28 Feb 2025 Himalayan Yoga Academy
The sacral chakra associated with the water element is the second energy center in the body. The Sanskrit name for the sacral chakra is ‘Svadhisthana’ which translates to the dwelling place of self-steadiness. In other words, it is a liquid vital force activation center, where earth base energy melts, and chakra transforms the forces’ nature into water. It also represents flow, fluidity, and adaptability. The chakra’s associated color is orange or vermillion. The chakra is located in the lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel, in the perineum area. The sacral chakra is deeply connected with creativity, emotions, and sexuality. The tongue (sense of taste) and reproductive organs (the genitals) are its ruling body parts. The three states of sacral chakra are blocked, balanced, and overactive. The energy flow is stagnant when it is blocked and excessive when it is overactive. Therefore, the act of balancing sacral or svadhisthana chakra is essential for the constant free flow of energy. It results in emotional stability, creativity, and healthy sexual expression and relationships.
A Glance at Sacral Chakra
Meaning: The dwelling place of the self-steadiness
Yoga: Tantra-Yoga
Energy center: Second Chakra
Sanskrit Name: Svadhisthana
Element: Water
Prana: Vyana
Symbol: A crescent moon surrounded by six lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) petals, adorned with syllables ba, bha, ma, ya, ra, la (ब, भ, म, य, र, ल)
Beej Mantra (seed sound): VAM
Position: Located in the lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel, in the perineum area
Ruling body part: Tongue (sense of taste) and reproductive organs (the genitals)
Mudra Associated: Yoni Mudra
Color Associated: Vermillion/Orange
Carrier/Vehicle: Crocodile
Chemical Gland: Gonads Gland
Related Stones: Carnelian, Orange Calcite, Tiger’s Eye, and Moonstone
Key Attributes of the Sacral Chakra
Sacral Chakra primarily deals with the emotions, creativity, passion, and sexual energy in the human body which are its key attributes.
1. Emotions
The chakra helps to build the ability to release fear with ease promoting emotional stability and connectivity through joy, intimacy, pleasure, etc.
2. Creativity
The chakra is closely associated with creative energy that fosters artistic flow, innovation, problem-solving, and self-expression.
3. Passion
The deep desire is fueled by an inner passion that inspires individuals to pursue with intensity and dedication.
4. Sexual Energy
The chakra stimulates intimacy and pleasure promoting healthy sexual energy and fostering harmonious relationships.
Sacral Chakra States
The sacral chakra states are Blocked, Balanced, and Overactive describing the conditions of an individual. It is best to acknowledge the condition to take practical steps to enhance creativity, emotions, and sexuality.
Tabular Presentation of a Blocked, Balanced, and Overactive Sacral Chakra
| Sacral Chakra States | Characteristics | Symptoms/Signs | Impact (Physical & Emotional) |
| Blocked | Motionless energy Find it hard to express emotions and desires Absence of creativity and joy | Emotional instability Creative blocks Sexual issues Fear of change Addictive behaviors Guilt or Shame | Unable to experience pleasure or joy Trouble adapting to change Fear of intimacy Emotional vulnerability Lower back pain |
| Balanced | Free-flowing energy Able to express emotions and desires Flow of Creativity and sexual energy | Emotional stability Creative freedom Self-expression Healthy relationships Boost in Confidence, desires, and needs | Openness to new experiences Ready for emotional connections Healthy sexual expression Feel content and excited Creative expansion |
| Overactive | Excessive energy Intensity in desires and pleasures Difficulty in self regulation Unhappy with life | Extreme mood swings Hyper-addictive behaviors Overindulgence (food, alcohol, substances, etc.) Unhealthy attachment to sexual desires | Irresistible emotions Impulsiveness Feelings of guilt or self-blaming Obsessive behaviors More emphasis on physical pleasure |
Balancing Sacral or Svadhisthana Chakra
The constant free-flowing of emotional energy, creativity, and sensuality is achieved through the act of balancing sacral or svadhisthana chakra. Some key points are as follows:
1. Physical Movement
The physical movement proves beneficial in releasing and stimulating the energy flow in the body. Involve in physical activities primarily focusing on hips and pelvis such as yoga, swimming, dancing, etc.
2. Meditation and Visualization
Meditation and visualization focusing on bright orange or vermillion colors activate the healing area and foster positive energy.
3. Dietary Supplements
The right dietary supplements supporting the Sacral Chakra prove beneficial to balance and nurture. Some suggested foods are oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, nuts and seeds, black cherry tomato, Padrón pepper, coconut, oyster, lentils, etc.
4. Affirmations
Chanting or reciting positive affirmations also activates the positive energy vibrations releasing negativity. Some suggestive chats from the Kundalini tradition are Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo which translates as ‘I bow to the creative energy of the universe’ (Ong), and ‘I bow to the divine wisdom within’ (Namo Guru Dev Namo). Some other affirmations can be: ‘I am Capable’. ‘I am passionate’. ‘I am emotionally satisfied’. You can chant any positive affirmation you desire and continue to repeat it for better results.
5. Water Element
Keeping yourself hydrated and spending time more near the water bodies also proves to activate the energy as the sacral chakra is connected with the water element.
6. Emotional Healing
Emotional healing through therapy, self-analyzing, journaling, and working on resolving affected emotional trauma or relationships for improving the sacral chakra.
7. Creative Expression
Creative expression allows you to express your oppressed feelings and fosters you to connect with your inner self. Engage in creative activities such as painting, writing, crafting, or any form of self-expression.
8. Use of Essential Oils and Crystals
The use of essential oils and crystals also helps to activate the sacral chakra promoting emotional balance and healing.
Crystals and Essential Oils for Sacral Chakra Healing
Below are the crystals and essential oils for Sacral Chakra healing with their benefits.
| Crystals and their Benefits | Essential Oils and their Benefits |
| Carnelian for Creativity | Cinnamon for Creativity |
| Orange Calcite for Joy | Rose for Love |
| Gold-colored Tiger’s Eye for Confidence | Jasmine for Confidence |
| Moonstone for Intuition | Clary Sage for Clarity |
| Amber for Healing | Patchouli for Balance |
| Citrine for Energy | Ylang-Ylang for Sensuality |
| Red Jasper for Grounding | Sandalwood for Grounding |
| Sunstone for Vitality | Orange for Uplifting |
Yoga Asanas (poses) for Balancing Sacral or Svadhisthana Chakra
Some effective Yoga asanas (poses) for balancing sacral or svadhisthana chakra are as follows:
1. Bound Angle/Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana): It is best for the hips and stimulates emotional release.
2. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): It improves pelvic flexibility and stimulates the lower abdomen.
3. Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): It helps to release stored emotions.
4. Child’s Pose (Balasana): It relaxes the body and boosts emotional submission.
5. Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana): The pelvic region strengthens developing confidence.
6. Low Lunge Pose (Anjaneyasana): It stretches the lower abdomen as well as opens the hips.
7. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): The energy flow increases and provides flexibility to the lower back.
8. Cat-Cow Pose (Marjari-Bitilasana): It releases tension in the lower body as it mobilizes the spine.
Conclusion
The act of balancing sacral or svadhisthana chakra fosters creativity, satisfying relationships, and sexual energy. For a balanced energy flow, practicing yoga, affirmations, eating dietary supplements, drinking water, and spending time near the water bodies proves to be fruitful.