Have you ever been captivated by the way women in the East move, dress and carry themselves? If so, here is a practice worth knowing about: Kaoshikii (also written Kaushiki), an Indian yogic dance. It can be done in a group under a teacher’s guidance, and later at home.
What Is Kaoshikii
Kaoshikii is a spiritual dance exercise that practitioners say works on the body from head to toe and changes the way one sees the world. The practice was introduced in the 1970s by the Indian guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurti, known as Baba.
According to one version of the story, many women asked Baba to create a dance for them, as a counterpart to the men’s practice of Tandava. The name comes from the Sanskrit word kosha, a layer of the mind or the inner self.
In the philosophy of this practice, Kaoshikii is meant to support the development of a strong and sharp mind. That is why it can be seen both as a cardio exercise and as a psycho-spiritual practice.
What Practitioners Say About the Benefits
In the tradition, Baba described a number of effects on:
- the central and peripheral nervous system;
- the endocrine system;
- the bones and joints;
- the digestive system;
- the urinary and reproductive systems.
Practitioners also report that regular practice can:
- lift the mood and help with stress and nervous tension;
- bring a feeling of energy and vitality;
- support sleep;
- build self-confidence;
- support general fitness and a healthy weight, as with any rhythmic movement.
Please note that these are claims from the yogic tradition and from practitioners’ experience. There is little scientific research on Kaoshikii itself, and it is not a treatment for insomnia, anxiety, depression, hormonal or any other medical conditions. If you struggle with these, please see a doctor.
Some teachers recommend gentle practice during pregnancy, around the menstrual cycle, and for people recovering from illness or with arthritis. In all these cases, talk to your doctor and a qualified teacher before you start.
Contraindications and Precautions
Age and general health matter. Ask your doctor first, and do not practice if you have:
- serious heart disease or a heart defect;
- high or low blood pressure;
- a raised body temperature;
- pain while dancing;
- a flare-up of a chronic condition.
How to Learn It
Kaoshikii has its own movements and rhythm, so it is best learned in person from an instructor who is trained in the tradition. A teacher can show you the sequence, adjust your posture and help you avoid strain. Practice on a flat, non-slip surface, wear comfortable clothes, and stop at any sign of pain or dizziness.
If you want a calm start to your practice, take a look at yoga before bed or our guide on where to start with yoga.
