Chakra is a Sanskrit word, meaning wheel and it refers to the body’s energy centers. Each chakra is associated with particular experiences and emotions. The second chakra (svadhisthana) is known as the Sacral Chakra. It is located at our lower abdomen and hips. Svadhisthana is the relationship chakra – it represents our relationship with those closest to us, and even to ourselves.
Our Sacral chakra is associated with creativity, with sensuality and pleasure, and also with the element of water. The Sacral Chakra is often associated with our childhood experiences, with trauma at early ages, and with sex and reproduction.
Yoga, meditation and self-care can help us reconnect to, and re-energize our sacral chakra. If you feel there is deep healing you must do in order to have healthy relationships with yourself and others, here are some excellent poses that we recommend:
Goddess Pose utkata konasana: Stand with feet wide apart and bend your knees, bringing your thighs parallel to the floor. Make sure your feet are outward facing, while your shoulders are parallel to your hips and your back straight. Put your palms together in front of your heart and keep your eyes focused ahead. This is a great position for finding balance while opening your sacral chakra.
Pigeon Pose kapotasana: This is a wonderful position to ease tension around your pelvis while strengthening your back muscles. Start on hands and knees (Bridge Pose) and bring your right knee forward and then sit on it, stretching your left leg behind you. Then rotate your right knee to position your foot by your hip. Slowly and gently move your hips down to the ground by kicking the left knee back. Be sure to keep your left leg flat on the ground, and place your palms on the floor on either side of you. Set your shoulders back, and open your chest.
Happy Baby ananda balasana: This pose is not just great for opening and strengthening pelvis and sacral chakra, but for bringing healing and restoration. Start on your back and bring your knees to your chest, then reach behind your calves and pull up while holding either the soles of your feet or your ankles. Then hold this position for five to ten breaths, release, and repeat. If you are comfortable with it, gently rock from side to side, feeling that all-over body hug that reminds you that you always have the power to heal and protect yourself.
Feeling safe in our bodies, and empowered by our own healing touch is vital. We are blessed that Yoga shows us that we are always whole and striving to be our most peaceful, powerful selves.