Svadhisthana Care
Svadhisthana Chakra: The Second Chakra, The Sacral Chakra
Often associated with the color orange, the svadhisthana chakra is the seat of emotion and translates into "dwelling of the self". The physical location is the lower abdomen just below the navel and is also associated with the reproductive organs. Psychologically it governs our ability to nurture and initiate and maintain healthy relationships. In close proximity to the root or muladara chakra,it can also aid in grounding, stability, and strength.
How do you know if your svadhisthana chakra is blocked?
Physical manifestations:
-P.M.S.
-hypoglycemia
-anemia
-adrenal fatigue, kidney symptoms
-low back pain (lumbar, sacral)
-joint problems (achey/painful joints vs. burning or swollen joint pain)
Psychological manifestations:
-tendency to overindulge
-occasional aggressive tendencies
-fear/anxiety combined with insomnia
-panic attacks
-detachment
-depression
Unblocking the svadhisthana chakra.
Working towards balance and moving energy/prana through this chakra can be a result of starting off with some simple routines to open the nadis/channels associated with the second chakra. Don't try to accomplish these suggestions all at once. Layer them in, perhaps, one a week.
Asana (poses) to subtly open up the physical layer (hips and lower back, region of the adrenals and kidneys).
-Sun salute A & B
-Child's pose
-Cobra
-Sphinx
-Low lunge
-Revolved triangle
-Bridge
-Shoulderstand
-Legs up the wall
-Savasana
*These poses can be done in this order for a short 10 minute sequence, or pick and choose, moving through at your own pace, catering to your own needs. Blankets, bolsters, and blocks encouraged!*
Mediation
I love this vum mediation to awaken the svadhisthana as described here:
Sit comfortably in your normal meditation posture
Visualize an orange spinning chakra in the lower abdomen below the navel
Imagine a circle of orange light emanating from your chakra and spreading to the rest of your body in wave like ripples
Feel a sense of warmth enveloping the whole body, starting with the genital area and then radiating out
Keep meditating on these 'waves of warmth' and allow yourself to let go and flow like water
Do it for 20-30 minutes
VAM Meditation
The seed sound or mantra of the Water element is VAM (pronounced as hum). Chanting this mantra helps activate the chakra.
Sit comfortably in your normal meditation posture
Prop the image at the top of this page in front of you, slightly below eye level
With half-closed eyes gaze at the lotus petals at the outer edge of the picture in a clockwise fashion
After a few rotations, move attention inward to the big circle
Notice the crescent shaped moon in the lower half of the circle - moon controls water on our planet and causes tides
The crocodile symbolizes river Ganges
Look at the bija sound - VAM, and start chanting it silently as you continue to gaze upon it
Meditate for 20-30 minutes
Oils
Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum )
Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora)
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
These are uplifting, energizing scents that can loosen up blocked symptoms. Of course you take into account individual qualities associated with symptoms (more grounding qualities needed).
Chromotherapy
Orange is the color associated with joy, wellness, passion, freedom, enthusiasm, and creativity.
Try incorporating the color into your wardrobe, home decor (flowers, candles, pillows etc), and even your foods. When mediating or praying imagine the color orange washing over you, and swirling towards the center of your second chakra.
Stones
Orange carnelian
Orange quartz
Orange garnet
These are stones that you can keep near your meditation or prayer space, in the cup holder of your car, carry in your pocket, or anywhere else that is a close reminder for you.
Elements associated with the svadhisthana chakra:
Water, which is connected to emotions and fluidity.
Walking slowly next to a pond.
Eating lunch outside next to a fountain (sounds lovely, right??)
Warm baths.
Small desk water feature.
Seed sound/mantra: Vam (pronounced VUM repeated silently, or quietly in mediation)
About the author:
Marisa is a registered dietitian certified through the Academy of Nutrition in Adult Weight Management-Levels I and II, 200 hour registered yoga teacher, Ayurvedic Health Educator.
