If you want to expand your creativity, sensuality, and sense of inspiration, the second chakra is where you want to focus your attention.
An Overview of the Second (Sacral) Chakra
The second or sacral chakra, also called Svadhisthana, lies below the navel point and is associated in the physical body with the sex organs, the womb, the spleen, and the kidneys. The Sanskrit word “svadhisthana” translates to “where your being is established,” and this energy center helps you access joy, creativity, and pleasure. The sacral chakra influences your access to the emotional world and is related to how you experience sensuality and sexuality.
When your sacral chakra is balanced, you can feel and express a full range of emotions in a healthy way, and you regularly feel sparks of joy and sensuality. This chakra is associated with the color orange and the element of water. Symbolically, the sacral chakra is seen as a six petal lotus flower with a crescent moon center. The lotus petals represent the unending circle of existence, including birth, life, death, rebirth. The crescent moon is a visual representation of the waxing and waning elements of the natural world.
When Out of Balance
When in balance, this energy center adds to the sensuality, joy, and pleasure in your life. But if your sacral chakra is blocked, life can lose its spark. You may have difficulty experiencing pleasure and intimacy, and it can be hard to express, or even feel, your emotions. It may be challenging for you to share your feelings and become vulnerable with others.
If you have a blocked sacral chakra, you may be emotionally flat and shut down. You may feel isolated and lonely. Physically, you may feel chronic lower back pain or suffer from chronic kidney, bladder, or lower abdominal issues.
If your sacral chakra is overactive, you will have the opposite set of issues. You may feel overwhelmed, unable to regulate your emotions, and may become reactive and triggered by seemingly small events. Intense mood swings may characterize your day. You might become emotionally obsessive, even to people who don’t reciprocate your interest. Your sex drive may be difficult to control.
Not sure if your sacral chakra is in balance? Take this introspective 15-question quiz.
Is Your Sacral Chakra in Balance?
- Do you have difficulty expressing your emotions, even with people with whom you are close?
- Do you experience intense mood swings that are hard to regulate?
- Do you feel isolated?
- Is it hard to remember the last time you felt joy?
- Is your libido low on a regular basis?
- Do you overindulge in sexual fantasies?
- Do you avoid the emotional world?
- Do you have difficulty being flexible (including emotional and mental flexibility)?
- Is it hard to accept nurturing from others?
- Is it challenging to relax and seek pleasure?
- Is it uncomfortable to sit and do nothing?
- Does your day lack creative outlets?
- Do you have co-dependent relationships?
- Do you resist change?
- Is it difficult to establish and maintain healthy boundaries with others?
Score 1 for every yes.
0-5 = your sacral chakra is likely in balance. You may have an issue or two to reflect on, but this is part of the human experience, and it is likely that you can access your creativity and experience pleasure.
6-10 = your sacral chakra may be out of balance, either blocked or overactive. It’s worth taking some time to reflect. Happiness and joy are your birth rights, and you may need to take some steps to bring these elements back into your life. Make feeling joy and pleasure priorities in your life.
11-15 = your sacral chakra is out of balance, and you are likely suffering the consequences. Develop a clear plan to bring your second chakra back into balance and make a firm commitment to your happiness. Your life will feel richer with your creativity, inspiration, and sensuality activated and in balance. Notice and address your resistance to making healthy changes.
How to Rebalance the Sacral Chakra
If you believe your sacral chakra is out of balance, there are some practical steps you can take.
- Find a creative outlet. Creativity is expressed differently for different people, so it is important to find the playground that is right for you. Painting, drawing, singing, playing music, and dancing are just a few ways to get your creative juices flowing. Find an outlet that gives you joy and build creative time into every week (and ideally every day).
- Express your feelings. Journaling is a great way to start to connect to and process your emotional world. Take some time each day to reflect on your emotional state. You can use tools like an emotion wheel to help you better identify and describe your internal experience. Notice trends, especially activities and relationships that give you joy and feelings of connection.
- Do yoga. Yoga is designed to open the various chakras in the body, so look for yoga practices that focus on the sacral chakra, including the lower back. If you are looking for a single exercise, hip openers can help activate this energy center. If you have more time, try this 40-minute class to activate and balance the sacral chakra.
- Nourish your physical body. Supporting your body can help activate the sacral chakra, so find practices that help you physically. Massage and acupressure are good places to start. Remember to eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet filled with foods you enjoy. Eat slowly and mindfully so you can really experience the sensual side of your meal.
In Summary
The sacral chakra is the gatekeeper for joy, creativity and sensuality, and a balanced sacral chakra leads to more love and happiness in your life. If you wonder if your sacral chakra is blocked, incorporate some of the suggestions above and watch your life light up.