Svadhisthana is the name of the second chakra, also known as the sacral chakra. It is located just below the navel, in the lower part of the abdomen, and precisely by virtue of its position represents our “center”, understood as the fulcrum of emotional energy. Its Sanskrit name means “favorable place”, referring to the safe harbor where we preserve our true nature.
This is the chakra that connects body, mind, and spirit, a real meeting point between our inner life and the outside world. It is depicted with a white lotus with six vermilion-colored petals, inside which is inscribed a crescent representing the region presided over by the god Varuna.
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The characteristics of the second chakra
Its element is water and the color associated with it is orange, strongly linked to creativity and the free expression of our ego. This Chakra is also associated with spontaneity, physical and emotional pleasure, joy, sexuality, and fulfillment in all its facets.
When the second chakra is blocked, the consequences mainly affect our emotional sphere: we totally lose control of our emotions, becoming excessively slaves of instinct and anger, and letting ourselves be carried away by the negative feelings that obstruct the road to logic and reason. Our mood becomes fluctuating and we range from moments of euphoria to moments of profound apathy, letting go to attitudes harmful to ourselves and others.
In the long run, the obstruction of the Svadhisthana chakra leads to disorders located in the area of the body in which it is located, such as kidney stones, genital cancer, fertility problems, and impotence.
Position: Lower part of the abdomen
Function: Sexuality, emotions, creativity
Color: Orange
Element: Water
Sense: Tact and taste
Crystals and stones: Amber, citrine, topaz, opal
Mantra: Vam
Note: King
Animals: Crocodile, snake, fish, reptiles
Exercises to rebalance Svadhisthana chakra
The best way to keep the second chakra open and balanced is to be open to creativity in everyday life, to maintain a healthy sex life and to honor and respect our bodies, but above all to get in touch with one’s emotions and check if there are any feelings that we are repressing ourselves, committing ourselves to elaborate those emotions in the healthiest and least harmful way possible.
According to Hatha Yoga, the following asana has the greatest harmonizing effect on the Svādishthāna Chakra:
Bhujangasana (Cobra)
When a cobra is disturbed, he raises his head. When it calms down again, lower the head to the ground. Through Bhujangasana, your emotions, particularly rage, can be controlled and calmed.
Lie down on your stomach, place your chin on the floor and place your hands near your body in line with your armpits. The feet are extended.
Inhaling, press your hips on the floor and lift the upper body with the help of your hands. Tilt your head slightly and look up. The vertebral column is arched and the shoulders are constantly pushed backwards from your pelvis that presses to the ground. Hold your breath and stay in this position for the time that is most congenial to you. Exhale, then slowly return to the starting position.
Initially repeat this Asana three times with short intervals, then begin to extend the practice by holding the position for a few minutes and breathing normally.
Meditation
Svadhishthana Chakra can be activated by some concentration practices and by meditation – when we have a dormant Chakra, it is, in fact, necessary to awaken its qualities. In this sense, I recommend the Zen meditation or kundalini, designed specifically to awaken this type of energy.
The mantra that corresponds to the sacral chakra is the VAM. By chanting VAM, the vibrations will tune to align this chakra.
Other exercises
Pelvic circles: sitting cross-legged or in the half lotus position, with your hands on your knees begin to move your torso as if forming circles, changing direction after 5 or 6 movements.
Baddha Konasana (butterfly position): sit on the ground keeping your back straight, drop your knees to the sides and join the soles of your feet in front of your pelvis. Grab your ankles with your hands and pull them towards your body as much as possible. As you do, try to bring your knees closer to the floor. Relax your arms and shoulders and imagine your legs like the wings of a butterfly that is about to take flight. Always be sure to keep your back straight during this exercise.
To discover other exercises useful to balance the sacral chakra, visit our dedicated article.
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