It’s not uncommon to experience headaches or head pressure before, during, or after a spiritual awakening. Many people report physical symptoms during a spiritual shift, and head pressure is one of the most common. While it can be a little scary if you’re not expecting it, understanding where it comes from can help calm your nerves.
Let’s break down the possible causes of head pressure during spiritual awakening, what it might mean for your journey, and if it’s something to be concerned about.
Why Does Head Pressure Happen During a Spiritual Awakening?
1. Energetic Activation of the Third Eye and Crown Chakras
The third eye (located in the center of the forehead) and the crown chakra (at the top of the head) are often activated during spiritual awakenings. These energy centers are your body’s gateways to spiritual insight and higher consciousness.
When these chakras begin to open or become more active, some people experience pressure, tingling, or warmth in these areas. This is due to your energetic body expanding while your physical body is trying to keep up.
Break Into Greater Consciousness And Experience Awakening
It’s common to encounter this type of head pressure before a major chakra opening located in your head. Many spiritual traditions document head pressure before mystical experiences.
2. Kundalini Energy Rising
If you’ve done any research on spiritual awakening, you’ve probably come across the term “Kundalini.“
Kundalini is a potent dormant spiritual energy that lies at the base of the spine. When awakened it begins to rise through the chakras, activating each one along the way.
As this energy moves through the crown chakra, it can create pressure in the head, a sensation of heat, & temporary dizziness. This is because Kundalini energy is incredibly powerful, and if the body isn’t fully prepared, the surge can feel overwhelming.
Kundalini experiences vary widely. For some, the process is smooth and gradual. For others, it can be intense and disorienting. Head pressure is just one symptom of this energy making its way through the body.
“When the Kundalini is awakened, a great energy rises through you, and with it comes a pressure at the fontanel or crown of the head, as if the divine is pressing you into its embrace. This is the beginning of true meditation, where the Shakti leads you to the infinite.” – Swami Muktananda, Kundalini: The Secret of Life (1979)
3. Increased Sensitivity to Energy
As you awaken spiritually, you become more sensitive to energy in general. You might notice other people’s moods more easily, feel overstimulated in crowded places, or even pick up on energy in your environment.
This increased sensitivity can cause the physical body to react, especially the nervous system. The head is one of the most sensitive areas, and overstimulation can cause pressure, tightness, or tension.
High-stress environments and people who are energetically draining could be contributing to your symptoms.
4. Emotional Stress and Mental Overload
A spiritual awakening often brings up intense emotions and old traumas. This can cause mental fatigue, which may manifest as tension or pressure in the head.
Too many thoughts, feelings, and realizations can overload your system. Your body responds by tightening muscles and creating tension in the head and neck area.
5. Physical Causes (Not to Be Ignored)
While spiritual causes are valid, it’s also important to be taking care of your body as well. Head pressure can have physical explanations such as:
- dehydration
- eye strain
- sinus issues
- migraines
- high blood pressure
- lack of sleep (which can be caused by awakening anxiety)
If your symptoms are extreme, persistent, or interfere with daily life make sure to check in with a healthcare provider.
WHAT STAGE OF YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY ARE YOU IN?
WHAT STAGE OF YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY ARE YOU IN?
Discover the 6 stages of awakening and find out where you are in your journey.
How to Manage Head Pressure During Awakening
If the pressure isn’t medical and you’re sure it is spiritual in nature, there are a few things you can do to help:
1. Grounding Practices
Spiritual energy tends to rise up through the body. If you’re experiencing too much head activity, it can help to bring your energy back down.
- Walk barefoot outside and in nature
- Do physical activities like yoga or stretching
- Eat grounding foods (root vegetables, protein, whole grains)
2. Gentle Meditation
Gentle meditation (especially body-focused and guided) can help you tune into the sensations without fear.
Body scans in particular and lying down meditations can help relax any tense muscles in your body and diminish head pressure.
3. Rest and Hydration
Your body is doing a lot. Spiritual growth is taxing. Make sure you’re sleeping enough and drinking plenty of water. Dehydration and fatigue make all symptoms worse.
4. Limit Overstimulation
Reduce screen time, avoid high-energy environments when possible, and give yourself time to rest in silence.
When to See a Professional
Even if you’re pretty sure your head pressure is spiritual, it never hurts to be cautious. If you experience:
- Sudden, sharp head pain
- Vision changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Difficulty speaking
Seek medical attention immediately. It’s better to rule out anything serious. (I am not a medical professional!)
Reiki and Energy Workers
For spiritual support, you might also benefit from speaking to an energy healer or Reiki practitioner.
Sometimes, head pressure during awakening is a result of unbalanced or stuck energy. Reiki is a form of energy healing that uses a practitioner’s hands to channel energy and can help balance your system.
An experienced energy worker can help you:
- Clear blockages in your chakras
- Ground your energy
- Process emotional releases
- Receive intuitive insight on what your body is communicating
Final Thoughts
Head pressure during spiritual awakening can feel uncomfortable, but it’s often a sign of internal shifts. Whether it’s your chakras opening, Kundalini rising, or just your system trying to process a new level of awareness, the key is to stay grounded and take care of your body.
Listen to what your body is telling you. Stay open, but also be smart. Spiritual awakening is a journey and your body is along for the ride.
If you’re currently experiencing this, know that it will pass. Many people have gone through it and come out the other side feeling more clear then ever.
You’re not alone on this path.
Hi, I’m Ryan. I’m a meditation teacher, spiritual seeker, and founder of nurtureyourspirit.org. I’m glad you’re here! I founded Nurture Your Spirit because of my love of meditation, spirituality, and spiritual awakening.
