Recently, while scrolling my news feed, an article from VICE caught my attention—featuring Lyss, the host of the self-love podcast Date Yourself Instead. She spoke about her experience with Kundalini energy work and how it had transformed her appearance through internal healing.
“If you do deep energy work, your radiance shifts,” she explained. Despite having used Botox and fillers for seven years, she claimed nothing altered her appearance like Kundalini activation.
“After intense healing and Kundalini work, people keep telling me, ‘You look so different,’” she continued. “It’s all energy. I went from looking dull to glowing.”
The clip was a snippet from her latest podcast episode, How to Have an ENERGY GLOWUP and Transform Your Life – The Rise of Kundalini with Isabella Keating. As someone deeply interested in yoga, spirituality, and alternative healing, this immediately piqued my curiosity.
What Is Kundalini Energy?
According to Yoga International, Kundalini represents a powerful, primal force within every person. It is often described as dormant energy coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine, waiting to be awakened through specific practices.
Kundalini energy is believed to be the source of untapped human potential. In various spiritual traditions, it is seen as the key to higher consciousness, creativity, and spiritual enlightenment. Ancient Indian scriptures describe Kundalini as the divine feminine energy, or Shakti, lying dormant until activated. The process of awakening this energy is considered both sacred and transformative.
Mantras (sacred chants), mudras (symbolic hand gestures), breathwork (pranayama), and yoga postures (asanas) are traditionally used to stimulate this energy. Meditation is another crucial element, as it helps quiet the mind and create the internal space needed for Kundalini to rise.
When activated, Kundalini energy is said to ascend through the chakras, or energy centers, along the spine. These chakras include the root (Muladhara), sacral (Svadhishthana), solar plexus (Manipura), heart (Anahata), throat (Vishuddha), third eye (Ajna), and crown (Sahasrara). Each chakra represents a different aspect of human consciousness and personal development. The goal of Kundalini awakening is to achieve a balance of energy throughout these chakras, leading to heightened awareness, inner transformation, and a deeper sense of purpose.
This concept dates back to ancient Indian texts known as the Upanishads, written between 500 and 1000 BC. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Shiva Samhita, two other influential texts, also discuss the power of Kundalini energy and provide guidelines for its awakening. Over centuries, these teachings have been passed down through various spiritual lineages, adapting to different cultural and philosophical contexts.
Despite its deep historical roots, Kundalini has only recently surged in popularity, thanks in part to the modern wave of digital spirituality. The accessibility of online courses, social media influencers, and wellness retreats has made Kundalini activation more visible and appealing to a wider audience. However, this increased exposure has also led to misconceptions and oversimplifications about its practice and effects.
A Trend on the Rise
Social media platforms have helped propel Kundalini into mainstream consciousness. Eye-catching visuals, personal testimonies, and viral clips have turned it into a buzzworthy topic, similar to the yoga boom of previous decades.
“Kundalini is everywhere now—it’s trendy, mysterious, and visually striking,” said Lucie Ataya, a trained Kundalini activation practitioner, in an interview with The Independent. “In cities like London, people are far more open to exploring consciousness than they were just a few years ago.”
Yet, many online discussions simplify Kundalini, often overlooking its complexity and depth. While breathing techniques, chanting, and yoga poses are part of the process, the practice itself is far more profound. Done correctly, it can foster self-awareness, heal past traumas, and enhance one’s connection to life.
Intense Experiences & Potential Risks
For some, Kundalini activation is not just a peaceful meditation session. Writer Hannah Ewens documented her experience with Kundalini in The Independent, describing unexpected physical reactions such as involuntary movements and convulsions. These responses, often referred to as Kriyas, are believed to be the body’s way of releasing energy blockages.
This intensity is one reason why Kundalini is approached with caution. The sudden shift in awareness can feel overwhelming, especially for those unprepared for deep introspection. Practitioners warn that, much like significant life changes or emotional breakthroughs, Kundalini awakening can alter one’s perception of reality.
During such experiences, individuals may question past beliefs, reassess relationships, or even struggle with a sense of identity. While some find this transformation enlightening, others might feel destabilized. Those with heightened emotional sensitivity or pre-existing mental health challenges may need to approach with extra care.
Research suggests that Kundalini awakenings can trigger what is known as “spiritual emergencies,” where individuals undergo intense psychological changes that may be difficult to manage. According to a study published in the Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, Kundalini awakenings can sometimes result in heightened anxiety, mood swings, and even temporary dissociation if not guided properly. These episodes resemble psychospiritual crises, where the individual experiences heightened states of awareness but may struggle to integrate them into their daily life.
In some cases, practitioners have reported sensations of burning, electrical surges through the spine, or even temporary episodes of insomnia. A study by psychiatrist Dr. Stanislav Grof suggests that these symptoms, when managed with proper support, can lead to personal growth rather than distress. However, without a trained guide or an understanding of the process, individuals may misinterpret these sensations as signs of psychological distress rather than natural aspects of Kundalini activation.
The American Psychiatric Association has also acknowledged that spiritual experiences, including those triggered by meditation and yoga practices, can sometimes be confused with psychiatric disorders. This underscores the importance of approaching Kundalini activation with awareness and discernment. For individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, consulting a healthcare professional before engaging in Kundalini practices is advisable.
Should You Try Kundalini Activation?
Despite its potential benefits, Kundalini activation is not a one-size-fits-all practice. If it intrigues you, proper preparation is key. Learning about its origins, understanding the techniques, and finding a reputable teacher are essential steps.
Unlike casual meditation, Kundalini work requires a guided approach. An experienced practitioner ensures the energy is activated safely and gradually. Diving in too quickly or practicing without supervision can lead to unsettling experiences.
If you choose to explore Kundalini, take it slow. Listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel before, during, and after each session. If emotions arise, allow yourself to process them with patience and support.
Final Thoughts
Kundalini activation is more than just a wellness trend—it’s a profound spiritual practice with roots in ancient tradition. While its growing popularity has made it more accessible, it remains a path that requires respect, knowledge, and mindfulness.
For some, the benefits are undeniable: increased vitality, emotional healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. For others, the intensity may feel overwhelming.
Approach with curiosity but also with awareness. If Kundalini calls to you, ensure you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the journey. When embraced mindfully, it has the power to transform—but only when one is truly ready for the shift.
