Kundalini Syndrome

The Kundalini Syndrome is a set of sensory, motor, mental and affective symptoms reported - predominantly - among people who have had a near-death experience, and practitioners of meditation or yoga.

Researchers in the fields of Humanistic psychology, Transpersonal psychology , and Near-death studies describe a complex pattern of sensory, motor, mental and affective symptoms associated with the concept of Kundalini, sometimes called the Kundalini syndrome. This psychosomatic arousal and excitation is believed to occur in connection with prolonged, intensive spiritual or contemplative practice (such as meditation or yoga) , or a near-death experience  , or as a result of an intense personal crisis or experience. According to these fields of study the kundalini syndrome is different from a single kundalini episode, such as a kundalini arousal. Kundalini syndrome is a process that might unfold over several months, or even years. If the accompanying symptoms unfold in an intense manner that destabilizes the person, the process is usually interpreted as a spiritual emergency.

Researchers affiliated with the fields of Transpersonal psychology and Near-death studies (see references below) have suggested some common criteria that describe this condition, of which the most prominent feature is a feeling of energy or heat rushing up the spine. Other sensory and motor symptoms may include the feeling of cranial pressures, the perception of inner sounds , experiences of inner lights , vibrating or tickling sensations in the lower back , tachycardia (rapid heart rate) , spontaneous trance states , changes in breathing  , spontaneous bodily movements , sensations of heat or cold moving through the body , localized bodily pain that starts and stops abruptly , vibrations and itching under the skin. Mental and affective symptoms include fear, anxiety , depersonalization, , intense positive or negative emotions , spontaneous slowing or speeding of thoughts and experiencing oneself as larger than the physical body. A few theorists within the transpersonal field, such as Greyson, refers to this symptomatology as the Physio-Kundalini syndrome, while other western academics use the description Kundalini-experience/awakening. Transpersonal literature emphasizes that this list of symptoms is not meant to be used as a tool for self-diagnosis. Any unusual or marked physical or mental symptom needs to be investigated by a qualified medical professional.

Even though the symptoms at times may be dramatic and disturbing, theorists such as Sovatsky and Greyson tend to interpret these observations in favour of viewing the unfolding symptomatology as largely non-pathological, maturational, and of evolutionary significance for humanity. According to Scotton Kundalini-symptoms may be associated with psychopathology, but are not reducible to any psychopathology. He also thinks that it is important to differentiate between the signs of Kundalini and the symptoms of pathology, and not subsume the signs of kundalini under a pathological diagnosis. If the unfolding process is supported and allowed to progress to its conclusion it might - according to transpersonal theory - actually result in what Kason calls "a psycho-spiritual housecleaning". That is, a stabilization of the psyche on a new level. According to the field of Transpersonal Psychology the Kundalini-syndrome is largely unknown to Western psychiatry. A few writers, within the fields of psychiatry and psychology, have consequently suggested a clinical approach to the problem. Possible improvements in the diagnostic system that are meant to differentiate Kundalini syndrome from other disorders have been suggested. In an article from the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease theorists Turner, Lukoff, Barnhouse & Lu have implied that the Kundalini-symptomatology might be placed under the DSM-IV diagnostic category "Religious or Spiritual Problem". A recent criticism of some of the Transpersonal approaches to the symptomatology, and the current interpretation of the symptoms, has been put forward by Sovatsky who believes that it is crucial to differentiate between the symptoms of what may be a Kundalini awakening, and the symptoms of different preliminary yogic processes or pranic imbalances. According to this view many reported Kundalini problems might rather be signs of the precursory energetic state of pranotthana. Sovatsky also notes that:

Furthermore, kundalini has become a catch word at this early time in its entry in American culture... and attracts those with unspecified, chronic neurological/psychiatric complaints in search of an explanation for their symptoms; the use in the West of Gopi Krishna's problematic kundalini experiences as a standard giving the awakening a reputation as more dangerous than it is."

In an article from Psychological Reports Thalbourne discusses whether scores on a 35 item "Kundalini Scale" are correlated to the concept of Transliminality (a hypothesized tendency for psychological material to cross thresholds into or out of consciousness). The Transliminality Scale, presented by Lange, Thalbourne, Houran & Storm, defines a probabilistic hierarchy of items that address magical thinking, mystical experience, self-absorption, hyperesthesia, mania, dream interpretation, and predilection to fantasy. In an article from the Journal of The Royal Society of Medicine Le Fanu briefly discusses Kundalini symptomatology in connection with the interpretation of so-called medical "mystery syndromes".

Side effects
Problems have been known to occasionally arise from kundalini rising

Summary of Known Problems: Death, pseudo death, psychosis, pseudo psychosis, confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, sadness, suicidal thoughts, urges to self-mutilate, homicidal urges, arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), exacerbation of prior or current mental illness, insomnia, inability to hold a job, inability to talk, inability to drive, sexual pains, temporary blindness, and headaches.

According to Transpersonal theory, and eastern spiritual traditions, these problems are thought to arise as karma - deep physical, psychological and emotional material - is brought to the surface of the mind as a result of yoga and meditative practice. Consultation with a meditation teacher who is not trained in kundalini techniques or with a psychiatrist, medical doctor or therapist who is unknowledgeable about this process often leads to confusion and misunderstanding. Using Western medicine to treat or suppress the kundalini symptoms is not recommended, and might in some cases, have undesirable side effects. Grof noted that suppressing kundalini's side effects with psychiatric medicine could lead to death. However, Lukoff et.al note that there may be times when medication can play a role in recovery, and integration of spiritual experiences.