The Intersection of Polyvagal Theory, Trauma, and Kundalini Yoga
The Intersection of Polyvagal Theory, Trauma, and Kundalini Yoga
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Issue Date
2024-12-02
Authors
Baker, Leanna
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Abstract
Kundalini Yoga is a prospective approach to treat post-traumatic stress. Traumatic events are highly prevalent globally, necessitating a range of therapeutic interventions. Yoga is a mind-body intervention used in therapeutic settings and as an adjunctive healing method. Polyvagal theory offers a bio-psycho-social framework to understand the impacts of post-traumatic stress through evolutionary adaptations, unconscious perception of environmental cues, and mechanisms for social bonding. Kundalini Yoga is a branch of yoga that uses breathwork, meditation, movement, sound, and pressure points to restore mind-body balance. Some practices in Kundalini Yoga include ethical and moral behavioural teachings that should be considered when applied to clinical practice. This paper aims to assess the potential for using Kundalini Yoga as a therapeutic intervention for post-traumatic stress by connecting the neurophysiological correlates of Kundalini Yoga and polyvagal theory and addressing the ethical and cultural considerations unique to Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini Yoga was found to align with the tenets of polyvagal theory, with both frameworks supporting bodily homeostasis. Kundalini Yoga and its associated practices have proved to be beneficial in treating post-traumatic stress and its symptoms, albeit there were notable gaps in the methodological processes of evaluating Kundalini Yoga. To integrate Kundalini Yoga ethically into therapeutic settings, additional training, personal practice, self-reflection, and consultation are required to navigate ethical and cultural complexities.
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Keywords
Kundalini , yoga , trauma , polyvagal , Polyvagal Theory , intervention
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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess