The sacral chakra: your emotional centre

“E-motions are energy in motion.  If they are not expressed, the energy is repressed.  As energy it has to go somewhere.  Emotional energy moves us, as does all energy.  To deny emotion is to deny the ground and vital energy of life.”  John Bradshaw

If you have ever suffered from inhibitions and lack confidence in your own sensuality, you may benefit greatly from exploring your sacral chakra.

The main function of this chakra is emotional flow. The Sanskrit name for the sacral chakra Svadhisthana means sweetness. The essence of this chakra is revealed in the sweet exchange of intimacy and connectedness.  Physiologically, the sacral chakra governs our sexual development and maturity, and the health of the reproductive and urinary systems.  As well as sexual pleasure, the sweetness of the sacral can be experienced through nurturing oneself with the simple pleasures of rest, good food, and tactile pleasures like dancing and massage.

When the natural state of a healthy, open sacral chakra is blocked, we can become numb to our emotions; often our physical body contracts.  This contracted state has the potential to deaden passion and desire, both sexually and in other areas of life.  Allowing repressed emotions such as sadness, shame, or fear to move through our bodies can be very healing.  As we become more attuned to the sacral, passion, desire and pleasure can become a part of everyday life, integrated in a natural balance.

Imbalance can also occur when there is excessive energy stored in the sacral chakra, and we may be moody and over-sensitive to others.  This can manifest into perpetual states of crisis, an excessive sex drive, or a craving for constant excitement and stimulation.

When equilibrium occurs through the balancing of the sacral chakra, we become more conscious of our inner nature and develop a deep appreciation for our emotional well-being.  Intimate relationships become easier when blockages are released and life feels “sweeter”.

Evaluating your sacral chakra

Simply answer YES or NO to each of the statements below.  If you score more than four Nos it may indicate that your sacral chakra is imbalanced.  If you score four or more YES answers, wonderful!  You are balanced in the sacral centre.

∆         I easily express my emotions – they feel free and flowing.

∆         I have an abundance of healthy, sensual pleasures in my life.

∆         I ensure that I am always hydrated and I enjoy drinking water.

∆         I can identify what I need, and ask for it.

∆         I enjoy stimulating and healthy sexual relationships.

∆         I love to dance, moving with music feels good to me.

∆         I am in touch with my sensitive side.

Balancing your sacral chakra:

 Sacral chakra crystals

Moonstone, carnelian, golden topaz

These crystals may be placed on the location of the sacral chakra (just below your belly-button) for clearing, revitalising and healing.  You may even choose to carry one of these crystals with you throughout your day.

Sacral chakra oils

Rose Geranium, rose, sandalwood.

These oils can be used in massage treatments, burned in an oil burner or you may even add a few drops in to your bath.

Chakradance – The dance of sensuality

Blending free-flowing movements with particular frequencies of sound, Chakradance is a dynamic dance journey through the 7 chakras.  The dance of the sacral chakra often relates to the feminine dances found in the Middle East, South America and Hawaii.  Dances from these regions celebrate many of the qualities associated with the sacral, including emotions and sexuality.  This sacral dance can be slow and sensual, or flirtatious and erotic, with fluid movements of the hips and belly.  Through this dance, the dancer can transform into a gypsy, a belly dancer, an ancient goddess, as he or she surrenders to the serpentine movements of the feminine.  In this sensual dance the connecting force of Eros is evoked, and its energy infuses throughout our bodies.

For more information on Chakradance classes and music specifically to dance the sacral chakra go to http://www.chakradance.com/

Moon Meditation

Imagine you are standing at the edge of an ocean.  Directly above you is a luminous full moon, lighting the sky with a soft glowing light.

You feel bathed in this gentle light and feel it calm and relax your senses.  Take a deep breath and tune into the moons connection to all living waters …the movement of the tides of the ocean; the flow of blood within your own body.  As you become more in tune with the moon you feel more connected to her wild and creative feminine spirit.

 5 Top Tips for balancing your sacral chakra:

 1.         Get support on any emotional issues going on in your life.  This may include finding a form of therapy such as counselling or energetic healing, etc.

2.         Try not to keep feelings bottled up, but find safe ways to express and release emotions, e.g. talking to a friend, chanting, dancing, painting, journal keeping.

3.         Find a regular practice to help keep you emotionally balanced, e.g. meditation, yoga, chi gung, chakradance etc.

4.         Create opportunities for pleasurable feelings in your life.  Find the time to find to do things you really enjoy; create some ‘you’ time everyday; spend time with positive and uplifting people.

5.         Create an emotionally calming environment in your home by cleansing your personal space with incense and burning candles.

Everyday ways to balance your sacral chakra

Experiment with playing in the sacral chakra – swim, play in water; wear orange clothes or bring the colour orange more into your life (the colour of the sacral chakra); take relaxation baths with candles and oils; drink lots of cleansing and nourishing fluids; take pleasure in cooking meals and really tune into the smells and tastes. Invoke your inner child and play!

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