Each week I will provide information on one chakra. So far, I have discussed what are the seven chakras and the first chakra. This week's topic is on the sacral chakra. According to my yoga teachings, the seven chakras are located in a straight line from the base of the spine to the top of our heads. The chakras are there to help bring balance to the body by circulating life force energy or chi through the body. This energy is located at the base of our spine and can resurrect dormant stagnant energy. If and when our chakras are unbalanced we can experience physical, spiritual, and emotional issues related to that particular chakra. 

For an extended conversation on the seven chakras see my previous post or click here. https://www.aqml.art/blog/wwwaqmlartblog-5

What is the Sacral Chakra

Our sacral chakra is the second chakra, located just below the navel. Represented by the water element and the color orange. The theme or focus of this chakra involves relationships with self and others, emotions, desires, and creativity. The main function of this chakra is feeling at one with yourself, enjoying life, and being creative! This may sound similar to the saying “Tap into your inner playful child!” When the sacral chakra is balanced our relationships with self, others, and the world are playful, harmonious, and nurturing. 

Swimming downstream is always better than swimming up. Indeed it is! Since the sacral chakra is associated with the water element, this chakra is all about going with the flow! The song by Toni Braxton Let it flow comes to mind when I think of the sacral chakra. Mainly the chorus part of the song. In my personal experience, I learned working with this chakra; our creativity is limitless, healthy relationships with self and others are abundant and a pleasure. When working with this chakra you will notice your inner default voice and emotions. You will learn how to express your boundaries, wants, needs, emotions, and creativity.  

Signs of an Unbalanced Sacral Chakra

 Imbalances may manifest in our physical, spiritual, or emotional bodies. Physical side effects may correlate in the same area where the chakra is located. For example, the sacral chakra corresponds with the reproductive organs. You may experience the following physical side effects: 

• Ovarian cysts or other reproductive issues

• Low back pain 

• Painful intercourse

• Pelvic and abdominal pain 

• Bladder and kidney issues

 Our thought patterns influence our beliefs and that determines our behaviors. A blocked sacral chakra may manifest as feeling anxious or creating codependent relationships.

Other emotional side effects may include: 

• Escapism- distracting yourself with something more pleasurable than facing the present reality. 

• Low sex-drive

• Difficulty expressing emotions, creativity, boundaries, and self

• Overindulgence in pleasure 

• Inability to change

• Overstimulation 

In my experience, spiritual blockages may manifest as:

 Believing you have no sense of purpose or feeling like you are in a rat race

An inability to connect with divine source or even sit in stillness

The song I think of is Nothing Without You by Tanerelle. I can't do life without the influence of the most high! 

How to balance the sacral chakra

We are fortunate to have resources within and around us to help bring balance. Additional support from a professional may be needed depending on how long the chakra has been blocked. This is especially relevant for getting to the root of the problem and reprogramming limiting beliefs. Otherwise, the tools used are just bandaids waiting to reopen when faced with adversity.  

In yoga, we use mindful movement to circulate energy. I have provided step-by-step instructions for the yoga pose that focuses on the sacral chakra, which is the Cobra pose. 

Cobra pose

 Step by Step 

• Begin by lying on your stomach, point the toes back, place the hands under the shoulders, try to keep the elbows close to the body pointed back, pull the belly button in and up toward the spine

• In one motion inhale and lift the chest, roll the collarbones up, back, and firm so the shoulder blades are aligned with the upper back

• The head lifts last, the heart is open, the hands are planted lightly in front of the shoulders, and the toes are pointed out. 

• As you exhale, bend at the elbows and lie on the bottom. Rest and repeat 2x

• The third variation, try going deeper into the pose, press down firmly in the hands, and come up to your point of comfort, keep the belly and toes engaged 

• Inhale and shift the side ribs forward, the upper arms are back, and the neck is long. 

• The gaze is forward or can be up if you maintain the length in the back of the neck, do whichever is comfortable. 

• Remain in this pose for 5 to 10 breaths

• Exhale, bend the elbows, and lower the body. Rest on your belly. 

Tips

• Take your time 

• Coordinate the movement with the breath 

• Continue breathing 

• Know your limits, and do what feels comfortable. 

• Keep the belly and toes engaged

• Keep the back long 

• Keep the hips on the floor

• Shoulders relaxed

• The base of the neck is soft 

• The elbows are pointed back not at the side

Caution 

• Do what feels comfortable. If you feel a strain in any body parts exhale and come out of the pose. 

• Lower back strain lower yourself into the Sphinx pose- slowly place the forearms on the mat

• Wrist pain: try coming on your forearms into the Sphinx pose, or move the hands in front of the body or point at an angle. 

Benefits of the cobra pose

• Opens the chest and shoulders

• Stretches the front of the body and the spine

• Sends energy to the spine 

Other tips for balancing the sacral chakra 

Be creative

Let your creative juices flow without any expectation of the outcome. Revisit old hobbies and unfinished projects. Doing what you said you would do and enjoying it while you are doing it doesn't go unnoticed! That is an automatic confidence booster. 

Connect with water 

The sacral chakra is represented by the water element so naturally connecting with water can assist this chakra. Next time it rains weather permitting go outside and submerge your body in the rain. Take a shower or bath, go swimming, or soak your feet in water. 

Rebrand your appearance 

Our appearance is a form of communication. Sometimes it is necessary to change your wardrobe or hair to set you apart for who you really are! What we wear affects and reflects our mood, so the clothing we wear matters! Your appearance can highlight your personality and your experiences. Consider your appearance an asset to express your most authentic self!