Kundalini is derived from a Sanskrit word meaning either coiled up or coiling like a snake, the potential form of Prana or life force.
It is a latent reservoir of psychic energy, which can be awakened and activated by spiritual disciplines. How this awakening takes place is still a mystery to many and much sought after. As the inner Kundalini is awakened, it uncoils and ascends like a snake; which is why it is referred to as ‘Serpent Power’.
Unfortunately this serpent image may serve to play up an alien nature of the energy.
Hence, it is more useful to see Kundalini as the very foundation of our consciousness, for when it moves through our bodies our consciousness also changes with it. Viewed from a purely psychological perspective Kundalini is a rich source of psychic or libidinous energy.
It makes us more aware of negative thought patterns and helps us make the choice to change them.
Kundalini has two aspects: one is pervasive, the outer or physical form that manifests the world as we know it. In China this cosmic energy is known as Chi, in Japan as Ki, in India as Prana. It is this energy that pervades and enervates the world we see. From the very moment of conception we have are endwed a limited form of Kundalini energy, or else we would not even be able to move our bodies, let alone live. Because Kundalini is our very 'life force.' By the way, it is this is the selfsame energy we see in the energetic meridians, employed in acupuncture.