Your Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra, or second chakra, is also called Svadisthana, bhima, or the spleen and naval center. This point is found just below your belly button, normally about 1.5 inches. The traditional Vedic symbol for Svadisthana can be seen to the right.

Associated Color: Orange

Associated Element: Water

Associated Spinal Region: 1st lumbar vertebra

The sacral chakra relates to your emotional states and functions, as well as your creativity and sensitivity. This center is also traditionally associated with sexual desire and energy.

When this chakra is out of balance the results could be emotional turmoil, sexual disfunction, or extreme lack of motivation.

The most practical way to balance and nourish this chakra is to seek a balanced, healthy emotional state. This might sound like a lot of work for people who are struggling with depression and other issues, but the truth is it all begins with loving yourself.

Positive Self-Esteem - Building a positive self-image will go a long way toward balancing this chakra. And there are numerous affirmations and programs that can teach you how to go about this.

Becoming Aware Of Your Emotions - Additionally, practicing emotional observation, or the act of paying close attention to your emotional states and recognizing any patterns you find, is an important initial step. Most people are willing to allow their emotions to control them, when in fact we all have the power to observe and direct our emotional energies in a productive manner.

Color Breathing Exercise For This Chakra

One of the most basic - yet powerful - techniques for opening, balancing, healing, or empowering a chakra is the practice of color breathing. Each chakra relates to its own specific color, making it very easy to apply this breath/visualization exercise in an effective manner.

Before beginning, it is recommended that you use basic meditation to relax your body and focus your mind. Once you have achieved a state of calm, centered being, proceed with the exercise below:

Remember to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.

1. Center your awareness on the sacral chakra, an inch or two below your belly button. You'll feel it when you open up to it.
2. Imagine this point as a deep orange point of warm, glowing light.
3. Inhale deeply, and visualize the air as a thick, orange cloud being pulled into your body from your sacral chakra. Allow the breath to completely fill your lungs.
4. As your lungs fill, relax and allow the breath to begin rolling evenly outward. Continue to visualize the air as thick, orange, and full of warm energy.
5. Continue to breathe, allowing the air to fill your lungs and then roll slowly outward.
6. Remain mindful of your sacral chakra as a glowing point of orange energy.
7. Also be aware of the fact that your body is mostly water. Feel your weight settle beneath you, but also feel the freedom to shift your weight into any direction.

You can find more information about chakra and energy treatments on our recommended studies page.