What are the symptoms of Kundalini Rising?

Repost from 2015.

What is Kundalini Awakening?

Kundalini awakening, also known as Kundalini rising is simply the awakening of a scared energy. Kundalini awakening is something that may occur in all soul beings as it pertains to our own spiritual ascension process. Kundalini awakening can also occur at different times in life for different people. It's also helpful to note that sometimes, people refer to Kundalini awakening or Kundalini rising as "Kundalini Activation."

What is Kundalini?

What Kundalini means in Hinduism, Kundalini is a form of divine feminine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine, in the muladhara chakra. It is an important concept in Śhaiva Tantra, where it is believed to be a force or power associated with the divine feminine or the formless aspect of the Goddess. While the awakening itself may seem sudden, the transformational process can last years, even decades. 

Those who have experienced a Kundalini awakening have reported physical sensations such as warmth or tingling, disorientation, and some temporary discomfort. 

Because Kundalini is "coiled up" at the root chakra like a snake, it is sometimes referred to as the "serpent energy." The Sanskrit term "Kundali Shakti" translates as "Serpent Power". Kundalini is thought to be an energy released within an individual using specific meditation techniques. It is represented symbolically as a serpent coiled at the base of the spine.

An important aspect of Kundalini awakening is that it's defined as the "waking up" of the sacred energy which lied dormant until the awakening. This energy is located at the base of our spines at the Root Chakra, or maladhara.

Chakras are the energy centers in our physical bodies.

There are 7 Sacred Chakras:

• Root chakra. (muladhara)
• Sacral chakra.
• Solar plexus chakra.
• Heart chakra. 
• Throat chakra. 
• Third eye chakra. 
• Crown chakra.

The Muladhara Chakra is the foundation of the structure of one's physical body. It's located at the base of the spine. The word muladhara is composed of two Sanskrit words: mula meaning “root” and adhara meaning "support" or "base." 

Kundalini awakening is said to be a challenging psychophysical episode, usually arising from prolonged engagement with religious or spiritual practices. As Kundalini yoga awakens this energy, it's supposed to enhance your awareness and help you move past your ego. Sometimes, the practice is also called “yoga of awareness.”

Kundalini awakening is also said to occur when someone practices Kundalini Yoga, or if they engage in physical intimacy with someone whose kundalini is already activated. There are many ways through which to awaken one's kundalini. These ways may include meditation, yoga, tantra, pranayama and connected breathwork. 

The Chakra Cords are believed to exist at the subconscious and unconscious levels versus one's conscious state. The Kundalini awakening is said to happen after having a spiritual awakening and during one's spiritual ascension process. It's said to be an aspect of soul evolution during ascension. 

Some believe that their Kundalini awakening occurs when they're physically intimate with a partner whose kundalini is already awakened. It's also believed that participating in Tantra with someone whose Kundalini is awakened can bring on the Kundalini awakening. Additionally, targeted practices such as Kundalini Yoga, other spiritual practices such as meditation or as previously stated, certain drug use may also bring on a Kundalini awakening.

What Are The Symptoms of Kundalini Awakening?

There are said to many different symptoms of Kundalini awakening, or Kundalini rising. It's believed that the symptoms one may experience related to a Kundalini awakening will be more person-specific versus there being a general consensus.

While most enjoy a positive experience, some have reported experiencing sensations of energy moving through or feeling the energy trapped within certain parts of the body, often involving the chakra centers. The energy can feel comforting but some have reported that the energy feels intensely strong or even jarring, or accompanied by shaking, jerking, or spasms. Others have reported a slight warmth accompanied by tingling, but negative symptoms such as disorientation and temporary discomfort have also been mentioned but most experience Kundalini awakening easily and comfortably. 

Disclaimer: Because Kundalini awakening is a natural process which is related to spiritual ascension, there are no "classes" that are needed, let alone required, in order to comfortably experience your Kundalini awakening. Additionally, many websites list "physical and mental symptoms" to a Kundalini awakening that are actually more indicative of very common medical and mental health conditions which are best treated by a healthcare professional.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Kundalini Awakening:

• An intense connection to The Divine which transcends your ego.
• Slow to rapid ego death / no longer triggered.
• Your level of compassion for humanity greatly increases.
• You find yourself more openminded and non-judgmental.
• Clearly defined desire to be in sync with nature.
• You gain clarity and insight regarding your past experiences.
• Hypersensitivity to environmental stressors.
• Heat, vibrations or energy surge through your body.
• Increased intuition coupled with sensations of connectedness.
• Vivid dreaming or episodes of Lucid dreaming.
• Becoming more centered and grounded.

Disclaimer: Signs & Symptoms Best Discussed With Healthcare Professionals:

• Ongoing sadness, feelings of depression or mental health.
• Unregulated emotions, feeling "fragmented" or broken.
• Visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations.
• Ongoing confusion, the inability to feel "clear headed."
• Physical pain (especially ongoing) as pain is our body's warning sign.
• Chest, shoulder/arm pain, dizziness, signs of a Heart Attack or Stroke 
• Blurry vision, dizziness, numbness or tingling can signal Diabetes or also may signal Heart Attack or Stroke.

The above is only a few health concerns, your health is most important so if you are struggling with mental health or substances click here to see resources or to get immediate help dial:1-800-662-HELP (4357) 

If you need medical attention please contact your healthcare provider or dial 911 (or 999 for UK) or go to your nearest emergency department.

How Do You Awaken Your Kundalini?

While many have stated that spiritual practices are common ways to have a Kundalini awakening, others practice Kundalini Yoga or vigorous dance. Practicing Tantra is another way to awaken your Kundalini. Exercise is another popular method through which to awaken your Kundalini. When you combine exercise with breath work, it's said that doing this can sometimes lead to a Kundalini awakening as well. Energy work is another commonly noted practice, with the most widely appreciated being the practice of meditation. It's also said that the daily practice of Gratitude is also a commonly used method, often combined with the above in order to help bring on a Kundalini awakening.

The Benefits of a Kundalini Awakening

While it is said that no one has control over when or how they will have a Kundalini awakening, many people like to try different ways to awaken their Kundalini because it has many benefits. 

Suffice it to say the experience of Kundalini awakening or Kundalini rising (also sometimes referred to as Kundalini activation) can be an incredible experience. Some have stated that after awakening their Kundalini, their transformational process lasts many years. Those who have experienced their Kundalini awakening have often described the process as an "intense, spiritual upgrade." 

Those who have experienced a Kundalini awakening have described their Kundalini awakening as a sensation that their minds, bodies and their spirits going through a major shift toward happiness and a general kind of compilation of compassion, understanding and empathy for humanity.

Have you ever experienced a Kundalini awakening?