth and chant comfortable position, either with the legs crossed while sit- Guru Dev Namo with approximately equal emphasis on each ting on the floor or in a straight back chair with both feet flat word. The practitioner should experience the vibrations that on the floor. Close the eyes. Use the right thumb tip to block these sounds create on the upper palate and throughout the the end of the right nostril, other fingers point up straight, cranium while letting the mind be carried by the sounds.
allow the arm to relax (the elbow should not be sticking up This should be repeated a minimum of 3 times and was used and out to the side creating unnecessary tension). A secure here in therapy approximately 10–12 times. This technique plug can also be used for the right nostril. Inhale slowly and helps to create a “meditative state of mind” and is highly deeply through the left nostril, hold in long, exhale out slowly recommended as a precursor to the other techniques.
and completely through the same nostril only (left nostril),hold out long. The mental focus should be on the sound of Spine flexing for vitality: technique 2 in the OCD the breath. Continue this pattern with a maximum time of 31minutes for each sitting. Initially, begin with a comfortable rate and time, but where the effort presents a fair challenge Description of technique. This technique can be practiced for each phase of the breath. Holding the breath in or out either while sitting in a chair or on the floor in a cross-legged long varies from person to person. Ideal time per complete position. If you are in a chair, hold the knees with both hands breath cycle is 1 minute where each section of the cycle lasts for support and leverage. If you are sitting cross-legged, exactly 15 seconds. This rate of respiration can be achieved grasp the ankles in front with both hands. Begin by pulling within 5–6 months for the full 31 minutes with daily disci- the chest up and forward, inhaling deep at the same time.
pline. Yogic experiments (Yogi Bhajan, personal communi- Then exhale as you relax the spine down into a slouching cation) claim that 90 days of 31 minutes per day using the position. Keep the head up straight without allowing it to perfected rate of 1 breath per minute with 15 seconds per move much with the flexing action of the spine. This will phase will completely eliminate all OC disorders.
help prevent a whip action of the cervical vertebrae. Allbreathing should only be through the nose for both the in- Kundalini yoga meditation techniques specific for hale and exhale. The eyes are closed as if you were looking at a central point on the horizon, the “third eye,” or other-wise described as the notch region on the nose exactly mid- The techniques taught in this publication are not meant way between the eyes. The mental focus is kept on the sound to be a substitute for medical care and advice. You are ad- of the breath while listening to the fluid movement of the vised to consult with your health care professional with re- inhalation and exhalation. Begin the technique slowly while gard to matters relating to your health, including matters that loosening up the spine. Eventually, a rapid movement can may require diagnosis or medical attention. In particular, if be achieved with practice, reaching a rate of 1–2 times per you have been diagnosed with OCD, addictive disorders, de- second for the entire movement. A few minutes are suffi- pression, grief, learning or anxiety or phobic or sleep dis- cient in the beginning; later, there is no time limit. Food orders or if you are taking or have been advised to take any should be avoided just prior to this exercise. If an unpleas- medication, you should consult regularly with your physi- ant feeling of light-headedness develops, stop momentarily cian regarding any changes in medication use. The author, and then continue. Be careful and flex the spine slowly in publisher, Yogi Bhajan, or any related institutions are not the beginning. Relax for 1–2 minutes when finished.
liable for any effects based on information here. The following sections include techniques for addictions, Shoulder shrugs for vitality: technique 3 in the depression, grief, learning disorders, phobias, and sleep dis-orders. There are more than 500 different phobias and thus together constitute the most common psychiatric disorder.
Description of technique. While keeping the spine straight, rest the hands on the knees if sitting in a cross- legged position or with hands on the thighs if on a chair. In- KUNDALINI YOGA TECHNIQUES
The American Psychiatric Association (APA; 1994) claims disorders (Khalsa, 1988). “It is excellent for everyone but that the lifetime prevalence rate of phobias is 10%–11.3%; particularly effective for rehabilitation efforts in drug de- no number is provided for all substance abuse disorders pendence, mental illness, and phobic conditions (Yogi Bha- combined, however, alone, noninstitutionalized adults jan).” Note the claim of efficacy in treating phobic and other (15–54 years of age) had a lifetime prevalence rate of alco- mental disorders. This meditation technique would best be hol dependency of 14% according to the APA. Rasmussen included in a protocol that included the first three techniques and Eisen (1990) state that phobias are the most common listed above in the OCD protocol. Others would also help to psychiatric disorder, followed by substance abuse disorders, increase the ease of performance here. The most difficult as- the major depressive disorders, OCD, schizophrenia, and pect of use for this technique is the requirement to keep the panic disorder. The selection of techniques for inclusion here arms up for an extended period of time. Individuals with ad- are based in part on the prevalence of each psychiatric dis- dictive disorders usually find this aspect most challenging.
order and they are described here in alphabetical order. It Therefore, other techniques can frequently help by first es- must be noted, that to date, only OCD has been studied sys- tablishing a relaxed mood for practice.
tematically using Kundalini yoga under randomized con-trolled conditions compared against other meditation tech- Description of technique. Sit either in a chair or on the niques. The following techniques may also show substantial floor. Straighten the spine and make sure the first six lower clinical efficacy under proper trial. However, no medical vertebrae are locked forward. This means the lower back is claims are made here, only descriptions of the techniques pushed forward as if you are “at attention.” Make fists with and what the ancient yogic teachings claim are included.
both hands and extend the thumbs straight. Place the thumbs Nonetheless, the precedent set by using Kundalini yoga on the temples and find the niche where the thumbs just fit.
meditation techniques for treating OCD may stimulate in- This is the lower anterior portion of the frontal bone above terest for others to study the clinical efficacy of this wide the temporal-sphenoidal suture. This place is usually sensi- tive to touch, so do not apply pressure. Lock the back mo- In addition to the meditation techniques listed in the in- lars together and keep the lips closed. Vibrate the jaw mus- troduction above (Shannahoff-Khalsa and Bhajan, 1991), oth- cles by alternating the pressure on the molars. A muscle will ers have also been published in peer-reviewed scientific texts move in rhythm under the thumbs. Feel it message the that are not listed here. These include: (1) “A Meditation to thumbs and apply a firm but light pressure with the hands.
Help Understand, Focus, and Create a Clear Consciousness” Keep the eyes closed and look toward the center of the eyes (also called Ganesha Meditation); (2) a “Technique for Heal- at the brow point—the “third eye”—the point where the top ing Nervous Disorders—A Pratyhar Meditation Technique to of the nose meets the forehead. Silently vibrate the five pri- Create a Silent and Stable Mind—Toward A State of mal sounds Sa Ta Na Ma at the brow point (the fifth sound Thoughtlessness”; (3) “When You Do Not Know What To here is the sound “ah” that is basic to the other four sounds).
Do”; and (4) “Meditation for Inducing Normal and Extra- The effects of the mantra are the following. The sound Sa Normal Brain Function: A Tantric Meditation Technique,” gives the mind the ability to expand to the infinite; the sound all published in Shannahoff-Khalsa (2003a). Everyone of the Ta gives the mind the ability to experience the totality of these four meditation techniques would be useful for treat- life; the sound Na gives the mind the ability to conquer ing any anxiety-related disorder, and have been taught to pa- death; and the sound Ma gives the mind the ability to res- tients with OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
urrect under all circumstances—so it puts your conscious- In Shannahoff-Khalsa (2001), the following techniques have ness through the cycle of—infinity, life, death, and rebirth.
been published: “A Left-Nostril Unilateral Forced-Nostril This mantra cleanses and restructures the subconscious mind Breathing Technique to Strengthen the Immune System,” to help live in a conscious state that is merged with the in- which is reported by yogis to be effective as an antiviral and finite. Continue 5 to 7 minutes. With practice the time can antibacterial therapy, and “The Ultimate Pranayam—So Darshan Chakra Kriya,” which is reported to give the ca-pacity for attaining transcendency and enlightenment. Nu- merous other techniques that all include the use of mantras This meditation is one of a class of meditations that are published in Shannahoff-Khalsa and Bhajan (1988, will become well-known to the future medical soci- ety. Meditation will be used to alleviate all kinds ofmental and physical afflictions, but it may be as many TREATING ADDICTIVE DISORDERS
as 500 years before the new medical science will un-derstand the effects of this kind of meditation will The medical meditation for habituation: a technique enough to delineate all of its parameters in measur-able factors. The pressure exerted by the thumbs trig- gers a rhythmic reflex current in the central brain. This In the early 1970s Yogi Bhajan taught this meditation tech- current activates the brain area directly underneath the nique, which is claimed to be specific for treating addictive stem of the pineal gland. It is an imbalance in this area SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA
that makes mental and physical addictions seemingly every muscle tightly (including the hands, fingers—every- unbreakable. In modern culture, the imbalance is pan- thing) in the body for 10 seconds, exhale and repeat one demic. If we are not addicted to smoking, eating, drinking, or drugs, then we are addicted subcon-sciously to acceptance, advancement, rejection, emo- Effects of the meditation. The mind becomes focused and tional love, etc. All these lead us to insecure and neu- clear, the brain becomes energized (few other short 11- rotic behavior patterns. The imbalance in this pineal minute techniques compare). This technique will help elim- area upsets the radiance of the pineal gland itself. It inate depression. This meditation is said to help increase a is this pulsating radiance that regulates the pituitary person’s intelligence (help enhance math skills) when prac- gland. Since the pituitary regulates the rest of the glan- ticed daily over several months. Also, when the Jupiter and dular system, the entire body and mind go out of bal- Saturn energies are coordinated/balanced, a person is less ance. This meditation corrects the problem (Yogi Bha- likely to engage in self-destructive behavior. And in addi- tion, when the Jupiter and Saturn energies (functional brainregion areas related to the index and middle finger, respec-tively) are balanced, this helps an individual to overcome TREATING DEPRESSION
Here two meditation techniques are described. Either in- dependently or together, they can have a major impact on FIGHT BRAIN FATIGUE‡
depression and yield quick relief. Again, the first three tech-niques from the OCD protocol would be a great asset to ther- This technique has been used to help prevent depression apy here. In fact, the technique called Spine Flexing for Vi- and to treat depression. When practiced correctly, it can be tality in that protocol has been known to have substantial a powerful antidote to depression, especially if combined effects on depression alone if it is practiced for 11–15 min- with the technique above and the first three techniques from utes. The first technique listed here was also published pre- viously in Shannahoff-Khalsa (2003a).
Sit with a straight spine with your elbows bent and your upper arms near your rib cage. Your forearms point straight Meditation to balance the Jupiter and Saturn out in front of your body, parallel to the floor. The right energies: a technique useful for treating depression, palm faces downward and the left palm faces upward.
Breathing through your nose, inhale and exhale in eight focusing the mind, and eliminating self-destructive equal parts. On each part or stroke of the breath, alternately move your hands up and down. One hand moves up as the Description of technique. Sit with a straight spine. The other hand moves down. The movement of the hands is hands are facing forward with the ends of the Jupiter (in- slight, approximately 6–8 inches, as if you are bouncing a dex) and Saturn (middle) fingers pointing straight up near ball. Breathe powerfully. Continue for 3 minutes and then the sides of the body at the level of the eye. Close the ring change the hand position so that the left palm faces down- and little fingers down to the palm using the thumbs. The ward and the right palm faces upward. Continue for another Jupiter finger and the Saturn finger are spread open in a “V” 3 minutes and then change the hand position again so that shape (or closed). The eyes are closed. For 8 minutes open the right palm faces downward and the left palm faces up and close the Jupiter and Saturn fingers approximately once for the last 3 minutes (total time here is 9 minutes).
per second or two. Simultaneously image the planets ofJupiter and Saturn coming together and then again going apart in synchrony with the finger movement. Continue this Begin slow and deep breathing (again only through the movement (imagery) for 8 minutes. Then, while continuing nose) stopping the movement and holding the position. Close exactly the same exercise, now begin to inhale and exhale your eyes and focus on the center of the your chin. Keep through the nose with the movement (inhale as fingers are your body perfectly still so it can heal itself. Keep your mind spread, exhale as fingers close). Continue this part for 2 min- quiet, stilling your thoughts. Time for this is 5.5 minutes.
utes. Then for the last minute spread the two fingers wide To finish, Inhale deeply, hold your breath, make your and hold them wide apart (which requires some effort) while hands into fists and press them firmly against your chest for making the mouth in to an “O” shape and breath in and out 15 seconds; exhale. Inhale deeply again and hold your breath, of the mouth only using the diaphragm (not the upper chest this time pressing both fists against your navel point for 15 wall). After 1 minute inhale, hold the breath in, and tense ‡Originally taught by Yogi Bhajan on March 27, 1995 (Bhajan, †Originally taught by Yogi Bhajan on December 12, 1995.
KUNDALINI YOGA TECHNIQUES
seconds; exhale. Inhale again and hold your breath and bend healing. Stretch the arms up over the head, elbows straight, your elbows, bringing your fists near your shoulders and palms very flat and stiff, facing forward with the fingers to- press your arms firmly against your rib cage for 15 seconds gether and the thumbs extended stiffly to the sides of the and exhale. Now relax. This exercise balances the diaphragm hands. Begin moving the left arm in a clockwise circle over- and fights brain fatigue. It renews the blood supply to the head and the left side of the body. Move the right arm in a brain and moves the serum in the spine. It also benefits the counterclockwise direction overhead and over the right side liver, navel point, spleen, and lymphatic system.
of the body. The movements of the two arms do not seemto be related in any fashion. One arm gets into a certainrhythm of a circular movement while the other arm does the TREATING GRIEF
same. (Note. You can reverse directions if you wish.) Comment: The idea of the movement is that the armpits Many individuals suffer from grief, including those with get stimulated, so make the movement of the arms just an PTSD. Yogis claim that grief, anger, and anxiety are major extension of the movement of the armpits and the sides of factors in the onset of a wide range of diseases. This tech- the rib cage. Usually we condemn ourselves and we have to nique would be most beneficial when practiced with the first feel guilty to be happy. This completely breaks through that.
three techniques listed in the OCD protocol.
The tape: Heal Me by Nirinjan Kaur is played. Do this for11 minutes and then rest for 5 minutes.
The third part of this exercise is to combine the breath of life (prana) and to help balance the Ida and Pingala, the ma- There are three separate parts for this therapy to maximize jor left and right meridians of the body, respectively.
the benefits, however, part 1 can be done alone. The sug- Begin by inhaling through the left nostril by blocking the gested music for each part is optional, however, the benefits right nostril with the right thumb, then exhale only through of the musicʈ will only add to the therapeutic value. (Note: the right nostril by blocking the left nostril with the right in- This meditation technique is best done in the evening after dex finger and continue only with this pattern for three min- having eaten as many melons as possible during that day.) Then, firmly grasp the knees by placing the palms flat 1. Siddh Shiva: Whenever you have grief, do this exercise.
down on top of them. Begin swaying your body forward ap- proximately 1 foot, and then backward approximately 1 footin a rhythmic fashion. The grip of the hands should be so In position A; Sit with a straight spine in a crossed legged firm that it keeps you from tilting over when you go back- position. The eyes are wide open (do not meditate). The el- ward. It is said that this posture increases the circulation in bows are bent by the sides, and the upper arms are by the the area of the breasts for females so they will not develop sides and the forearms are parallel to the ground and they breast cancer. It will develop your automatic concentration, are just above each leg, with the palms open and facing up so you can concentrate whenever you want. It will also help expel the dead cells out of the physical body. Keep your In position B; Sort of curve the arms up so the hands spine “tight” while doing the exercise. Tape played: Humee bounce up to the shoulders. As you do this, the tongue goes Hum Tumee Tum by Livtar Singh. Do this technique for 3 out as far as possible (this is important because it affects the minutes. To end, Inhale deep and tighten your whole body subconscious mind and helps get rid of the grief). Then re- and shake your body as much as possible. Do this five times turn to position A, and the tongue goes back into the mouth, total, holding the breath approximately 20 seconds the first and the mouth closes, and the arms go back down to the po- time and 15 seconds the other four times.
sition just above the legs. Do this powerfully with the breath.
Inhale through the nose as you go into position A and ex-hale through the mouth as you go into position B. Breathe TREATING LEARNING DISORDERS
heavily. Listen to the tape: Se Saraswati by Nirinjan Kaurand Guru Prem Singh. Do it for 7 minutes total. To end, in- While other meditations can be useful and one is specific hale and hold the breath in and press the tongue against the for attention deficit disorder (ADD), and a combination of upper palate as hard as you can for 20 seconds. Exhale. Re- techniques can be useful for attention deficit hyperactivity peat this tongue process two more times (3 times total) then disorder (ADHD), this technique for dyslexia is likely to help correct all learning disorders. However, caution is re- Exercise to create an inner balance that then helps induce quired when using it for younger people with ADHD be-cause this technique is powerful and can be overstimulating if practiced too long in the beginning. Again, whether it is Also called Siddh Shiva, taught by Yogi Bhajan May 17, 1990.
used for dyslexia alone or for ADD, the first three tech- Available at the Ancient Healing Ways Web site: www.a-healing.
niques in the OCD protocol would be most beneficial ad- SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA
juncts. However, in treating ADHD, the third technique in TREATING PHOBIAS
the OCD protocol should not be included because it canoverstimulate individuals who are already overly active with Two techniques are included here for the treatment of phobias. The first is a relatively simple one and can belearned and practiced quickly, and the second is rather dif- ficult. Note, the one for addictions above is also applicableto the phobias. Again the first three techniques in the OCD Sit in easy pose. Eyes are open and focused on the tip protocol would help increase the ease and benefits for ei- of the nose. The arms are in front of the body and extended slightly to the sides with the palms ups and the hands areat approximately the solar plexus level. The fingertips A meditation for removing haunting thoughts touch the thumb tip in the following order. First touch thelittle finger tip (Mercury finger) to the thumb tip and men- “This meditation can cure phobias, fears, and neuroses.
tally chant sa, then touch the index finger tip (Jupiter fin- It can remove unsettling thoughts from the past that surface ger) to the thumb tip and mentally chant ta, then touch the into the present. And it can take difficult situations in the ring finger tip (Sun finger) to the thumb tip and mentally present and release them. All of this can be done in 40 sec- chant na, then again touch the Jupiter finger tip to the onds!” (Yogi Bhajan, personal communication). In addition, thumb tip and mentally chant ma, then touch the middle this technique is useful for patients with PTSD. There are finger tip (Saturn finger) to the thumb tip and mentally chant wha, then again touch the Mercury finger tip to thethumb tip and mentally chant hay, then open the hands 1. Lower the eyelids until the eyes are only open one-tenth.
completely (no fingers touch) and mentally chant gura. The Start by mentally concentrating on the tip of the nose.
tongue tip is constantly touching the upper palate in the Then silently say wha hay guru in the following man- top center where it is hard and smooth during the entire ner: wha mentally focus on the right eye, hay mentally exercise, the tongue does not move. The breath has a six- focus on the left eye, guru mentally focus on the tip of part broken-breath inhale and one-part exhale, all through the nose only. The six parts of the broken-breath of the in- 2. Remember the encounter or incident that happened to hale correspond to the 6 mental sounds of sa, ta, na, ma, wha, and hay, and the exhale corresponds to the mental 3. Mentally say wha hay guru as in step 1.
sound guru. You mentally hear these sounds with each cor- 4. Visualize and personify the actual feelings of the en- responding segment of the breath. The time for this ex- tremely powerful technique can be anywhere between 11 5. Again repeat wha hay guru as in step 1.
minutes and 31 minutes as a maximum time. It is fine to 6. Reverse the roles in the encounter you are remember- start with less than 11 minutes and most people may have ing. Become the other person and experience that per- to do this in the beginning. Slowly build the time up to 31 minutes. Eventually, try to complete 40 days at 31 min- 7. Again repeat wha hay guru as in step 1.
utes/sitting and marvel at the extraordinary effects. End the 8. Forgive the other person and forgive yourself.
meditation by closing the eyes, inhaling deeply, and 9. Rerepeat wha hay guru as in step 1.
stretching the hands up in the air above the head and shake 10. Let go of the incident and release it to the universe.
the arms and hands and fingers vigorously for about 30–60 An advanced technique for overcoming phobias and also achieving self-mastery and learning to healothers at a distance¶ The learning curve for this technique is relatively longer but worth the effort. This technique is stimulating and pow- Description of technique. Sit in easy pose. Bring your el- erful. The yogic definition of dyslexia is the inability to bows next to the ribs, forearms extended in front of you, process information or sensory feedback. Thus, we are all with the hands in front of the heart, right over left, palms “dyslexic” and what this technique can do for the average up. The hands are approximately 10° higher than the elbows.
person is make their whole brain function at a much higher There is no bend in the wrists, the fingertips to the elbows level of efficiency. This efficiency will only increase with form a straight line. The thumbs are extended out to the sides practice. This technique can help organize all of the majorand minor brain functions. You may not have understoodhow “dyslexic” you are until you learn to do this technique ¶This technique is called Tershula Kriya (Yogi Bhajan, August KUNDALINI YOGA TECHNIQUES
of the hands, the fingertips and palms do not exactly line practice, and then all three techniques from the OCD pro- up, they are slightly offset. The eyes are closed looking at the backs of your eyelids. For the inhale, pull back on thenavel and inhale through the nostrils and hold. Mentally re- Meditation for deep deep relaxation: Yuni Kriya# peat the mantra Har Har Wha Hay Guru as long as you areable to retain the breath. While you are doing this visualize Description of technique. Sit with a straight spine with your hands surrounded by white light. For the exhale, ex- both feet flat on the floor if sitting in a chair. The eyes are hale through the nostrils and as you exhale, visualize light- open and focused on the tip of the nose (to know where this ening shooting out from your finger tips. When you have spot is, take your index finger tip and touch the end of your fully exhaled, pull mulbhand (pull in on the rectum, sex or- nose, this is a spot you cannot actually see, but it is the point gans, and navel), and hold for as long as you can, again men- that you attempt to see; all you actually see is the blurry tally repeating the mantra Har Har Wha Hay Guru. The sides of the nose and anything else that may be in front of you but focus only on the tip. If you make the eyes go cross-eyed, the sides of the nose will appear to balloon up—avoid Comments. It has been suggested that this meditation be this.) The elbows are relaxed against your sides and both done in a cool room or at night when the temperature is hands come up to meet in front of the body at the level of cooler, because it stimulates the Kundalini directly and gen- the solar plexus approximately 1 foot in front of the body.
erates a great deal of heat in the body.
The line that runs along the sides of the little finger andalong the edges of the hand and then up along the sides of The word Tershula relates to the thunderbolt of Shiva, the thumbs touch, hand against hand. The thumbs point up the ultimate deliverer. Tershula can heal everything.
and the little fingers point out away from the body. No other It is a self-healing process. This meditation is for the parts of the hands touch each other except along those lines.
gunas. It brings the three nervous systems together. It The three other fingers (index. middle, and ring are all also gives you the ability to heal at a distance, through grouped together side by side and do not touch the little fin- your touch or through your projection. Many psycho- gers or the thumbs) are pointed out and away from the body logical disorders or imbalances in the personality can and at approximately a 60°-angle to each other forming a be cured through practice of this meditation. It is very cave structure. The breathing pattern should be slow and helpful in getting rid of phobias and especially “father deep—inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth phobia” (Yogi Bhajan, August 1989).
and then inhale through the mouth and exhale through thenose and then in the nose, et cetera, continuing the cycle for11 minutes. However, when inhaling through the mouthonly, purse the lips as in a kiss. In the beginning the hand TREATING SLEEP DISORDERS
posture is a little uncomfortable for most people but in timeit becomes easier to perform. This breath can take you into The majority of sleep disorders result from the stress and a very deep state of relaxation and should only be done right tension of the day and frequently depression can also lead before going to bed or if you have nothing to do for several to insomnia. Here two different meditation techniques are hours afterwards. This technique should not be done for included. The second is known to be efficacious for treat- ing insomnia. However, one caveat of this technique is thatit frequently leads to a worsening of sleep for 2–4 weeks for Meditation for treating insomnia and regulating some patients and thus can be apparently complicating for the disorder in the beginning. Disturbing dreams are fre-quent in the beginning. However, long-term practice leads Description of technique. Sit with a straight spine with to a deep, healthy, and efficient sleep. Thus, the first tech- both feet flat on the floor. Place the hands in the lap, palms nique that does not have this initial impact is best applied up with the right hand over the left. The thumbs pads, last to help build the habit for a deep and restful sleep. Once this joint, touch together and point forward. Focus the eyes on technique (Yuni Kriya) is learned, the individual may then the tip of the nose with the eyelids half closed. The tip of find less disruption from the initial practice of the technique the nose is the point you cannot actually see, but if you use called Shabd Kriya (see below). Here, the first technique in a fingertip to touch the end of the nose, this is where the the OCD protocol would be a very useful adjunct for the eyes are focused. This is not a cross-eyed posture but only practice of either Yuni or Shabd Kriya if practiced right be- begins to mimic it. The sides of the nose will look blurry fore going to bed. However, it is also possible to do both, during the focus, but cross-eyed makes the nose balloon up, or either techniques during the day as a means to gainingbenefit. If the practice of Shabd Kriya is first started duringthe day, it has less negative impact on the initial results from #Taught by Yogi Bhajan on March 27, 1999.
SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA
which is not correct here. Inhale through the nose only in Fontaine R, Chouinard G. Fluoxetine in the long-term treatment of four equal parts, mentally vibrating the mantra sa ta na ma obsessive compulsive disorder. Psychiatr Ann 1989;19:88–91.
(one syllable per part of the 4-part inhale). While holding Goodman WK, McDougle CJ, Price LH. Pharmacotherapy of ob- the breath, mentally vibrate the 4-syllable mantra a total of sessive compulsive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry 1992;53:29–37.
4 times for a total of 16 beats, then exhale through the nose Goodman WK, McDougle CJ, Barr LC, Aronson SC, Price LH.
Biological approaches to treatment-resistant obsessive compul- in 2 equal parts mentally vibrating the mantra “whahay sive disorder. J Clin Psychiatry 1993;54:16–26.
guru,” one word per part or beat. This equals a 22-part, or Goodman WK, Kozak MJ, Liebowitz M, White KL. Treatment of 22-beat cycle. Continue for 11 minutes and work up to 31 obsessive-compulsive disorder with fluvoxamine: A multicen- ter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Intern Clin Psycho-pharmacol 1996;11: 21–9.
Griest JH, Jefferson JW, Rosenfeld R, Gutzmann LD, March JS, Barklage NE. Clomipramine and obsessive-compulsive disor- CONCLUSION
der: A placebo-controlled double-blind study of 32 patients. JClin Psychiatry 1990;51:292–297.
In addition to the techniques listed above, this author has Griest JH, Jefferson JW, Kobak KA, Katzelnick DJ, Serlin RC. Ef- learned different Kundalini yoga meditation techniques for ficacy and tolerability of serotonin transport inhibitors in ob- the following disorders and conditions: abused children, sessive-compulsive disorder. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1995;52:53– adolescents, and adults; anger (chronic, “deep long-lasting variety”); bipolar disorders (one for the manic phase, one Hembree EA, Riggs DS, Kozak MJ, Franklin MR, Foa EB. Long- for the depressed phase, and one to resolve the condition in term efficacy of exposure and ritual prevention therapy and sero- general); chronic fatigue syndrome; impulsive behaviors, tonergic medications for obsessive compulsive disorders. CNS ADD, multiple complex personalities; mental illness in gen- Jenike MA. Psychotherapy of the patient with obsessive compulsive eral; and nightmares. This ancient system also has many personality disorder: In: Jenike MA, L Baer, WE Minichiello, eds.
nondisorder-specific meditation techniques that would also Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: Theory and Management, 2nd be great adjuncts to therapy for psychiatric disorders. Many ed. Chicago: Mosby-Year Book Medical Publishing, Inc., 1990.
techniques would be useful for a variety of disorders. How- Jenike MA. Pharmacologic treatment of obsessive compulsive dis- ever, those that were described above to be disorder-specific orders. Psychiatric Clin North Am 1992;15:895–919.
are the focus of this paper. Many others for depression and Kabat-Zinn J. Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your anxiety have also been taught, but because of space limita- Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. New York: tions only select techniques have been included here.
Khalsa GS. Kundalini Yoga: Guidelines for Sadhana (Daily Prac- tice). Los Angeles, CA: Arcline Publications, 1988:102.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Kobak KA, Griest JH, Jefferson JW, Katzelnick DJ, Henk HJ. Be- havioral versus pharmacological treatments of obsessive com-pulsive disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychopharmacology 1998; Financial support for preparation of this manuscript was funded in part by The Baumgartel DeBeer Family Fund.
Leonard HL, Swedo SE, Lenane MC, Rettew DC, Cheslow DL, Hamburger SD, Rapoport JL. A double-blind substitution dur-ing long-term clomipramine treatment in children and adoles- REFERENCES
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SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA
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