What You Need to Know About the Sacral Chakra

The chakras, according to yoga tradition, are the seven energy centers that go down the center line of the body. When balanced, our chi, or life force energy flows properly through the body. When these centers become blocked, it can take a toll on our emotional and physical health. The second chakra, called svadhistana, is associated with the color orange and is located at the lower belly and inner pelvis. “Svadhisthana” translates one’s own abode, says yoga teacher Stephanie Snyder.

The symbol of the sacral chakra is orange with six petals surrounding the center. The circles in connection with the lotus flower petals represent the cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. The tangential circles also create a crescent moon shape, which reminds us of the connection between creativity and the phases of the moon. According to Sahara Rose, the colors and the symbols associated with the different energy centers are reflective of the vibration of the chakras. When the ancient rishis meditated on the energy of the chakras, these were the colors and symbols that arose in their mind’s eye.

This chakra is associated with sensuality and creativity. The primary function of this energy center is pleasure and overall enjoyment of life. When this chakra is balanced and functioning properly, we can expect our relationship with ourselves and the world to feel harmonious, pleasureful, and nurturing.

The svadhisthana chakra is associated with the element of water, says Snyder. The water element is all about flow, flexibility and freedom of expression when it comes to emotions and sensuality. This energy center, when balanced, offers direct access to flow, flexibility, and fun.

In working with this chakra, you will address your relationship with both others and yourself. Personally, you’ll discover you have unlimited creative power; you’ll learn how to cultivate a healthy relationship to pleasure; and you’ll gain insight into your default reactions and deepest emotions and learn how to sit with the depth of your feelings. You will more freely express your wants, needs, and emotions with others. You will also learn how to express yourself more skillfully and how to begin setting healthy boundaries.

See also: A Beginner’s Guide to the Chakras

Signs of blocked Svadhisthana energy

Blocked energy in the chakras can manifest in our emotional, spiritual, and even physical bodies. Physical symptoms of blocked chakras many times occur in the area of the blocked energy center. When the sacral chakra is out of alignment, you may experience any of the follow:

• Chronic low back pain
• Ovarian cysts and other reproductive issues
• Urinary tract infections
• Impotence
• Pain during intercourse
• Complications with the bladder and kidneys
• Other pelvic–lower abdominal issues

Blocked chakras can also greatly affect the quality of our mind and thoughts. Mentally, blocked sacral energy can manifest as issues such as co-dependency or feeling overwhelmed by our emotions. Other signs your sacral chakra might be blocked:

• Overindulgence in sexual fantasy
• Lack of interest in sex all together
• Difficulty expressing our emotions, needs, and creativity

How to balance the sacral chakra

Though the chakras can become blocked by certain habits and imbalances in the body, mind, and soul, we can bring these energy centers back into alignment with the right tools and care. Here are some ways to balance your sacral chakra for optimal creativity, pleasure, and emotional expression:

• Practice asana postures that target the sacral area. Some of these poses include Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby), Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose), and Malasana (Squat).
• Use stones and crystals to balance the sacral chakra.
• Take a soothing bath with essential oils.
• Tap into your creative side through journaling, dance, art, or whatever your preferred expression.
• Practice using affirmations.

When the sacral chakra is in healthy alignment, you will be able to source energy for creativity, movement, procreation, desire, pleasure, and relationships. You will be able to freely express your wants and needs in relationships, and pleasure will be a priority. Creativity and visualization will become easy for you to tap into when your sacral is aligned.

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