Our bodies are constantly communicating with the energies surrounding us. Every chakra preserves and channels pranic energy (life-force energy) in our astral (energy) body, influencing the balance in our physical body. The Sacral Chakra, or Svadhishthana Chakra, is the second energy center among the 7 primary chakras. This chakra plays an important role in our well-being, awakening our creativity and sexual energy while maintaining the healthy functioning of our bladder, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
In this guide to the Sacral Chakra, we will explore the defining characteristics of the second energy center and important signs and symptoms to look out for. We will also show you how to heal and balance this chakra with powerful yogic tools like yoga poses, chakra meditation, and positive affirmations.
WHAT IS THE SACRAL CHAKRA?
The Sacral Chakra is the second energy center in the body. It is the energy center for the vital force or prana ‘vyana,’ which is the energy of circulation. It is associated with the element of water and the vibrant color orange. This energy assists in letting go, accepting change, and transformation in life. It is also a direct line to our creativity, intuition, and sexual pleasure.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE SACRAL CHAKRA?
The Sanskrit name Svadhishthana means “dwelling place of the Self”, supporting the personal expansion and exploration of sexuality, desires, and creativity. It is called our own place because it is this chakra where human beings are settled in their minds, thoughts, and awareness.
WHERE IS THE SACRAL CHAKRA LOCATED?
The Sacral Chakra is located in the lower abdomen, four fingerbreadths below the navel.
WHAT IS THE SACRAL CHAKRA RESPONSIBLE FOR?
The Sacral Chakra is responsible for the storage and distribution of vyana prana, and for maintaining the water element in the body. Due to its location, it is also closely associated with the bladder, kidneys, and reproductive organs, and helps regulate the flow of energy in this area of the body.
SACRAL CHAKRA CHARACTERISTICS
The artistic symbol for the Svadhishthana Chakra consists of multiple circles, a crescent moon, and a lotus flower with six petals. The circles and crescent moon represent the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, while the six petals symbolize the six negative aspects of our nature that we need to overcome to bring balance to our minds and body.
The element of the Sacral Chakra is ‘Jala’, meaning water. We get water from the food we eat and the liquids we drink. The Svadhishthana Chakra regulates the water element and helps to maintain and refresh it in our body. It is very important to refresh the water element. For example, if you have a water bottle and refill it every day, you will always have a clean supply of water. But if you fill the bottle and leave it for a few weeks, the water can become contaminated and make you sick. The water element governs our sense of joy and pleasure in life, and is associated with our sexuality, sensory desires, emotions, and creativity. When the element is getting refreshed it keeps our emotions and desires in balance, but when the element rots, we become addicted to sensory pleasures and controlled by our emotions.
The prana associated with the second energy center is ‘vyana’. Vyana is the prana of circulation. We get it from the element water. Vyana is responsible for the circulation of food, water, and energy in our bodies. When we have too much vyana we feel hyperactive and unable to focus. When we have too little vyana, we feel lethargic and disconnected from our emotions.
The Svadhishthana Chakra is surrounded by the water element. Even though the water element has no color of its own, the red of the earth element below and the yellow of the fire element above reflect onto the water to create a vermillion or orange color. This vibrant color is symbolic of the rising consciousness just like a sunrise. Orange is also the color of activity and purity, and it is in this chakra that we design our life vision.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SACRAL CHAKRA OPENS?
The second chakra enables us to shape our desires. As the center of passion, it awakens the power of creation. This allows a person to discover the power of choice and create intimate relationships. Motivated by pleasure, Svadhishthana Chakra promotes emotional well-being. It plays an active role in our sexuality and the expression of our emotional needs and desires.
EMOTIONAL INTIMACY, RELATIONSHIPS, AND THE SACRAL CHAKRA
This chakra is centered on personal identity and how it responds to the seductive forces of the physical world. A person with an open and balanced Sacral Chakra has the ability to enjoy the senses with discipline and keep their emotions and relationships in balance.
When the second chakra is unbalanced, it causes emotional disturbances, reduced creativity, and an obsession with sexual thoughts. A person with an open and balanced Svadhishthana Chakra has the ability to take risks and experience positivity and compassion fully.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SACRAL CHAKRA IS BLOCKED?
When the Sacral Chakra is blocked or imbalanced, it can make you feel emotionally unstable. You will either be too sensitive, or you will not be in touch with your emotions at all. You may be lacking creativity and discipline, as well as having an addiction to sensory pleasure.
Depression, anxiety, and the fear of losing control in a relationship are all signs that this energy center is blocked. It also affects our connection to various physical aspects of life like work.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF AN IMBALANCED SACRAL CHAKRA:
Chronic lower back pain
Arthritis
Genital or sexual problems
Hip issues
Anemia
Joint problems
Low energy
Spleen and kidney issues
Premenstrual Syndrome
Sinusitis
OVERACTIVE SACRAL CHAKRA SYMPTOMS
An overactive Svadhishthana Chakra means that there is too much vyana being distributed throughout the body. Since the second chakra governs emotions, overactive energy creates overwhelming feelings and emotions, which can manifest as:
Extreme mood swings
Dissatisfaction with life
Addictive behaviors
Feeling disconnected from the world
Intense displays of affection
Uncontrollable sexual urges and sensory desires
UNDERACTIVE SACRAL CHAKRA SYMPTOMS
An underactive energy center can affect your entire physical and mental well-being. When the Svadhishthana Chakra is blocked, feelings ranging from uncertainty to an inability to cope with life’s changes permeate. The path to freely express desires hinders artistic abilities and you may begin to depend on others emotionally, resulting in a psychological imbalance and detachment from the Self. Other symptoms include:
Fear of pleasure
Lack of creativity
Fatigue
Lack of desire
Insecurity
Detachment
Low libido
Depression
HOW TO UNBLOCK & HEAL THE SACRAL CHAKRA
There are several simple ways to restore the balance of the chakras. Sacral Chakra healing brings a harmonious flow of energy throughout the body. This can be done through chakra meditation, yoga poses, and even mudras (hand gestures). Here are four easy and effective ways you can balance your second chakra:
Affirmations are a positive way to heal negative programming that can be embedded in the subconscious. Practicing affirmations can reprogram the subconscious with a positive mindset and raise energy vibrations. Use these Sacral Chakra affirmations to promote positive energy and balance in your life:
I am passionate.
I am a creative being.
I have boundaries that protect me.
I am fulfilled in my passions.
I embrace change as a healthy part of life.
I have an abundance of creativity.
My emotions are in balance.
Meditation plays a vital role in balancing and opening chakras. Chakra meditation techniques are very similar to general meditation techniques. The main difference is the focus and end goal of the practice. Practicing Sacral Chakra meditation regularly can help channel positive energy and thought patterns, boosting your creativity, joy, and confidence.
SACRAL CHAKRA YOGA POSES FOR ENERGY ACTIVATION AND ALIGNMENT
