How Kundalini Regulates Your Glands and Metabolism
Our culture has a dysmorphic fixation on the physical body in comparison to the other more subtle, but just as real, parts of us. In fact, the whole wellness space, a multibillion dollar industry, one that I am an entrepreneur in, has been built in many ways on this fixation.
The positive side of our societally compulsive self-referencing — who we are, our value to society, and concurrently how we feel about ourselves — is that ultimately there is a move towards healthier ways of living, eating, and being in the world. And I am certainly a big fan of whatever gets you in the door. It really doesn’t matter how you get there, if you end up stumbling on some skill set or practice that makes you feel better. If you feel better, you will act better as a human being, co-worker, friend, parent or lover.
The negative side of this hyper-critical and pressurized referencing to the shape and weight of our bag of bones is that we have collective amnesia on the vastness of who we really are, our capacity, beauty, strength, and intelligence. So this has become another place where our worth is tied to something external and therefore causes misunderstanding, struggle, comparison and unhappiness.
Metabolism has become certainly a buzzword in the sea of billboards, side-bar ads, YouTube pre-roll commercials, Instagram feeds, and magazines — all broadcasting certain standards of physical beauty. To be fair, the most recent Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition was a testament to some crack in the shell of a very narrow archetypal range being represented in the media. Ashley Graham, body activist, model, designer and entrepreneur has taken the fashion industry by a storm with her #beautybeyondsize hashtag and some would say, body positive advocacy.
It’s an interesting time in the realm of body positivity, because as much as I respect and honor a woman like Ashley’s incredible bravery, we are still stuck in the realm of body, youth and sex fixation. But at least the spectrum of media created images are expanding — and this will, in my opinion, have major ripples in the future of how a woman’s body particularly is represented in the public space.
We are in a time on the planet where everyone ultimately is looking for ways to feel better. The pressure of our current social, technological, work and financial duties alone are more than they have ever been before in history as we know it. And I have personally seen since the economic crash of 2008, the wellness industry grow out of the ashes of some version of the realization — “all of my money, my retirement fund, my home could go away literally overnight and what then do I have? I have my health, my relationships, and my family.”
This collective realization began a dawning shift in consciousness that has created an even deeper collective desire to be healthy.
We all want to live in our bodies with energy and vitality.
We want to be free and unencumbered from weight — emotional, physical, and mental — that we know doesn’t belong. We all want vibrancy no matter where we are in our chronology.
The way the media has capitalized on this desire is by latching it to metabolism. And indeed your physiological metabolic rate does play a role in the experience of vivacity in your body. However, there’s been a longstanding misdirection about what metabolism actually means.
Your metabolism is how you process and use energy in your system. Now, this does mean the rate at which you burn food (or fat) for energy and how you use or circulate it. But it also refers to any kind of energy your system uses. Energies like Pranic energy or Radiant Body energy. There has even been new studies proving that the more dense physical metabolic rates are mysteriously affected by our happiness, pleasure, relaxation and positivity towards ourselves and our food.
In Kundalini Yoga, we break down human embodiment into 10 layers. Your physical, flesh and bone body is actually just 1/10th of your total being. You have nine other bodies. And these bodies run on energy – which means they also have metabolisms.
THE 10-BODY METABOLIC BALANCE
It’s important to have this broader understanding of your 10-body metabolic balance because how you use energy on these layers has a direct impact on your physical metabolism (and wellness, overall fitness and even aging velocity)!
For instance, your Praanic Body is where you hold, process and stream your “life-force” energy. When you use too much life-force on something that doesn’t need it, or you are having a hard time letting something emotional go, this can eat up your energy that would be going to healthy processes in your system. And on the other side of the coin, you don’t properly use enough of your life-force on a project that does require it – the result is stress.
Stress in the system throws off your biological energy usage. Stress triggers the production of adrenaline and cortisol in the body. Adrenaline gives you a quick spike to deal with fight or flight situations in the moment. However, cortisol attempts to support your energy levels in a more long term way.
Cortisol increases your appetite, so that you have sugar to burn in extreme situations. It also increases your fat storage rate, so that you have oil to burn as well. Which is great if you are actually facing real, fight or flight situations on a consistent bases. The body is so elegantly designed.
But if your stress is triggered by a mismanagement of praana – more fat isn’t going to help you. Only more praana and what I would call praanic intelligence will.
This is why having a 10-body, holistic grasp on the metabolism is so crucial. Because you could be putting on weight, working out like crazy and nothing is moving. So you think, “Oh, I must need to workout more.” But it’s not about calorie burn. It’s about praanic burn. So what you need is a pranayam to adjust your praanic output and the deep glandular secretions that rule metabolic functions in the physical body.
One thing I love about Kundalini yoga is that works on all 10-bodies every time your practice. Each Kundalini yoga set balances, amplifies and enhances energy usage of all 10 layers of being – physical, praanic and otherwise. That’s why it always is funny when people call Kundalini yoga the “breathing yoga”—both because I hope that ALL YOGA is the breathing yoga, and if you do one of these quick and efficient exercises you will experience first hand that you’re doing so much more than just breathing.
That said, one thing that makes Kundalini yoga so special is that it is brimming with countless unique and potent pranayams. The Kundalini Metabolic Booster Set I give at the end of this article contains within it several of the most effective breath techniques to reset your glandular secretions and metabolic rates. I’ve seen avid practitioners of this 9 minute set lose 10-20 lbs over several months of practice all due to the rebalancing of their whole 10 Body system.
It not only adjusts your bodies ability to replenish energy stores and release waste hormones and fat build up, but also restores physical body glandular balance, makes you feel calm and triggers powerful, deep anti-aging. It’s fast, powerful and effective.
GLAND, BIOLOGY, BEAUTY, YOUTH AND METABOLISM
Having this 10-body perspective on the metabolism will change your entire existence and amplify your ability to enjoy life in a whole new way. However, your physical body (and your physical metabolism) count too! Your digestive metabolism, I would say, has the most tangible effect on how you enjoy your body and experience your day.
When you have a low metabolism, you just feel off, it affects your emotional spectrum. This is partly due to not having the energy to meet the day or to regulate your biological being in a way that leaves you clean, clear and with vibrancy.
That said, when the metabolism is too high, you feel jittery. You can’t relax. There’s a constant kind of nervous energy that you may not register, but it makes harder for you to find neutral.
That’s why we have to get smarter about how we adjust our biological metabolism, and be armed with the skills to know how.
When you practice Kundalini yoga you are working with a system that is adaptogenic. That means that the yoga adjusts the energy use in your body so that your system balances itself intrinsically and moment to moment. If you have a lot to burn off – Kundalini yoga will boost your metabolic rate and help you clear out any stagnancy and build up in the body. However, the yoga sets up a self-regulating energy intelligence.
Which means when it’s time to relax and rejuvenate, your metabolism will slow to an appropriate rate so that you have access to the most still parts of yourself. This clarity is important to a successful life and is the doorway to meditative experience—both in meditation and in the throws of your busy day.
The yogic “tech”, as I like to call it, behind this adaptogenic energy management is how Kundalini yoga works on and with the glands.
HOW KUNDALINI WORKS WITH THE GLANDS
The glands are the keepers of youth and beauty.
They affect your emotions, aging rate, immunity and, of course, your metabolism. When you adjust your glands using sophisticated yogic techniques, you trigger an immediate and long term experience of health and vitality.
In the metabolic realm, your pituitary and thyroid gland are most involved. The thyroid gland produces hormones triggered by the proper secretion of the pituitary that regulate cellular energy usage. When the thyroid is underactive, your metabolism is sluggish. You’re tired and you have excess weight that just keeps you down. When the thyroid is overactive- you could be burning too much energy at an unsustainable rate. This is what leads to burnout.
Thyroid issues are an epidemic right now. And while the Western medical method has made some advances – have you or anyone you know actually recovered from thyroid disorder using Western medicine alone? Let’s be real. You need a more biologically advanced, and energetically activated way to trigger metabolic vivacity.
All three parts of the Metabolic Booster Set below powerfully adjust the pituitary/thyroid communication and secretion. They do so by stretching and compressing through the neck and thyroid area, simultaneously adjusting the correlative glands in the body, and activating your pituitary gland through your breath and eye focus.
In medical science, the pituitary gland is called the “master gland.” It commands the heath and secretion rate of all other glands in the body. So the thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, hypothalamus, and ovaries (or testes) all change based on the secretions of the pituitary gland. So when you balance the pituitary gland, you put yourself into a very deep embodied space of well-being. This is true power available to you through a very small commitment of time and energy!
KUNDALINI METABOLIC BOOSTER SET
(aka MASTER SET NO. 1)
Try the poses below and practice each step for equal amounts of time.
BABY POSE
Come sitting in baby pose, arms by your side and palms facing up. Keeping the chest on the thighs, lift only the head off the ground and begin a breath of fire. Lift the face up so that you are stretching your thyroid. Continue for 1 ½ – 3 minutes.
LIE ON BACK WITH CHIN TUCKED
Staying in the heels, if possible, come slowly rolling up and lie down onto your back. Open up the front part of your body and begin the breath of fire. Keep the chin tucked, back of the neck straight, so that the thyroid is getting triggered here through compression. Continue for 1 ½ – 3 minutes.
SQUAT
Come slowly out of the posture and then come into this squat variation. Bring your legs out wide, and then squat so that your thighs are parallel to the ground. Take your arms inside of the legs and then grasp the heels from the inside. Come onto the tippy-toes. Lift the torso as much as you can. Stick the tongue out of the mouth and being a breath of fire through the mouth. Breath from the depth of the lungs but also clear the throat and thyroid area with the breath Continue 1 ½ – 3 minutes.
BREATHE AND RELAX
Inhale, exhale and relax.
About the Author
What Is Kundalini Awakening and What Are Its Symptoms?
Kundalini is a spiritual energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine, waiting to be activated. Its awakening can induce a series of symptoms that affect the body, mind, and spirit, providing a comprehensive transformational experience. In this article, we explore how kundalini awakening manifests and the signs that indicate its activation.
Table of Contents
- What Is Kundalini Energy?
- What Does It Mean to Awaken the Kundalini?
- 10 Symptoms of Kundalini Awakening
- Sensations of Energy in the Spine
- Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Increased Emotional Sensitivity
- Physical Pains and Tensions
- Heightened Intuition and Spiritual Perception
- Renewed Sense of Purpose and Destiny
- Changes in Sexuality
- Feelings of Joy and Unconditional Love
- Perception of Inner Lights and Colors
- Episodes of Mental Clarity and Spiritual Vision
- What Are the Dangers of Awakening the Kundalini?
- How to Safely Activate the Kundalini
What Is Kundalini Energy?
Kundalini energy is a spiritual force located at the base of the spine, often represented as a coiled serpent. In the traditions of yoga and tantra, this energy is seen as the essence of divine consciousness, connecting the physical body with the spiritual universe. This latent energy is vital for overall well-being and, when it flows properly, can harmonize the body and mind, promoting health and inner balance.
In its dormant state, kundalini remains in the sacral region, waiting to be awakened to unleash its transformative potential. When it is activated, it can open energy channels that enhance physical, emotional, and mental health, providing a deep sense of well-being.
What Does It Mean to Awaken the Kundalini?
Awakening the kundalini involves the activation of this latent energy and its ascent through the main chakras of the body. This process can be induced through spiritual practices such as yoga, meditation, conscious breathing, and tantra. The goal is to release the energy flow and reach higher states of consciousness, self-understanding, and spiritual connection.
The experience of kundalini awakening can be both positive and challenging. On the positive side, it brings mental clarity, creativity, intuition, and a deep sense of peace and purpose. However, it can also be disruptive, bringing intense physical and emotional symptoms that require careful management and understanding to integrate this energy healthily into daily life.
In the series Yogic Paths, available on Gaia, one episode delves into the traditions of Kundalini and Kriya Yoga, systems designed to activate and redistribute energy within the body. The concept of kundalini is explored, along with the syncretic practice of twentieth-century Kundalini Yoga, which combines kriya, yogic movement, dynamic breathing, Sikh practices, and chanting to elevate consciousness.
10 Symptoms of Kundalini Awakening
Kundalini awakening can manifest through a variety of physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms. These symptoms are indicative of the flow of energy that is activated and ascends along the spine, impacting different aspects of the individual’s life.
Sensations of Energy in the Spine
One of the most common symptoms of kundalini awakening is the sensation of energy moving along the spine. This may feel like tingling, heat, or vibration rising from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, often described as the movement of a serpent.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
During kundalini awakening, it is common to experience alterations in sleep patterns. This may include insomnia, frequent awakenings during the night, or a need to sleep more than usual. These changes are a response from the body to the increase in energy and internal transformation.
Increased Emotional Sensitivity
Kundalini awakening can intensify emotions, making people feel more sensitive and vulnerable. Repressed emotions may rise to the surface, requiring attention and proper processing. This heightened sensitivity can also lead to a deeper empathy with others.
Physical Pains and Tensions
The rise of kundalini energy can cause aches and tensions in different parts of the body. These pains are usually temporary and are associated with the release of energetic blockages. The most common areas of discomfort include the back, neck, and shoulders.
Heightened Intuition and Spiritual Perception
As kundalini awakens, many people experience an increase in their intuition and spiritual perception. They may have visions, vivid dreams, or a heightened sense of connection with the universe. This increase in spiritual perception helps guide the individual on their path of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
Renewed Sense of Purpose and Destiny
Kundalini awakening often brings a renewed sense of purpose and destiny. People may feel a sudden clarity about their mission in life and a strong drive toward fulfilling their deepest goals. This sense of purpose can inspire significant changes in career, relationships, and lifestyle, aligning them more closely with their true desires and values.
Changes in Sexuality
Kundalini activation can also lead to changes in sexuality. These may include an increase in libido, new ways of experiencing pleasure, and a deeper connection with one’s partner. Sexual energy may feel more sacred and spiritually linked, leading to greater integration of body and spirit in the sexual experience.
Feelings of Joy and Unconditional Love
During kundalini awakening, many people experience deep feelings of joy and unconditional love. This expansive love is not only directed toward loved ones, but also toward humanity in general and nature. This experience of universal love can transform one’s life perspective, promoting greater compassion and connection with others.
Perception of Inner Lights and Colors
It is common for people going through kundalini awakening to perceive inner lights and colors during meditation or even in everyday life. These visions are often accompanied by a sense of peace and well-being, and may indicate the flow of energy through the chakras and the opening of internal spiritual channels.
Episodes of Mental Clarity and Spiritual Vision
Kundalini awakening can lead to episodes of mental clarity and spiritual vision, where one attains a deeper understanding of life and the universe. These moments may include profound insights, solutions to personal problems, and a stronger connection with intuition. The mind becomes more open and receptive to new ideas and experiences, facilitating personal and spiritual growth.
What Are the Dangers of Awakening the Kundalini?
Awakening the kundalini can be a powerful and transformative experience, but it also carries certain dangers if not handled properly. Kundalini energy is intense and can cause physical, emotional, and mental imbalances if not activated and channeled correctly.
- Energy overload: A flow of energy that is too intense can cause overwhelming sensations and physical discomfort. It is important to proceed with caution and under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
- Emotional instability: The abrupt release of repressed emotions can cause anxiety, fear, and other intense emotional states. Emotional support during this process is crucial.
- Mental disorientation: Uncontrolled activation of the kundalini can lead to confusion, loss of focus, and episodes of disconnection from reality. Maintaining balance and a safe practice is essential.
- Sleep problems: Changes in sleep patterns can result in insomnia or extreme fatigue. It is important to pay attention to the body’s needs and allow for sufficient rest.
- Social isolation: Intense and personal experiences may lead to isolation or difficulty relating to others. Maintaining healthy social connections is essential for emotional balance.
How to Safely Activate the Kundalini
Safely activating the kundalini requires patience, preparation, and the guidance of an experienced instructor. It is essential to adopt a gradual and conscious approach to avoid the possible dangers associated with this practice.
First, begin with gentle yoga and meditation practices that prepare the body and mind for the energy flow. Conscious breathing and yoga postures help open and balance the chakras, facilitating a gradual and safe kundalini awakening.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest is important. These habits strengthen the body and mind, better preparing them to handle the increase in energy. Avoiding toxic substances and staying well hydrated also contribute to a safe practice.
Finally, seek the guidance of a master or spiritual guide with experience in kundalini activation. A qualified instructor can provide specific techniques, emotional support, and personalized guidance, ensuring the process is as safe and beneficial as possible.
What to Do if You Are Experiencing a Spontaneous Kundalini Awakening
Experiencing a spontaneous kundalini awakening can be an intense and sometimes bewildering experience. It is essential to manage this energy with care and awareness in order to integrate it in a healthy way into your life.
To begin with, it is essential to focus on self-care. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga, and conscious breathing. These practices will help you stay calm and balance the energy in your body, facilitating a smoother and more manageable awakening process.
Additionally, seeking the support of a spiritual community can be very helpful. Joining meditation groups, yoga classes, or spiritual circles will allow you to share your experiences and receive guidance from people who understand what you are going through. The experience and advice of others can offer you valuable perspective and recommended practices for managing your kundalini awakening.
Finally, consider keeping a journal to record your experiences, sensations, and emotions throughout the awakening process. Writing can be a powerful way to reflect and better understand what you are going through, as well as help you identify patterns and progress along your spiritual path. This record can also be useful to share with other practitioners or spiritual guides if you choose to seek additional guidance.
