BOK_FINISH_9a.indd



The thing to keep in mind is that excessive use of the on-switch neurotransmitters
burns out the off-switch neurotransmitters. While peaking we are so neuro-
hormonally pumped up that we do not actually feel the true consequences of the
free radical damage until after the hormones and neurotransmitters run out. When
one is pumped up on Spirit you simply can’t imagine that burnout and damage
will occur. It is apparent that kundalini cycles through the various nerve/receptor
systems at different times reflecting both lunar and seasonal rhythms.
During the peak it is probably focused more on the norepinephrine nerves,
moving first through the limbic system and then through the norepinephrine net
that traces through the cortex. Epinephrine (adrenaline) and the closely related
norepinephrine are the chief neurotransmitters at the post ganglion terminations
of the sympathetic nerves. Norepinephrine is made from dopamine which in turn
is derived from the amino acids Phenylalanine and Tyrosine. It increases feelings
of well-being, alertness, sexual excitement and aggression; and reduces compulsive
behavior.
When it moves through the digestive system it is probably focused on the
serotonin system. When in a collapse phase such as a Die-off or exhaustion
then GABA, acetylcholine and serotonin would be more prominent during this
parasympathetic dominant phase. GABA is most common inhibitory transmitter
in a third of all synapses. ACh (acetylcholine) inhibits the heart via the vagus.
Opiate and endocannaboid receptors and nerve centers are highly active during all
kundalini activity even in the exhaustion phase. Acetylcholine is generally associated
with the parasympathetic effects, however it is thought that acetylcholine is
probably the chief neurotransmitter for the preganglionic fibers of both systems.
Contenders for the neuro-excitatory substances involved in kundalini include
the primary excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in combo with Nitric Oxide
and histamine, prostaglandins even the body’s fuel molecule ATP. When ATP
is split apart a great deal of energy is released to power the cell. This involves the
conversion of ATP into its stepped down product cAMP. Then cAMP activates
a protein called Kinase which makes the neuron membrane more excitable.
Thus the whole neuron becomes less inhibited and more easily “turned on” by
neurotransmitters fitting into the receptor sites.
Each person is different of course and will exhibit either dopamine, serotonin,
GABA or acetylcholine dominance, and so the ability to withstand a kundalini
awakening differs as does their experience of the awakening itself. There are infinite
factors involved in how readily we will be depleted of neurochemicals, hormones
and other bodymind resources during the exhaustion phase: season/sunlight hours,
emotional resourcefulness, heredity, trauma history, infancy-conditioning, diet-
supplements-antioxidants, emotional processing ability, life circumstances, social
community, intimate companionship, life purpose-vocation, education level,
urban or rural, latitude, exercised or sedentary, life habits-samskaras...and much
more.
The effectiveness of our spiritual practices obviously has a profound impact
both on the awakening of kundalini and the rate that resources are depleted. While