Indians speak of the Kundalini phenomenon as a strong energetic movement. Hermeticism also discusses it, distinguishing between "excited" or exalted mercury and "normal mercury," even using different symbols. In a neuroscientific context, the Kundalini phenomenon can be explored through understanding its effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which are crucial in regulating the body's activation and relaxation responses. Kundalini, described in Indian spiritual traditions, is often associated with an energetic awakening following the simultaneous activation of the energy channels known as Ida and Pingala, which can be correlated with the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems, respectively.
Kundalini awakening is characterized by physical manifestations such as tremors, body shakes, and other intense reactions, suggesting a powerful neurological activation. This process unfolds in three phases: the rise, maintenance, and integration of Kundalini energy, leading to profound psychophysical transformations.
Interestingly, neuroscientific research on meditative practices and non-verbal hypnosis shows parallels with the Kundalini phenomenon. During hypnosis, particularly non-verbal hypnosis which diverges from classic verbal hypnosis, there's an activation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which narrows attention but keeps the posterior attention system, responsible for vigilance, inactive. This creates a dual-effect state: relaxation yet reactivity.
Similarly, meditation simultaneously activates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, generating a state of calm with heightened alertness. This is accompanied by an increase in reward pathway activity, particularly in the hippocampus and amygdala, with elevated dopamine levels, similar to what occurs under hypnosis.
What distinguishes non-verbal hypnosis and meditation from classic verbal hypnosis is the functional coherence between the brain hemispheres. While verbal hypnosis may lead to decreased functional connectivity as one hemisphere gets locked in trying to understand language, meditation and non-verbal hypnosis tend to increase this coherence, both between and within hemispheres, suggesting a deeper neurological integration.
In conclusion, a detailed examination of meditative practices and non-verbal hypnosis provides a neuroscientific framework for understanding Kundalini awakening as a phenomenon involving the simultaneous activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, resulting in a state of "hyperquiescence" that can trigger an intense "energy burst," akin to the Kundalini awakening experience described in spiritual traditions.
Continuing with the analysis of the Kundalini phenomenon from a neuroscientific perspective, let's examine in more detail how the simultaneous activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems can be related to this energetic awakening.
Tremors and Bodily Movements: One of the most evident signs of Kundalini awakening is the tremors and involuntary movements of the body. These can be seen as a physical manifestation of the release of blocked energy. From a neuroscientific standpoint, these tremors can be interpreted as the result of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which induces a release of energy and tension.
Experiences of Profound Transcendence: Experiences of merging with the universe or deep inner peace during Kundalini awakening can be associated with the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. This state contributes to a sense of deep relaxation and can facilitate mystical experiences of connection and unity.
In the practices of meditation and non-verbal hypnosis, the simultaneous activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems can be observed through various phenomena:
Deep Meditative States: During deep meditation, one can experience a sensation of extreme calmness, akin to parasympathetic quiescence, accompanied by intense awareness or vigilance, which is a characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system. This dual activation creates a unique state of active relaxation.
Hypnosis and Energy Flow: In sessions of non-verbal hypnosis, subjects may experience a sensation of energy flow or warmth, suggesting an activation of the sympathetic system, while simultaneously being in a state of deep relaxation, indicative of parasympathetic activation.
ACC Activation and EEG Coherence Changes: Non-verbal hypnosis and meditation show an activation of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which results in increased focus and mental presence. Additionally, changes in EEG brain wave coherence are observed, particularly an increase in gamma coherence, which is associated with higher states of consciousness and neurological integration.
Reward Pathway Response: During Kundalini awakening, as well as in meditative practices, there is an increase in activity in brain areas related to the reward pathway, such as the hippocampus and amygdala. This could explain the profound feelings of joy and well-being that accompany these states.
In conclusion, the Kundalini awakening, as interpreted through meditation and non-verbal hypnosis practices, provides a concrete example of how neuroscience can offer a deeper understanding of spiritual and energetic phenomena, linking subjective experiences to objective neurological processes. This bridge between science and spirituality opens new frontiers in understanding human potential.