Kundalini awakening is often described as a profound spiritual experience; one that stirs a powerful energy from the base of the spine and elevates it through the chakras, awakening consciousness and catalyzing deep transformation. For those who experience it, the effects can be intense, beautiful, overwhelming, or even disorienting. In this article, we’ll dive into what Kundalini energy is, how the awakening process unfolds, and the physical, emotional, and energetic impacts it can have on the body.

What Is Kundalini?

Kundalini is a Sanskrit word meaning “coiled” or “circular,” often depicted as a serpent resting at the base of the spine. According to yogic and Tantric philosophies, this dormant energy lies coiled within the Muladhara (Root) chakra, awaiting activation. When awakened. through spiritual practice, trauma, or spontaneously. it rises upward through the central channel (Sushumna Nadi), piercing each of the seven chakras and culminating at the Sahasrara (Crown) chakra.

What Triggers Kundalini Awakening?

Kundalini awakening can occur through:

• Meditation and Pranayama: Breath control and stillness can gradually activate energy.
• Tantric practices: Sexual energy, when consciously harnessed, may stir Kundalini.
• Trauma or shock: Life-altering events can trigger spontaneous awakenings.
• Shaktipat: Energy transference from a guru or teacher to initiate the awakening.
• Yoga: Especially Kundalini Yoga, which combines postures, breath, and sound to stimulate energy.

Sometimes, awakenings are intentional and sought after; other times, they erupt unbidden.

Signs & Symptoms of Kundalini Awakening

1. Physical Symptoms

When Kundalini energy rises, it can cause a variety of bodily sensations:

• Tingling or electric currents in the spine and limbs.
• Heat or cold waves, particularly around the spine or chakras.
• Involuntary movements (kriyas) such as shaking, trembling, or spontaneous yoga postures.
• Digestive changes or sudden shifts in appetite.
• Head pressure or headaches, often centered around the crown or third eye.
• Fatigue or insomnia, as the body adjusts to higher energy frequencies.

These sensations may come in waves or cycles, often with periods of rest in between.

2. Emotional & Psychological Shifts

As energy rises, deep emotional and psychological layers begin to purge:

• Unresolved trauma and old emotional wounds may surface for healing.
• Mood swings or periods of euphoria followed by sadness are common.
• Heightened sensitivity to people, environments, and even technology.
• Loss of ego identity or feeling of dissociation as the self transforms.

These experiences can be disorienting but are essential for inner liberation.

3. Energetic & Spiritual Effects

Beyond the physical and emotional, Kundalini awakening deeply influences the subtle body:

• Chakra activation may cause sensations or visions related to specific energy centers.
• Out-of-body experiences or astral projections can occur.
• Psychic gifts, such as heightened intuition or clairvoyance, may emerge.
• Profound bliss states, oneness with nature, and mystical awareness.

At its most elevated, Kundalini awakening leads to self-realization, non-duality, and spiritual enlightenment.

Is Kundalini Dangerous?

Kundalini energy is not inherently dangerous, but premature or forced awakenings without proper preparation can be destabilizing. A person may experience what’s called a Kundalini crisis; marked by confusion, anxiety, physical distress, or psychospiritual overwhelm.

Grounding practices, proper guidance, and support are essential. This may include:

• Restorative yoga or yin practices.
• Nature immersion.
• Trauma-informed therapy.
• Gentle breathing techniques.
• Supportive community or spiritual mentorship.

The Role of Integration

The body, mind, and spirit must integrate the awakened energy to fully benefit from the transformation. This process may take months or years. It requires patience, compassion, and humility as layers of conditioning fall away and a new consciousness takes root.

Circumscribing theKundalini Awakening

Kundalini awakening is not a goal, it is a sacred unfolding. It is less about mystical fireworks and more about coming home to the deepest truth of who you are. When approached with reverence, self-care, and intention, it becomes a journey of liberation, embodiment, and profound healing.

Whether you are curious, preparing, or already moving through the waves of Kundalini energy, know that this path is not linear. It is spiral, sacred, and as unique as the soul experiencing it.

Resources for Further Study:

• “Kundalini: The Evolutionary Energy in Man” by Gopi Krishna
• “Wheels of Life” by Anodea Judith
• “The Biology of Kundalini” by Jana Dixon
• Teachers and lineages such as Swami Sivananda, Sri Ramana Maharshi, or contemporary Kundalini yoga instructors.

Summary

As a Sexologist, I find the topic of Kundalini awakening particularly fascinating because it bridges the often-separated realms of sexuality and spirituality. It reminds us that our sensual and energetic selves are deeply interconnected. Kundalini energy is, at its essence, life force energy; the same energy that fuels our creativity, our sexual vitality, and our capacity for deep connection.

Many of my clients experience spontaneous Kundalini stirrings during moments of intense intimacy, orgasm, or emotional release. When approached consciously, these experiences can be gateways to healing trauma, deepening body awareness, and cultivating embodied pleasure. However, without proper understanding, they can also feel confusing or destabilizing.

This is why it’s so important to integrate somatic wisdom, trauma-informed practices, and compassionate self-inquiry into any exploration of awakened states. If you are experiencing changes in your body, your sexuality, or your emotional landscape as a result of energetic awakening, you are not alone; and there are supportive, grounded ways to navigate it.

Remember: your body is wise. Your energy knows where to go. And your journey, whether gentle or intense, is uniquely yours to honor.

With reverence and joy,

Susie Spades, PhD
Board Certified Sexologist
www.SusieSpades.com