Guest Author - Nancy Welker
Energy points, or translated more closely to the Sanskrit meaning, "wheels", within our bodies contain a vast amount of positive power. These points, or chakras, can bring health, mental focus and peace into our lives when properly maintained. Regardless of your situation or your needs, always keep a gentle, steady flow to and from the chakras when practicing a meditation session that is specifically directed toward opening them. Balance is important, so you should also learn how to keep an even energy level throughout your body (and your spirit) by familiarizing yourself with how your chakras feel and affect you.
Finding Chakra Number Two
Called, "Svadisthana", the sacral chakra is located in the abdomen, sexual organs and lowest regions of the back. If you were to draw a line two to three inches down from your navel and then travel it inward, toward your back, you'd be in the region of the second chakra.
Associations
Color: Next in line on the chakra rainbow, the color is an orange that is tinged with both red and yellow. Thus, it is positioned just after root chakra (#1) which is red, and just before solar plexus chakra (#3) which is yellow. Sacral chakra is represented by a six-petaled lotus in a glowing orange. I always think of the sunset when I visualize sacral energy.
Element: Water
Sense: Taste
Sound: VAM (drawn out to "vaaaahhhmm")
Focus: Sacral chakra is all about pleasure. Food, sexual desire and close relationships are the main points of attention. A well-balanced sacral chakra brings us a fulfilling sex life, successful relationships, healthy eating habits and a sense of emotional stability. Feeling confident about making changes and flexibility are also relative to this energy.
Additional: Sacral chakra controls the reproductive system and proper maintenance can lead to conception and healthy pregnancies for women, and fatherhood for men.
Signs That Your Sacral Chakra Is Out Of Balance
A muddled or overactive sacral chakra can cause unhealthy attitudes toward sex, overeating and/or addiction to heavy foods, and a continual sense of emotional need. Rejecting change, and stubborn refusal of new and improved methods can be associated with a blocked sacral chakra.
Instructions For Opening Svadisthana
1. From a standing position, place both palms together. With a gentle movement, touch the tips of your thumbs together, while focusing your thoughts on the area of the sacral chakra. You can mentally draw a line from your navel down 2 to 3 inches, go through your body to your lower back and visualize that area filling with white light. Chant the sound, "vaaaahhhhmm", softly and steadily.
2. Move your body in a way that's fluid and comfortable. Swaying from side to side is the simplest. Do this for several minutes or until you begin to feel the energy building.
3. Release your hands and stop the movement. Place your dominant hand on the lower portion of your abdomen, and make circular motions. If using your right hand, move in a counter-clockwise circle; clockwise if using the left. Close your eyes and imagine a bright orange color filling your mind, and connecting that to a similar bright orange color in the sacral chakra region. The color may spin inside of you as it brings health and strength with it.
4. When you feel a sense of refreshed energy (which you may come to better understand in time) stop the circular motion, and open your eyes. Visualize the energy flow to and from the sacral chakra ending, and think of closing the chakra.
You have now added a healing session for chakra number two to your Yoga practice. Remember, the chakras should be opened in order, from 1 to 7, and all of them should be worked individually with every session.
Be peaceful and well!
