K undalini Yoga is a very fascinating stream of Yoga practices. It mainly forms the part of Tantra and the Hatha Yogic traditions. Kundalini is said to be existing in the subtle body of humans. It is compared to a serpent and remains in a dormant position coiled at the base of the spine yogically known as the Muladhara Chakra or the root phlexus. It rises through purification practices followed by meditation, Pranayamas, Mantra chanting, visualisation, etc. The question arises whether it is just metaphorical or we can draw some parallels with neuroscientific findings.

 

The spine plays a very vital role in the awakening of Kundalini. According to neuroscience, the spine is one of the most important parts of the central nervous system including brain cells and spinal column. Yogis treat the spinal column as the abode of three energy channels or Nadis; Ida - lunar and left energy channel Pingala - solar and right energy channel Sushumna - central energy channel Lunar energy channel is the parasympathetic nervous system which keeps the body calm and relaxed. On the other hand the solar energy channel aligns with the sympathetic nervous system which keeps the body active and in fight or flight mode. The central or Sushumna channel flows when both lunar and solar are harmonised. Neuroscientifically, this is the state of perfect homeostasis. Yogis talk of Amrit or the nectar secreting from the Bindu Chakra situated in the backside of the head. Actually this nectar is the CSF or cerebro spinal fluid flowing up and down in the spinal column. The CSF lubricates the spinal column and keeps it healthy and energised. Scientific studies have found that breathing exercises and Yogic postures have positive impacts on the CSF. Yoga describes seven chakras which are located in the subtle body corresponding to the different junctions of the spinal column. They are as follows; Muladhara or the root chakra. Survival instincts.

 

Swadhisthana - sacral chakra. Pleasure, emotions, etc. Manipura — solar chakra. Power, confidence, etc. Anahat - heart chakra. Love, compassion, etc. Vishuddhi - throat chakra. Speech , communication, etc. Ajna - third eye chakra. Wisdom, insight, etc. Sahasrara - crown chakra. Enlightenment, higher consciousness, etc. These chakras align with different endocrine glands and are akin to the physical, psychological and emotional functions of brain stems, limbic system and prefrontal cortex. Studies have found that meditation and breathing exercises quieten the Default Mode Network of the brain and leads to higher awareness and cognitive clarity. The awakening of Kundalini is also associated with a deeper understanding and high level of consciousness. The pineal gland corresponds with the Sahasrara chakra. Research has found that prolonged practice of meditation increases grey area in the brain and causes permanent structural changes. This is what the concept of neuroplasticity talks about.

 

The effects of Kundalini awakening are certainly the neurobiological changes which can be scanned and examined. The spine is central to both neuroscience and Kundalini Yoga. For one it is just a structural column, while the other treats it as the sacred column of spiritual awakening and axis of consciousness.

 

 DR BHUSHAN KUMAR UPADHYAYA

 

(The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■