The Nerves of the Sacral and Root Chakras: An Intersection of Anatomy and Energy (part ii)

Neuroanatomy, Biomechanics, and Energetics of the Sacroiliac Joint and Chakras

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ), surrounding ligaments, muscles, and neural networks serve as both structural stabilisers and energetic conduits for the root (Muladhara) and sacral (Svadhisthana) chakras. Understanding the interplay between neurophysiology, biomechanics, and energetic flow offers a comprehensive perspective on pelvic stability, movement, and holistic health.

1. Sacral Plexus (L4-S4): Integrating Structure and Function

The sacral plexus, emerging from the lumbosacral enlargement of the spinal cord, governs pelvic stability, sensory perception, and lower limb mobility. It plays a crucial role in sacroiliac joint function, aligning with the root chakras grounding properties and the sacral chakras fluidity and movement (Kaur, 2021).

Key Nerves and Their Biomechanical-Energetic Roles

• Sciatic Nerve (L4-S3): The largest nerve in the body, essential for motor control and sensory feedback in the posterior thigh, leg, and foot. It bridges stability (root chakra) and mobility (sacral chakra) (Standring, 2020).

• Pudendal Nerve (S2-S4): Regulates pelvic floor muscles, external genitalia, and sphincters, reflecting sacral chakra themes of pleasure, emotional expression, and stability (Georgiadis et al., 2012).

• Superior & Inferior Gluteal Nerves (L4-S2): Control the gluteal muscles, crucial for hip stability, sacroiliac joint integrity, and postural grounding (Sanchis-Alfonso et al., 2017).

• Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (S1-S3): Provides sensory input to the buttocks, perineum, and thighs, reinforcing somatic awareness and sacral chakra activation (Snell, 2019).

2. Gluteal Muscles and Their Nerve Connections

The gluteal muscles function as a neuromuscular and energetic interface, influencing postural stability, sacroiliac joint biomechanics, and chakra alignment.

Gluteal Nerves and Their Biomechanical Role

Superior Gluteal Nerve (L4-S1):

• Innervates the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and tensor fasciae latae (TFL).

• Supports pelvic stability and SIJ alignment, preventing Trendelenburg gait and energetic disconnection (Neumann, 2013).

• Inferior Gluteal Nerve (L5-S2):

• Powers the gluteus maximus, essential for hip extension, lateral rotation, and propulsion.

• Dysfunction can cause gluteal amnesia, reducing stability and disrupting root chakra grounding (Standring, 2020).

Sciatic Nerve (L4-S3):

• Passes beneath the gluteus maximus, governing hamstring activation and lower limb function.

• Acts as a biomechanical and energetic bridge between stability (root) and motion (sacral) (Fukushima et al., 2020).

Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (S1-S3):

• Provides sensory input to the posterior pelvis and thighs, supporting somatic awareness and energetic receptivity (Snell, 2019).

• Tension or dysfunction in the gluteal muscles can lead to sacroiliac instability, lower back pain, and sacral chakra imbalances, affecting movement and energetic flow. Therapeutic interventions such as myofascial release, breathwork, and yoga can help restore muscular equilibrium and sacral energy balance (Judith, 2004).

3. Coccygeal Plexus (S4-S5, Co1): Energetic and Structural Foundations

The coccygeal plexus, located at the base of the spine, supports pelvic floor control and perineal sensation. This plexus aligns with the root chakras grounding function, stabilising the sacral base and SIJ.

Coccygeal Nerve (S4-Co1):

• Governs pelvic floor musculature and perineal sensitivity, reinforcing root chakra stability (Standring, 2020).

• Dysfunction may manifest as coccydynia (tailbone pain), pelvic instability, or a disconnection from grounding energy (Shah et al., 2018).

4. Autonomic Nervous System: The Regulatory-Energetic Interface

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) integrates involuntary functions, influencing emotional states, organ function, and energetic balance between sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) responses.

Parasympathetic Regulation (S2-S4): Fluidity and Emotional Release

• Pelvic Splanchnic Nerves: Control bladder contraction, bowel movements, and sexual function.

• Overactivity can manifest as urinary urgency, tension, or sacral chakra hyperstimulation.

• Blockages may lead to hypoactive sexual function, pelvic floor dysfunction, or constipation (Beissner et al., 2013).

  
  

Sympathetic Regulation (T12-L2): Grounding and Survival Responses

Sacral Sympathetic Nerves:

• Regulate vasoconstriction, stress responses, and SIJ muscle tone (McCorry, 2007).

• Hyperactivity in the root chakra can cause chronic pelvic tension, SIJ dysfunction, and energetic rigidity.

• Energetic stagnation may result in fatigue, poor circulation, and diminished root chakra stability (Sanchez et al., 2016).

Conclusion: Bridging Neuroscience and Energetics

The sacral and root chakras are intimately connected to sacroiliac joint stability, gluteal function, and autonomic regulation. Their balance is essential for physical integrity, emotional regulation, and energetic flow.

• The sacral plexus governs pelvic mobility and sensory awareness, mirroring sacral chakra themes of pleasure and creativity.

• The coccygeal plexus reinforces structural grounding and security, aligning with the root chakras survival instincts.

• The ANS modulates energetic balance, with the parasympathetic system supporting fluidity and the sympathetic system reinforcing grounding and protection.

A holistic approach incorporating biomechanics, neurophysiology, and energy-based modalities can help restore sacroiliac stability, muscular function, and chakra alignment.

References

1. Beissner, F., Meissner, K., Bär, K. J., & Napadow, V. (2013). “The autonomic brain: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis for central processing of autonomic function.” Journal of Neuroscience, 33(25), 10503-10511. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1103-13.2013

2. Fukushima, K., Ikeda, S., & Ohtori, S. (2020). “Anatomy and Clinical Features of the Sciatic Nerve.” Journal of Orthopaedic Science, 25(6), 1057-1062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jos.2020.07.005

3. Georgiadis, J. R., Reinders, A. A., Paans, A. M., Renken, R., & Kortekaas, R. (2012). “Men versus women on sexual brain function: prominent differences during tactile genital stimulation, but not during orgasm.” Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 7(3), 282-293. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsr020

4. Judith, A. (2004). Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self. Celestial Arts.

5. Kaur, J. (2021). “Anatomy and Physiology of the Sacral Plexus.” Journal of Clinical Anatomy, 15(3), 45-58.

6. McCorry, L. K. (2007). “Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System.” American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 71(4), 78. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj710478

7. Neumann, D. A. (2013). Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation (2nd ed.). Mosby Elsevier.

8. Sanchis-Alfonso, V., & Rosello-Sastre, E. (2017). “Superior Gluteal Nerve Entrapment: An Underdiagnosed Cause of Buttock and Leg Pain.” Clinical Journal of Pain, 33(2), 156-162. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.000000000000038

9. Sanchez, J. C., Bravo, G., & Pereira, S. (2016). “The Influence of the Autonomic Nervous System on Pelvic Stability and Energetic Flow: A Review.” International Journal of Integrative Medicine, 12(1), 25-37.

10. Shah, S., & Suresh, S. (2018). “Coccygodynia: A Comprehensive Review of the Anatomy, Etiology, and Management.” Journal of Pain Research, 11, 2997-3006. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S176127

11. Snell, R. S. (2019). Snell’s Clinical Neuroanatomy (8th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN: 978-1496346759.

12. Standring, S. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier.

13. TeachMeAnatomy. (2023). “The Sacral Plexus.” Retrieved from https://teachmeanatomy.info/lower-limb/nerves/sacral-plexus