AYP Lesson 422 - Curing Kundalini Excesses

Advanced Yoga Practices
Main Lessons

Previous | Next

Note: For the Original Internet Lessons with additions, see the AYP Easy Lessons Books. For the Expanded and Interactive Internet Lessons, AYP Online Books, Audiobooks and more, see AYP Plus.

Lesson 422 - Curing Kundalini Excesses (Audio)

From: Yogani
Date: July 15, 2010

New Visitors: It is recommended you read from the beginning of the archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first lesson is, "Why This Discussion?"

Q: I have done many different forms of yoga and chi gong and I became aware that my soul consciousness never really grounded in my tail bone. I am now in the process of re-experiencing a renewed connection into my tailbone and my physical body. Up until then I had been living in divine consciousness in my heart. Now I am re-experiencing all the karmic patterns that I had moved through many years ago into pure love and service, except now I am experiencing them as the life force in my root, sacrum and tail vibrating up my spine. It is causing my vertebrae to go out from my solar plexus right up to my atlas bone.

I am having a lot of discomfort and am waking up in the early hours of the morning with a splitting headache and have been receiving network chiropractic and gentle regular chiropractic, which can give relief for a couple of hours or days. I have made many changes in my lifestyle in diet, breath practice, yin yoga, lots of quiet time in breath and silence. I am now having some breakthroughs into pure love which is wonderful, but I am really scared because I have been diagnosed with the cranial fluid and lymphatic fluid not draining from the brain, especially at night when I am sleeping, so I have the splitting headaches when I wake up. Is there any practice or suggestion you can give to assist the flow of the ecstatic energy in my spine so it is not staying stuck from the solar plexus up? I am of course also experiencing so much emotional upheaval too. Thank you so much for all you are and all you do.

A: In cases like this, the formula in the AYP approach is self-pacing (less) practice and more grounding activity, particularly physical exercise. Sometimes the best thing to do is forget practices and get worldly for a while, which will bring the energies down into more balance. Also, a heavier diet for a while can help.

Digestion plays a key role in feeding kundalini energy. The lighter the diet, the more the flow. A heavier diet diverts energy into digestion, thus tempering excess kundalini flow. This is well-known in kundalini circles, as are the inner energy-tempering effects of regular physical exercise and other physical activities (like digging in the garden). Service can also help balance the energies, but only if it is focusing attention away from our neuro-biology and energy, losing ourselves in work for others rather than dwelling on our own inner energy. Balance of the inner energies is best served by noticing, allowing and letting go, rather than dwelling on and attempting to direct inner energy. This is a hard lesson for some to learn.

Being overly "meditative," "shakti nurturing," and focusing on chakras, energy flows and physical symptoms can increase the flows and the imbalances. In general, it is a bad idea to attempt to direct or micro-manage kundalini energy. This usually increases imbalances and intensity. Spinal breathing pranayama and grounding practices like Tai Chi can be exceptions, but not always. If it is not helping the situation, don't do it. Your relation to causes and effects in practices and lifestyle, and a willingness to make the necessary adjustments are key. The methods for achieving balance are well-known, and is up to each of us to take the necessary steps to promote steady spiritual growth with comfort and safety.

These are typical inner energy/kundalini imbalance symptoms you are having, and they will pass as you proceed on your path. See Lesson 69 for more on kundalini symptoms and remedies. If your symptoms don't abate with these remedies applied, it is good to seek medical advice to be sure there are no major health issues, as apparently you have already. But do not expect most doctors to understand kundalini symptoms, some which can mimic medical conditions. So due caution is in order before undertaking invasive medical treatments.

I can't comment much on the specifics of your practice, because apparently you have not be utilizing the AYP baseline system. So it is hard to say what has been going on with your practices, except probably too much.

You can find additional support in the AYP Support Forums in the kundalini category. You will find that most practitioners there have it pretty well in hand, and there is knowledgeable support for folks going through situations like yours. If you are looking for a way to build a balanced routine of practices for the long term, it is suggested to review the AYP Lessons from the beginning and take it one step at a time. There is lots of help available both in the lessons and in the community of practitioners.

Wishing you all the best on your continuing path. Practice wisely, and enjoy!

The guru is in you.