Official Statement from KYTA regarding Kundalini Yoga and drug usage

January 2021

The Kundalini Yoga Teacher’s Association (KYTA) were saddened to read of the recent death of a young person whereby the coroner’s report stated that her mental health deteriorated following ingestion of Shamanic Hallucinogenic drugs (a plant-based psychoactive substance) and practising Kundalini Yoga; resulting in her deliberately falling to her death, whilst her balance was disturbed.

The coroner has called for Mental Health Professionals to develop a level of awareness to understand Shamanic Hallucinogens, with a clear timetable of action to be set out over the forthcoming months.

It is always a tragedy when someone takes their life and the KYTA committee wishes to express its deepest condolences to the family.

KYTA wishes to remind our community of Kundalini Yoga teachers that we follow the code of teaching ethics as set out by KRI and absolutely do NOT condone the use of drugs, or the mixing of drugs, including alcohol, with Kundalini Yoga as the two do not mix.

KYTA do NOT endorse any Kundalini Yoga teacher who may be running Kundalini Yoga sessions alongside plant medicine ceremonies. This is because mind and mood-altering substances are not to be mixed with the practice of Kundalini Yoga. This has always been the case and everyone who is a Kundalini Yoga Teacher accredited and approved by KRI, has signed up and agreed to this during training. All teachers have signed and are bound to a very high code of ethics and professional standards. All teachers have a responsibility to ensure that this is adhered to.

Teachers also have a responsibility to ensure that anyone who has mental health issues and wishes to attend their classes, first seeks guidance from their doctor before taking part.

KYTA members are KRI certified and all our members are committed to teaching people a safe and systematic approach to understanding, regulating and optimising the experience of Kundalini Yoga as certified by KRI.

Provided a student is in good physical and mental health, and when delivered as accredited by KRI, then Kundalini Yoga remains a safe practice.

Resources for members

Support

If you, or anyone you know, have or has had suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone and do reach out for support. Samaritans is available by phone and by email:
Call 116 123 / Email jo@samaritans.org. | Or you can contact Shout Crisis Text Line by texting SHOUT to 85258.

Support for members

If you feel there is anything further we can do as an association to support you in managing this sensitive area of drug usage and mental health, let us know by emailing info@kundaliniyoga.org.uk

We would also like to reassure you that any views of KYTA are always expressed on the website, via newsletter or their own social media, not through other sources.