THE JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
Volume 13, Number 10, 2007, p. 1157
© Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
DOI: 10.1089/acm.2007.0684
BOOK REVIEW
Kundalini Yoga Meditation: Techniques Specific for Psychiatric
Disorders, Couples Therapy, and Personal Growth
DAVID SHANNAHOFF-KHALSA
New York. W.W. Norton & Company, 2006, 369 pages, ISBN
13-978-00-393-70475-4; $39.95 hardcover
I n times such as these, when more and more people are
being offered medication for the expanding list of psy-
chiatric disorders and general dis-ease with modern living,
Kundalini Yoga Meditation is a refreshing, long-awaited
complement to such an approach, and at least with obses-
sive-compulsive disorder, is evidence-based to work where
other therapies have failed. David Shannahoff-Khalsa is a
prolific scientist, author, teacher, and therapist, who presents
courses on this topic for the American Psychiatric Associa-
tion. He has utilized state-of-the-art brain imaging instru-
mentation, whole-head 148-channel magnetoencephalogra-
phy, to explore the scientific basis of some of the techniques
employed in the ancient discipline of Kundalini Yoga (KY).
The book starts and finishes by detailing some of the fas-
cinating studies that corroborate the principles and techniques
in this system. In particular, Shannahoff-Khalsa and his col-
laborators have studied the ultradian rhythm called the nasal
cycle, an alternating, relatively short cycle in which one nos-
tril is relatively clear compared with the other, more congested
nostril. This key mind–body rhythm, which, on average, has
a cycle length of 2–3 hours, correlates with sympathetic ver-
sus parasympathetic dominance on each side of the body, and
has been shown to be tightly coupled to rhythmic changes in
the major bodily systems. Moreover, Shannahoff-Khalsa has
demonstrated that the nasal cycle is a marker for alternating
cerebral hemispheric dominance during wakefulness and
sleep, and that this cycle can be altered through KY to pro-
duce changes in psychophysiologic states.
The scientific evidence provides fascinating background and
supports claims for such techniques by KY practitioners, but
the main substance of the book is a well-organized compre-
hensive manual of KY techniques, which includes at least 60
different meditation techniques, and eight protocols specific for
various psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive
disorder, acute stress disorder, major depressive disorder, bipo-
lar disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity and comorbid dis-
1157
orders, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, addictive
impulse control and eating disorders, and chronic fatigue syn-
drome. The book also covers the use of these techniques for
personal growth, and has 12 different techniques called Venus
Kriya meditations specific for couples therapy. Each chapter
starts with a detailed review of the current literature on the con-
dition and concludes with case histories. The substance of each
chapter is a full multitechnique KY protocol for a specific dis-
order. Some chapters also include single techniques specific for
disorders (e.g., phobias, dyslexia, nightmares) or for purposes
such as super-efficient sleep. Chapters are cross-referenced
well, with suggestions given for combining techniques to cre-
ate individual programs.
The book may be useful for anyone seeking to utilize such
approaches to treat ill-health and improve well-being and could
well interest clinicians working with patients whose conditions
have been refractory to other treatments. That said, some KY
techniques can seem daunting at first, especially when deliv-
ered in written format. However, Shannahoff-Khalsa gives ex-
cellent descriptions and many images to support the ease of
adopting the techniques. I have found that careful reading and
sometimes rereading is sufficient to learn a technique. Such
techniques can have powerful, beneficial effects, but ongoing
practice requires commitment of time and a willingness to per-
severe. That said, in my experience, techniques such as yoga,
but not necessarily medication, do have the added benefit of
creating a positive spiral of health, so practice promotes prac-
tice. For people wanting to utilize this book but who find it in-
sufficient or difficult to utilize (e.g., because of attentional prob-
lems), then I would suggest a KY class or a visit to a KY
therapist, who can give individualized advice.
Address reprint requests to:
Kelly Morris, B.A., M.B., B.Chir.
12 Thornleigh Road
Bristol BS7 8PH
United Kingdom
E-mail: vital@dircon.co.uk