The 2nd Chakra, Sacral: Taking Control of Your Life
Swadhisthana, or sacral chakra, comes from two Sanskrit words meaning “one’s own” and “abode or dwelling.” It beautifully governs one’s desires and emotions.
The 2nd chakra, the Sacral, is the creative and sexual energy center of our bodies. Connected to the element of water, it also represents the flow and movement of our existence. Located in the lower abdomen above the pubic bone and about two finger widths below the navel, this energy center profoundly regulates emotional health. Let us continue with the effects of imbalance and alignment.
Find out more about your seven chakras here.
Underactive
Underactivity occurs when your chakra is stagnant or blocked, leading to issues with libido, reproduction, emotional dissatisfaction, and struggles with creativity. This can be linked to problems from your 1st chakra, such as unresolved traumas with lasting emotional turmoil, thus creating a ripple effect up your energy stream. Blockages also occur with daily interactions, from relationships to work-life balance—anything that can tip the scale away from joy and fulfillment.
Symptoms of imbalance can be found in low libido or sexual addiction, pelvic or lower back pain, addictions, fertility struggles, urinary issues, mood disorders or emotional imbalances, boredom, and a sense of dissatisfaction. Emotionally, you can experience co-dependence, fear and insecurity, low self-esteem, depression, and a feeling that you are not loved.
Overactive
Do you ever wonder why you are overly interested in the drama of others on some days? This can be a manifestation of an overactive sacral chakra. You are seeking the highest of highs through others’ emotional states. This can cause clouding of the mind and an inability to focus, paving the way for you to become obsessed with seeking pleasure externally instead of seeking clarity from within. You may also follow a pattern of attention-seeking due to a deep-seated fear of not being seen or doing enough. Fear not, you can align your energy to create harmony!
Alignment
While we have discussed some underactive or blocked energy symptoms, there are also positive symptoms associated with proper sacral alignment. With the alignment of your sacral chakra, the energy flow can improve digestion, hormones, and libido. Daily, you will have increased joy and satisfaction and feel more open to pursuing pleasurable activities. You may also have a creative awakening, inspiring yourself and others!
You may also experience a healing crisis. This is the resurgence of emotions and physical ailments as your body works to release stored negative energies. This often presents lower back pain, pelvic pain, or urinary tract infections, as those are all near this energy center. Emotional purge may also occur. For me, I experienced tears and a feeling of “gagging” on old emotions as they moved out of my body, leaving a sense of calm acceptance and joy for the coming future.
Actions You Can Take for Healing
Be gentle with yourself when you feel like you are failing. Each setback is an opportunity for assessment and re-alignment. Refrain from harsh self-criticism, which can lead to negative thinking and block energy centers. We have all heard of positive self-talk, which needs to be focused upon, as your thoughts and words affect your overall well-being. Remember to use positive affirmations to help boost your energy when done regularly. Some affirmative phrase suggestions are “My body is sacred, and I cherish it,” “I honor my feelings and freely healthily move through them,” and “Abundance flows through me.”
Yoga is a beautiful modality that aligns the physical and mental aspects of our being. Each chakra has specific poses and mantras that help keep you balanced daily. Some examples of sacral yoga poses are the butterfly and pigeon poses. You can also use water in your meditative practice, increasing your connection to this water sign.
