Kundalini is viewed as one of the most fascinating and mysterious forms of Yoga. Yogis visualise Kundalini as a dormant spiritual energy lying at the base of the spine. Kundalini is coiled like a serpent resting in silence. Yogis believe that when Kundalini awakens, it begins a transformative journey through inner energy pathways of human body. This journey is not only spiritual, but deeply connected with the brain and nervous systems. According to Yogic philosophy, human beings are just not physical bodies, but carry within a subtle energy channels called Nadis and energy centres called Chakras.

 

According to Yogic theory, there are seventy two thousand Nadis in the body. Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna are the three main energy channels. Ida flows through the left nostril and is called lunar because of its relaxing impact on the body. It corresponds with the parasympathetic nervous system. Pingala flows through the right nostril and has been designated as solar due to its excitatory influence on the body. It compares with the sympathetic nervous system. Sushumna is the central nervous system and gets activated in case both the Nadis , Ida and Pingala are balanced. It aligns with the state of homeostasis. Chakras are the centres where energy channels crisscross one another . They are said to be seven in number.

 

The Muladhara is the root Chakra located at the base of the spine. It is associated with survival. The Swadhisthana is the sacral Chakra based at the lower abdomen and is linked to creativity. The Manipura is the solar plexus situated in the navel region and is the centre of will power. The Anahata is the heart Chakra, the area of love and compassion. The Vishuddhi is the throat centre and associated with communication. The Ajna Chakra is the third eye centre, responsible for intuition and insight. The Sahasrara is the topmost Chakra located in the cerebral cortex and is the seat of wisdom and awareness. Each Chakra represents different levels of awareness and physical development. From neuroscientific perspectives, these Chakras may be symbolically understood in terms of brain evolution and the activation of nervous systems. Kundalini rises through Sushumna, ascends through all the Chakras , and stabilizes in the Sahasrara. As awareness grows through different Yogic practices, higher brain centres like limbic regions and cerebral cortex become more balanced and active.

 

This improves emotional regulation, generates cognitive clarity , and leads to the deeper meaning of life. The spine plays a very significant role in the awakening of Kundalini. Yoga visualizes the spine as the main axis of consciousness. Modern science also treats the spine as the primary communication channels between the body and the brain. Yogic practices like Asanas, Pranayamas, and meditation generate flexibility and enhance the neural signalling along the pathways of the spine. As a result, the nervous system becomes calm and the mind turns inward. This inward journey the Yogis describe as the gradual awakening of Kundalini. The awakening of Kundalini is not sudden , but a result of sustained ethical and Yogic life under a Guru. As Kundalini rises, the practitioner experiences a heightened sense of awareness, deep peace, and compassion.

 

These changes may scientifically correlate with the factors like the brain forming new neural connections, achieving better coordination and integration between rational thinking and emotional regulation. Both Yoga and neuroscience point towards the same reality and that is the expansion of human consciousness. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■