Chakras (Sanskrit: wheel, circle) are various focal points used in many ancient meditation practices. They are viewed as energy centers that transform the energy that passes through them, acting as junctions between different layers of human experience. The concept is found in the early traditions of Hinduism, though beliefs in Indian religions vary. Many Buddhist texts consistently mentioning five chakras, while Hindu sources mention six or even seven. In the context of yoni massage, these centers serve as a roadmap for the upward movement of awakened energy.
The Evolution of the Modern System
The modern Western chakra system emerged from a variety of sources, beginning in the 1880s with the works of the Theosophical Society, most notably A.P. Sinnett’s Esoteric Buddhism and the writings of Helena Blavatsky. These early texts sought to translate Eastern concepts for a Western audience, often blending Indian traditions with Western occultism. This was followed by Sir John Woodroffe’s 1919 book The Serpent Power and Charles Leadbeater’s 1927 book The Chakras, which introduced the now-familiar seven rainbow colors for the centers. While ancient traditions focused more on the sound (mantra) and deity associated with each center, the Western interpretation emphasizes the psychological and emotional attributes, creating a bridge between ancient mysticism and modern somatic understanding.
The Physical and Subtle Bodies
Human life was believed to exist simultaneously in two parallel dimensions: one “physical body” and another “psychological, emotional, mental, non-physical” called the “subtle body.” The subtle body is made up of nadi (energy channels) connected by psychic energy nodes called chakras. This subtle bodily network of nadis and chakras is, according to some later Indian theories and many New Age suggestions, closely linked to the emotions. In yoni massage, we work with the physical body to influence this subtle energetic structure.
The Central Axis: Sushumna Nadi
The main chakras are arranged vertically along the axial channel, known as the Sushumna nadi in Hindu texts or the Avadhuti in some Buddhist texts. This channel runs along the spine, from the pelvic floor to the crown of the head.
This system of six chakras plus the sahasrara “center” at the crown first appears in the 11th-century Kubjikamata Tantra.
However, the most detailed and influential description of this system was provided in the 16th-century text Ṣaṭ-Cakra-Nirūpaṇa (Description of the Six Chakras) by Pūrṇānanda Swāmī. This work became the primary source for Sir John Woodroffe’s later translations, effectively standardizing the anatomical locations, seed syllables (bijas), and symbolic attributes we associate with the chakras today.
In a session, the goal is to clear the path along this central axis, allowing for a state of full-body energetic flow to occur without blockages.
Kundalini and the Fierce Energy
In both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the chakras are permeated by a dormant energy located near or in the lowest chakra. In Hindu texts, it is known as Kundalini, and in Buddhist texts, it is known as Chandali or Tummo (Tibetan: gtum mo, “fierce”). This energy is often described as a sleeping serpent or a powerful fire. Awakening this energy in the pelvic area is a primary focus of yoni massage, as it provides the raw material for deep somatic transformation and heightened sensitivity.
Muladhara: The Root of Grounding
The first chakra, Muladhara, is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the element of earth. It represents our sense of safety, survival, and grounding. In somatic work, if the root is tight or blocked, the recipient may struggle to feel safe enough to relax. By softening the tissues of the pelvic floor, we encourage the balance between stress and relaxation responses, allowing the energy to begin its journey from the most fundamental level of our being.
Svadhisthana: The Center of Creativity
The second chakra, Svadhisthana, is located in the pelvic region, just above the genitals. It is linked to the water element and governs emotions, pleasure, and creative energy. This is the primary area of focus during the physical aspects of yoni massage. When this center is open and flowing, the recipient experiences a fluid connection to their sensations. Working with this center helps to dissolve the protective armoring of the body, making room for authentic emotional and physical expression.
Manipura and the Solar Power
Located in the solar plexus, Manipura is the third chakra, representing fire, willpower, and personal power. It is here that raw energy is transformed into action and self-assurance. During deep bodywork, tension in the upper abdomen can often indicate a struggle with control or external pressure. Softening this area through abdominal breathing allows the energy from the lower centers to rise further, integrating the primal power of the pelvis with the individual’s sense of self.
Anahata: The Bridge of the Heart
The heart chakra, Anahata, serves as the bridge between the lower, “physical” chakras and the higher, “spiritual” centers. It is associated with the air element and governs compassion, love, and connection. In yoni massage, the heart is considered the regulator of the experience. Without an open heart, the work remains purely physical. When energy reaches this center, it transforms from a localized sensation into a feeling of universal connection and profound emotional release.
Vishuddha: The Center of Expression
The fifth chakra, Vishuddha, is located at the throat and is associated with the element of ether (space). It governs communication and the ability to speak one’s truth. In a somatic session, the throat is often physically and energetically linked to the pelvic floor. Tension in the yoni often mirrors tension in the jaw and throat. By encouraging vocal expression—such as sighing or toning—the practitioner helps to open this center, facilitating a foundation of safety and clarity that allows the recipient to express their needs and boundaries.
Ajna: The Third Eye and Perception
Ajna, the sixth chakra, is located between the eyebrows and represents intuition, insight, and beyond-physical perception. It is often called the “command center” of the subtle body. As energy rises from the lower centers during yoni massage, it can activate this point, leading to vivid internal imagery or a sense of deep clarity. When Ajna is clear, the recipient moves away from cognitive “over-thinking” and into a state of direct, intuitive witnessing of their own somatic journey.
Sahasrara: The Crown of Integration
The seventh center, Sahasrara, is located at the crown of the head and is usually depicted as a thousand-petaled lotus. While not always classified as a chakra in the same way as the lower six, it represents the ultimate point of spiritual integration. When the awakened energy reaches the crown, the boundaries between the self and the environment often feel blurred. This center facilitates the long-term processing of somatic shifts, where the localized sensations of the massage are absorbed into a sense of wholeness and cosmic connection.
Somatic Unity: The Full Circuit
The ultimate aim of yoni massage is to complete the energetic circuit from the root to the crown. This is not about achieving a specific “peak” experience, but about establishing a functional and fluid connection between all centers. When energy flows freely through the entire vertical axis, the body is no longer a collection of disconnected parts but a unified field of experience. This holistic alignment ensures that the physical activation of the yoni becomes a catalyst for a total shift in consciousness, grounding the recipient in a state of profound presence and self-responsibility.
