Kundalini
Kundalini: Dormant spiritual energy depicted as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. When awakened, it rises through all chakras, leading to consciousness expansion.
What is Kundalini?
Kundalini is the spiritual energy that Indian tantra and hatha yoga traditions describe as lying dormant at the base of the spine, in the root chakra. Its Sanskrit name means "the coiled one", so it is usually depicted as a serpent coiled three and a half times. According to the tradition, when awakened it rises through sushumna, the main energy channel along the spine, passes through the chakras in turn and culminates in an expansion of consciousness at the crown chakra. Breathwork (pranayama), meditation, mantra and specific postures are used to support this process. Traditional teaching has kundalini work done slowly with an experienced teacher and warns that intense, hurried practice can bring overwhelming physical and emotional reactions. A common misconception is that awakening is a single moment reached in a few sessions; traditional accounts describe a long process of purification and preparation. You can get a reading on the balance of your chakras with a chakra analysis on Faltastik.
Related Terms
Nadi
Energy channels. It's believed there are 72,000 nadis. The most important: Ida (left/Moon/feminine), Pingala (right/Sun/masculine), and Sushumna (center/chakra line).
Aura
The bioenergetic field surrounding the physical body. Its colors and intensity change according to the person's emotional, physical, and spiritual state. Externally reflects chakra energies.
Prana
Life energy in Indian philosophy. The life force taken through breath and distributed throughout the body. Corresponds to the concept of 'Chi/Qi' in Chinese philosophy.
Chi / Qi
Life energy in Chinese philosophy. The fundamental force flowing in all living beings and the universe. Balanced through acupuncture, tai chi, and qigong practices.
Meridian
Body channels through which Qi energy flows in Chinese medicine. 12 main meridians correspond to organs. Acupuncture points are on these lines.
Chakra Blockage
A condition where energy flow in one or more chakras is blocked. Believed to be the root of physical, emotional, or spiritual issues. Can be caused by trauma, stress, and negative thought patterns.