Lee Sannella was an American neurologist who dedicated his life to the study of Kundalini, a term used in Hinduism and Tantra to refer to the primal energy or life force that is believed to be coiled at the base of the spine. He was among the first Western medical professionals to explore the phenomenon of Kundalini, and his research has greatly contributed to our understanding of this ancient concept.
Sannella’s interest in Kundalini began when he was a young medical student in the 1960s. He was introduced to the concept by one of his professors who had a background in Eastern philosophy. This encounter sparked a lifelong fascination with the topic, and Sannella went on to study Kundalini extensively.
His research on Kundalini was ground-breaking in that it approached the subject from a scientific and medical perspective. Sannella believed that Kundalini was not just a spiritual or mystical experience, but had a physiological basis as well. He saw it as a natural process that could be understood and studied through the lens of neurology.
Sannella’s approach was met with scepticism and resistance from the medical community, as Kundalini was not a widely accepted or understood concept in Western medicine at the time. However, he persisted in his research and eventually published his findings in the book, ‘The Kundalini Experience: Psychosis or Transcendence?’ This book was a culmination of years of research and interviews with individuals who had experienced Kundalini awakenings.
One of the key contributions of Sannella’s research was his identification of the physical symptoms associated with a Kundalini awakening. These include sensations of heat, pressure, and electricity running up the spine, as well as changes in breathing patterns and altered states of consciousness. He also noted that these experiences were not limited to individuals who were actively seeking spiritual awakening, but could also occur spontaneously in people who had no prior knowledge or understanding of Kundalini.
Sannella’s research also shed light on the potential risks and challenges that can arise from a Kundalini awakening. Some individuals may experience overwhelming physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms that can be difficult to cope with. Sannella emphasised the importance of proper guidance and support for those going through a Kundalini awakening, as it can be a transformative but also potentially destabilising experience.
Despite the controversy surrounding his research, Sannella’s work has been highly influential in the fields of neurology and spirituality. It has opened up a new perspective on the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit, and has sparked further interest and exploration into the phenomenon of Kundalini.
Today, Sannella’s contributions continue to be recognised and his work is still referenced in the medical and spiritual communities. His research has also paved the way for more scientific studies on Kundalini, and has helped bridge the gap between Eastern and Western perspectives on this enigmatic concept.
Lee Sannella’s research on Kundalini has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of this ancient concept. He was a pioneer in approaching Kundalini from a scientific perspective and his contributions have greatly expanded our knowledge on the subject. His work continues to inspire and influence researchers and individuals interested in the intersection of spirituality and science.


