The Dual Nature of Kundalini Awakening:

Embracing the Good and Overcoming the Challenges

Oct 15, 2024

Kundalini awakening is a profound spiritual experience that can lead to significant personal transformation, offering an opportunity for deep healing and spiritual growth. However, the journey can be complex, especially for those of us navigating intense life’s challenges. As the Kundalini energy rises through the body, it sometimes blurs the lines between spiritual awakening and psychological distress, which is something I’ve encountered in my work with clients.

Kundalini energy is often symbolised as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. When awakened, it rises through the chakras, or energy centres, leading to shifts in awareness and consciousness. This energy is potent, and understanding its effects both physically and spiritually is essential for anyone experiencing it. Many people have found that practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork can assist in this process.

Early Mentions and Foundational Texts

The concept of Kundalini is ancient, with its origins rooted in the spiritual traditions of India. The earliest references to Kundalini can be found in the Upanishads, ancient Sanskrit texts that form part of the Vedic literature. These texts, which date back thousands of years, describe Kundalini as a form of divine energy, symbolised as a coiled serpent lying dormant at the base of the spine.

The Yoga-Kundalini Upanishad and other Upanishads like the Shvetashvatara Upanishad mention the concept of Kundalini and its connection to spiritual enlightenment. These texts discuss the awakening of this energy and its role in leading individuals toward liberation (moksha - the sanskrit term).

Kundalini is central to the teachings of Tantra, a spiritual practice that focuses on the union of opposites, such as the merging of the divine masculine and feminine energies. Tantric texts describe the Kundalini energy as the goddess Shakti, representing the creative life force, which lies coiled at the base of the spine and ascends through the body’s chakras to unite with Shiva, representing pure consciousness.

There was also Patanjali, the sage who created the eight-limbed path of yoga (Ashtanga Yoga), and his writings on meditation, concentration, and enlightenment form the foundation of many practices now used to awaken the energy.

Western Interest

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the understanding of Kundalini spread to the West, where it became a subject of interest for scholars and spiritual practitioners. Several key figures played an important role in bringing Kundalini to the more modern world:

In the late 19th century, Swami Vivekananda introduced the concept of Kundalini to the West through his lectures and writings. He explained it as a spiritual energy, discussing its significance in Raja Yoga and how its awakening could lead to higher states of consciousness.

A British scholar and lawyer, Woodroffe is often credited with popularising Kundalini in the early 20th century. Writing under the pseudonym Arthur Avalon, his book *The Serpent Power* (1919) was one of the first detailed translations of important Tantric texts on Kundalini and chakra systems, offering the Western world an academic and experiential approach to understanding this mystical energy.

The famous Swiss psychologist Carl Jung also explored Kundalini within the context of his studies on the unconscious mind and spiritual awakening. Jung gave lectures on Kundalini Yoga in the 1930s, where he viewed the awakening of Kundalini as a metaphor for personal transformation, integrating the spiritual and psychological aspects of the self.

In the late 20th century, Yogi Bhajan brought the practice of Kundalini Yoga to the West, emphasising it as a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. Yogi Bhajan introduced a systematic approach to awakening Kundalini through a combination of breathwork, mantra, meditation, and specific postures, making Kundalini Yoga accessible to Western audiences.

These contributions helped bridge the gap between Eastern mysticism and Western thought, allowing Kundalini to become a subject of global spiritual interest.

Neurological Evidence of Kundalini Awakening

The neurological changes during Kundalini awakening are starting to be understood, though much research is still needed. Scientists exploring altered states of consciousness suggest that Kundalini awakening may stimulate activity in parts of the brain linked to self-awareness, perception, and higher consciousness, such as the prefrontal cortex and parietal lobes. It’s thought that practices like meditation and Kundalini Yoga may affect the brain’s default mode network (DMN)—a set of brain regions linked to mind-wandering and self-referential thinking. Reducing DMN activity is associated with states of mindfulness and ego dissolution, which many people report during Kundalini experiences.

Studies have suggested that meditative practices, such as those used to trigger Kundalini, may increase gamma wave activity in the brain, which is often linked to heightened states of consciousness. These changes may also correlate with the subjective experience of energetic sensations rising up the spine, sometimes accompanied by physical vibrations or heat in the body. For many, this is not just a spiritual awakening but a physiological process that rewires the nervous system.

During a Kundalini awakening, the endocrine system undergoes significant changes, as the energy centres of the body, known as chakras, are closely related to various glands in the endocrine system. As Kundalini energy rises through the body, it stimulates these glands, potentially leading to both physical and spiritual shifts.

One of the primary areas impacted is the pineal and pituitary glands, which are associated with the crown and third eye chakras. The pineal gland regulates melatonin production, influencing sleep and circadian rhythms, while the pituitary gland is known as the "master gland" due to its control over other endocrine functions. During a Kundalini awakening, many people report sensations of energy or pressure in the head, a sense of heightened intuition, or a deeper spiritual connection. This can lead to shifts in perception, enhanced awareness, and even changes in sleep patterns or sensitivity to light as these glands become activated.

The thyroid and parathyroid glands, linked to the throat chakra, are also affected during Kundalini awakening. These glands regulate metabolism and calcium balance, and stimulation of this area can bring about physical sensations in the throat, sometimes referred to as a "Kundalini cough." It can also manifest as a desire for more authentic self-expression, with many people experiencing a stronger urge to communicate their truth and become more creative. The activation of this chakra often leads to improved communication skills and enhanced creativity.

Another significant area of impact is the adrenal glands, which are connected to the solar plexus chakra. These glands control the body’s fight-or-flight response and manage stress. As Kundalini energy moves through the solar plexus, it can trigger anxiety, fear, or sudden bursts of energy, as the adrenal glands adjust to the surge. While this can be intense initially, over time, this activation can lead to a greater sense of personal empowerment, increased confidence, and better emotional regulation.

The **pancreas**, associated with the **sacral chakra**, is also influenced during the Kundalini process. This gland controls insulin and blood sugar regulation. The sacral chakra governs creativity, emotions, and pleasure, so when Kundalini energy passes through this center, individuals may experience emotional upheavals, heightened creativity, and emotional releases. This can also lead to physical changes, such as shifts in appetite or cravings, as the body adapts to the new flow of energy.

The gonads (testes or ovaries), linked to both the root and sacral chakras, also undergo changes during Kundalini awakening. These glands are responsible for sexual and reproductive hormones, and their stimulation during the process can heighten sensations of sexual energy. However, in the context of Kundalini, this energy is often more than just physical; it is part of the life force energy rising through the body. Some people may experience increased libido, while others may transmute this energy into creative or spiritual pursuits as they integrate the awakened energy into higher consciousness.

Finally, the thymus gland, which plays a key role in the immune system, is connected to the heart chakra. As Kundalini energy reaches this centre, it often brings about deep emotional healing and a heightened sense of compassion and love. Many individuals report feeling more open-hearted and connected to others, experiencing sensations of warmth or expansion in the chest. This activation can also improve immune function and foster a greater sense of emotional balance.

Kundalini Yoga: Triggering the Awakening Through Poses

In my practice, I’ve seen firsthand how certain yoga poses can support the flow of Kundalini energy. Kundalini Yoga, in particular, is designed to awaken this energy intentionally, combining postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), meditation, and chanting (mantras) to stimulate the flow of energy through the body.

Some key asanas that can encourage this awakening include:

Spinal Flex (Cat-Cow Pose, Bitilasana Marjaryasana): This posture gently awakens the spine and stimulates energy flow, allowing the movement of Kundalini energy through the chakras.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): This asana helps open the heart chakra and encourages the upward flow of energy.

Ego Eradicator: A pranayama practice paired with arm movements that opens up the lungs and expands awareness, often used early in Kundalini Yoga sequences to clear energy blockages.

These poses, combined with breath of fire (a rapid, rhythmic breathing technique), activate the nervous system and facilitate energy movement.

Triggers for Kundalini Awakening

Kundalini awakening can be triggered by various practices, but it’s important to recognise that the body and mind must be prepared for the energy. I’ve noticed that certain life events, such as trauma or significant transitions, can act as unexpected catalysts for Kundalini energy. This has been the case for several clients, where the energy surfaced following periods of deep emotional work.

Trauma in particular can leave the body in a heightened state of arousal, which, when healed, sometimes activates dormant Kundalini energy. For some, this is a natural progression, while others may choose to engage in intentionally triggering the awakening through Kundalini Yoga, breathwork, or meditation practices.

The Positive Side of Kundalini Awakening

For those who persevere through the challenges, the benefits of Kundalini awakening are profound. Many of my clients have reported deep emotional releases, heightened states of creativity, and new levels of self-awareness after undergoing the process. In fact, studies on meditation have shown that these practices can help reorganise neural pathways, which can lead to enhanced emotional resilience and greater peace of mind.

For me, personally, the most rewarding aspect has been the deepened sense of connection to myself and the world. A sense of connectedness. Many women I’ve worked with, especially those recovering from trauma, describe a similar experience of empowerment and clarity, which allows them to reclaim their personal power as they feel the energy within rather than reacting to what the world is throwing at them.

Challenges of Kundalini Awakening

Despite the incredible potential for growth, the psychological effects of Kundalini awakening can be equally challenging. The intensity of the energy often brings unresolved emotional patterns to the surface. Some of my clients have experienced anxiety, fear, or confusion during their awakening, often mistaking these symptoms for something more alarming and some having been labelled with “psychosis”.

The nervous system plays a significant role here, as Kundalini energy activates the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, leading to heightened states of arousal. Without proper grounding, this can feel unsettling. It’s important to differentiate between the temporary emotional upheavals caused by spiritual growth and genuine psychological distress, but this is not always easy to do for the person experiencing this or professionals who are less aware of energy based practice and wider spirituality.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

To navigate these challenges, I encourage my clients to use grounding strategies that support both the mind and body. Mindfulness practices, such as body scanning and breathwork (but not fast breathing if we are trying to move to a rest and digest state) , can help anchor the energy. One of my clients found solace in practicing yoga regularly, using poses such as Child’s Pose to release pent-up energy and find balance during moments of intensity.

Breathing through the right nostril, also known as "surya bhedana" or "sun activating" breath, activates the sympathetic nervous system. The right nostril is linked to Pingala Nadi, which is associated with masculine energy, heat, and dynamism. Breathing through the right nostril can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels, and put the body into an alert state.

Breathing primarily through the left nostril activates Ida Nadi (a technique known as 'chandra bhedana' or 'moon activating' breath). It is a feminine energy. It also activates the parasympathetic or 'rest and digest' part of the nervous system. This lowers blood pressure and body temperature, calms stress levels and reduces anxiety.

Personally, journalling and spending time in nature have been incredibly helpful for me. These practices allow the body and mind to recalibrate, fostering a sense of peace amidst the emotional highs and lows of the awakening.

Embracing Support and Resources

For anyone undergoing a Kundalini awakening, seeking support is crucial. Whether through a spiritual emergence coach, a therapist familiar with the process, or a community of like-minded individuals, having guidance during this transformative journey can make all the difference.

Incorporating Kundalini Yoga into my practice has also helped many of my clients manage the physical and emotional impacts of their awakening. The structured combination of breath, movement, and meditation provides a framework to help channel the energy productively.

Balancing Spiritual and Neurological Health

Balancing the neurological and physical changes of Kundalini awakening with spiritual growth is key to a healthy transformation. In learning to manage the nervous system’s responses, we can promote not just spiritual growth but neurological health. Regular self-care practices, such as regenerative sleep, healthy nutrition, and connecting with others, also support this balance, ensuring that the nervous system remains resilient throughout the process.

By understanding both the spiritual and scientific aspects of Kundalini, we can embrace awakenings with greater awareness, integrating the energy into our lives with resilience and acceptance.

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