Kundalini - Psychosis or Transcendence?

For thousands of years, from the ancient Vedas onward, this process has been described. Until recently, it was confined within distant cultures, esoteric traditions, and a few isolated individuals. Accounts of Kundalini awakening have usually been highly personal and often permeated with vague mysticism and strange mythology. As a result, the accounts were not taken seriously and no systematic comparison of the reports from different traditions was possible. Also, many of these traditions claimed divine revelation and absolute truth. Consequently professionals have remained confused, skeptical and suspicious.

A man is seated alone in a dimly-lit room, his body wracked by muscular spasms. Waves of indescribable sensations and sharp pains surge through his feet, legs, back, and neck. His skull feels as though it might rupture, while inside his head, he hears roaring sounds and high-pitched whistling. Suddenly, a burst of light floods his being, causing his hands to burn and his body to feel as though it is tearing apart. Despite this, he bursts into laughter and is overcome with a sense of profound bliss.

While this may appear to be a psychotic episode, it is, in fact, a psycho-physiological transformation - a natural rebirth process that is comparable to physical birth. The symptoms may appear pathological, but they are only misunderstood when viewed in isolation from the outcome: a person who has achieved a spiritual maturity or enlightenment.

When this process is allowed to run its course, it ultimately leads to a deep sense of psychological balance, strength, and maturity. However, the initial stages of the process can often be marked by violence, helplessness, and a lack of balance - much like the start of human infancy.

Kundalini is a powerful spiritual force that is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts dating back to the 12th century. The term derives from Sanskrit and means "circular" or "annular" and is also used as a noun for "snake" (in the sense of "coiled"). Kundalini is described as a coiled power, a universal force that is non-physical in nature and usually rests at the base of the spine in humans. In Tantric tradition, Kundalini translates as "she who is coiled shaped". When awakened suddenly or triggered unintentionally, Kundalini can create intense psychological and biochemical reactions, possibly resulting in schizoid or even psychotic episodes.

To achieve a blissful alchemy of past, present, and future energies, the ingredients need to be brewed with loving awareness, surrender, and discipline. However, even with these essential elements present, years of meditation, breath-work, and fasting, Kundalini activation can still lead to a split psyche or a very unpleasant experience.

It is important to examine ones personal life circumstances and psychological preconditions before attempting Kundalini activation. With the casual consumption of psychedelic mushrooms, ketamine, MDMA, LSD and other psychoactive substances, often accompanied by the common lack of personal direction in life, it is easy to open the perceptual Pandora's box and get stuck in a dimension that feels incredibly overwhelming.

Personal childhood experiences and sensitivity to physical, emotional, and energetic stimuli can also impact Kundalini activation. For example, growing up in a chaotic environment with exposure to spiritual experiences can affect one's ability to remain in the body, due to dissociation. Kundalini activation may not be abrupt or disturbing but can lead to the unearthing of memories and trauma that may require therapy to heal properly.

Meditation, mindfulness, and pranayama alone will not help one heal from trauma. It is important to create a proper internal and external environment that supports mental and spiritual health. Diet and environment play a vital role in this process as we live in an environment full of hormonal disruptors and heavily processed diets. It takes time to learn about what you need and consciously prepare your body-mind-spirit for the spiritual awakening. Holistic practitioners trained in guiding the person into a safe space of personal unity with the divine within, through a variety of techniques including hypnosis and regression therapy, somatic experiencing and visual guidance will help you create the inner environment needed for this kind of initiation. If you are yearning for the feeling of bliss and full body ecstasy, it is all universally attainable, with a proper guidance and supportive presence.

Have you attempted Kundalini activation on your own?

There are a variety of physical and psychological signs that may accompany a Kundalini awakening, although not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Some common signs include:

Physical Signs:

• Tingling, numbness, or warmth in the body

• Muscle spasms or twitches

• Energy surges or rushes through the body

• Feeling of heat or coldness

• Changes in breathing patterns

• Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or touch

• Intense emotions, such as fear, joy, or sadness

• Vibrations or tremors in the body

Psychological Signs:

• Intense feelings of joy, love, or bliss

• Heightened states of awareness or consciousness

• Enhanced creativity or intuition

• Increased empathy or compassion

• Expanded sense of self or interconnectedness with all things

• Sense of oneness or unity with the universe

• Enhanced psychic abilities or intuition

• Increased mental clarity and focus

It's important to note that a Kundalini awakening can be a powerful and transformative experience, but it can also be overwhelming and disruptive if not properly managed. Seek the guidance of a trained spiritual teacher or therapist if you are experiencing a Kundalini awakening to ensure that you are able to integrate and make sense of your experiences in a healthy and safe way.