Welcome to the Sacral Chakra

● 1 becomes two. It is here that our initial unity becomes duality

● Element is water, where solid becomes liquid, stillness becomes movement

● We have gained a degree of freedom but also with more complexity

● Our understanding of self now comes with an awareness of the other

● Connecting with another, desire arises, and with it our emotions and sexuality

● Is the most feminine of the 7, and profoundly connected with fertility

● It is ruled by the moon (feminine - yin in Chinese) which pulls the seas and our bodies

● It’s lotus has 6 orange petals surrounding a white circle which indicates water and a light blue crescent moon

● Governs emotions and sexuality situated in the lower abdomen

● It governs spleen, reproductive organs, kidneys and bladder and all bodily fluids including blood, saliva, seminal fluid

● This chakra also connects to the nerve ganglion of the Sacral Plexus and is the centre for motion for the body, often called the ‘seat of life’

● The seat of pleasure and of taste not just food, but clothes, music, design, and colour

● Change is a fundamental element of consciousness; draws attention, awakens us

● Without change our minds become dull; there is no growth, no movement and no life

● Change is produced by the constant interaction of opposite forces, fluctuating around a state of balance. This is the essence also behind Hatha Yoga philosophy

● When balanced it is characterised by fluidity and grace. This is true for both male and female as we are a combination of both energies; all consisting of different constitutions leading up to our individuality

● As well as being graceful, balanced Sacral people tend to be friendly, open and trusting, in touch with their feelings and able to express themselves

● Willing to see the positive rather than the negative and able to turn problems into challenges

● Lack of balance results in awkwardness, or lack of coordination which can be seen in teenage boys when coming to terms with sexuality

● When out of balance might feel guilt, self pity, be manipulative and envious

● Too open then ones own needs may be forgotten and you may tend to look after others too much, ending up feeling like a martyr

● A lack of balance can also rise to sexual problems, jealousy and obsession

● Sexuality is about our ability to bond and to take pleasure in our sexuality, rather than the primal instinct of the Root

● We can have profound sexual and emotional happiness. If blocked you can become obsessed with sex or your own sexuality and have total disregard for partners

● In addition you can become devoid of emotion or opposite - cold or impotent

● Sexual abuse is common cause of a closed Sacral chakra (Sacral comes from ‘sacred’)

● Making love is not meant to be casual meaningless event, and neither is it meant to induce guilt. It is rather with openness and empathy, bringing joy and pleasure

● We have a natural inclination to move toward pleasure and away from pain. Freud called this the pleasure principle, closely related to survival of the first chakra

● It can help us also to move deeply into the theme of the body, and feeling fulfilled with the foundation of power, love, creativity, and meditative concentration

● Pleasure can help but it can also hinder; e.g. spending money on frivolous items

● Yet pleasure invites surrender which is necessary for spiritual awakening

● It is dual, a two-edged sword. It’s an easy chakra to get stuck in, yet the trap can also be from avoiding pleasure as much as indulging in it

● The pleasure and emotional sensations are processed in the lower section of the brain called the Limbic system which controls the hypothalamus, which in turn controls hormones and the regulation of the autonomic (involuntary) nervous system such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing

● Soothing stimulation to this part of the brain helps reduce and relax excessive hormones and processes, therefore living more healthily

● Ignoring bodily sensations cuts us off. Without them we are lifeless and disconnected

● Unfortunately we are taught to be aware of the pleasure, that it’s a dangerous temptress waiting to lure us away from our true path - in repressing, we repress our natural bodily impulses and once again segregate mind and body

● We don’t even easily allow simple pleasures; a little extra sleep, a leisurely walk, comfortable clothing. This arises from the min, but seldom from the body

● The word ‘emotion’ comes from the latin ‘movere’, ‘to move’ and ‘e’ meaning ‘out’

● In a child, emotional expression is the only language spoken or understood, the only way they can express their inner state

● Emotions are inherently tied with movement. To block emotion, we restrict

● Then the emotion may remain in the unconscious, meaning we are unaware of it, yet we still wreak havoc in our lives because of it

● Absence of tension creates a harmonic flow within the body. Mind. This creates pleasure of an even deeper connections with others

How to Balance

● Hydration

● Cleansing and for example, the lymphatic system which relies on it for immunity

● Lemon and Himalayan salt water in the morning and purified water through the day

● Herbal teas (Pukka has a good range)

● This also physically removes waste and toxins such as from medication or others

● Water drinking - 2 litres 3.5 pints. When dehydrated the skin becomes dry, urine is dark, and you can get lack of concentration, being thirsty is the last indication

● Salt scrub and baths… lavender, lemon and epsom or himalayan or sea salt bath with oil. Place your head back into the water

● Alternating showers - hot water has relaxing properties, helping to reduce stress. Cold water helps relieve inflammation and stimulates the removal of toxins from skin and lymph

● Sauna/ steam room - Face steaming, steam rooms - with menthol aromatherapy

● Water purification - neti pots with saline solution ● Swimming and floating with face up

● Be near water or a lake

● Reducing or stopping sugar, caffeine and alcohol

● Lymphatic drainage massage is also good for PMS

● Dancing

● Alternate nostril breathing to balance right and left brain thinking

● Psychologically observe your level of desire and needs and ensure the balance - whether related to relationships or regarding other pleasure in life

A book I recommend here is Cellular Awakening

Aromatherapy Support: Bergamot, Cardamom, Clary Sage, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang-Ylang Crystals and Stones: Carnelian, Citrine, Orange Calcite, Milky Quartz, Moonstone, Selenite Ensure to practice each chakra through the week