The sacral chakra, also known as Svadhisthana or the second chakra, is located in the lower abdomen. It is associated with creativity, sexuality, emotions, and relationships. When the sacral chakra is balanced, you feel secure in yourself, your sexuality, and your relationships. Imbalances in the sacral chakra can manifest in physical and emotional issues.
Location of the Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra is located about 2-3 inches below the navel. It sits in the lower abdomen, in the area of the sacrum. The sacrum is a large, triangular bone at the base of the spine. This is why it is called the sacral chakra.
Color of the Sacral Chakra
The color associated with the sacral chakra is orange. Orange represents creativity, sexuality, emotions, and relationships. Visualizing orange when working with the sacral chakra can help bring it into balance.
Sanskrit Name and Meaning
The Sanskrit name for the sacral chakra is Svadhisthana. Svadhisthana means “one’s own abode” or “sweetness.” It represents the self and inner wisdom. When the sacral chakra is balanced, you feel at home within yourself and connected to your inner truth.
Sacral Chakra Symbol
The symbol of the sacral chakra is composed of:
- A crescent moon representing the feminine, intuition, and emergence
- A circle representing the self
- Six petals representing the six qualities associated with the chakra: creativity, wisdom, self-worth, emotions, sexuality, and relationships
Together, these elements symbolize feeling at home with one’s self and inner wisdom.
Functions of the Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra governs several important functions in the body and mind:
- Creativity – The sacral chakra is the center of creativity and creative expression. When balanced, it allows you to tap into creative energy.
- Emotions – The sacral chakra manages emotional energy and awareness of feelings. It allows you to both feel emotions and express them in a healthy way.
- Sexuality – This chakra governs sexuality, including sexual desires, sexual identity and orientation, intimacy, and reproduction.
- Relationships – The energy of the sacral chakra allows you to connect with others through intimate relationships, partnerships, and friendships.
- Pleasure – A balanced sacral chakra allows you to experience and enjoy pleasure in life.
- Joy – The joy of living comes from a balanced sacral chakra expressing emotions, connecting in relationships, and tapping into creativity.
Sacral Chakra Imbalances
When the sacral chakra is not functioning optimally, you may experience both physical and emotional issues. Here are some common signs of sacral chakra imbalances:
Overactive Sacral Chakra
- Excessive emotionality or dramatization of emotions
- Attachment or sexual addiction
- Sexual promiscuity
- Obsession or intense infatuation
- Creativity block
- Mood swings or irritability
- Eating disorders
Underactive Sacral Chakra
- Numbness or lack of emotion
- Social isolation or disconnection
- Sexual problems like impotence or frigidity
- Low libido or lack of desire
- Infertility, menstrual disorders, or reproductive issues
- Poor body image or lack of self-worth
- Creative blocks
Physical Signs
- Lower back pain
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Irregular periods and menstrual issues
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hip, pelvis, or tailbone problems
How to Balance the Sacral Chakra
Keep your sacral chakra healthy and balanced with these tips:
Healing Crystals
Orange crystals like carnelian, orange calcite, and sunstone resonate with the sacral chakra. Place them over the lower abdomen or sacrum. Wearing orange crystal jewelry can also help balance this chakra.
Essential Oils
Essential oils that stimulate and heal the sacral chakra include:
- Orange essential oil
- Ylang ylang
- Jasmine
- Sandalwood
- Rose
Use these oils in a diffuser, bath, massage, or body oil.
Color Therapy
Surround yourself with the color orange to energize, inspire, and balance your sacral chakra. Wear orange clothing, decorate with orange items, eat orange foods, and engage in orange-colored creative activities like painting.
Foods
Nourish your sacral chakra with these foods:
- Sweet potatoes
- Oranges
- Mangoes
- Papayas
- Carrots
- Squash
- Ginger
- Honey
Yoga Poses
Practice these yoga asanas to stimulate the sacral chakra:
- Bridge pose
- Reclining bound angle
- Butterfly
- Low lunge
- Wide-legged forward fold
- Half frog
Creative Expression
Since the sacral chakra governs creativity, expressing yourself artistically helps keep it balanced. Try activities like:
- Dancing
- Painting
- Singing
- Playing music
- Writing
- Crafts
Let your innate creativity flow without judgment or censorship.
Mindfulness and Grounding
When you feel sacral chakra imbalances arising, get grounded in the present moment. Try mindfulness practices like meditation, breathwork, and time in nature. Slow down and connect with your body, emotions, and inner self.
Affirmations
Work with positive sacral chakra affirmations like:
- “I am open to new experiences and feelings.”
- “I embrace my sexuality and creative energy.”
- “I am secure in myself and my relationships.”
- “I freely express my creativity and emotions.”
Therapy
For deep-seated sacral chakra issues, seeing a therapist or counselor can help. Talk therapy provides a safe space to express emotions, gain insights, and heal.
Signs of a Healthy, Balanced Sacral Chakra
When your sacral chakra is healthy and spinning smoothly, you experience:
- A healthy sexuality and sex life
- The ability to healthily feel and express emotions
- Secure, intimate relationships
- Comfort expressing creativity
- Flowing creative ideas and inspiration
- Pleasure, passion, and joy in life
- Connection to your body, self, and inner wisdom
Keep your sacral chakra balanced through awareness, healing practices, and honoring your needs. This allows you to live, love, and create fully and freely.
Conclusion
The sacral chakra governs essential aspects of life like creativity, sexuality, emotions, and relationships. Keeping it balanced allows you to feel secure with yourself, heal from emotional traumas, unlock creative potential, and build healthy connections. Pay attention to the signs from your body and emotions pointing to sacral chakra imbalances. A variety of holistic healing methods like yoga, crystals, essential oils, and mindfulness practices help align this chakra center. When the sacral chakra is spinning smoothly, you can live, love, and create to your fullest.