Swadhisthana Chakra (2nd Chakra)

Chakra Meaning:  Sacred Home of the Self

Element:  Water

Sound Vibrations: VAM

Sense Association: Taste

Asanas (postures): Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2), Kaliasana (prayer squat), Matsyasana (fish pose), Yoga Mudra (energy seal)

Swadhisthana Chakra, also known as the sacral chakra, is located below the navel, around the kidney and genital region of your body.  This chakra governs the energy of creativity, pleasure, sex, procreation, control and morality.  It also connects with your dreams, fantasies and emotions. 

When your sacral chakra is open and balanced, you are happy, sensitive, intuitive, idealistic and full of dreams, plans and healthy desires.  You are adaptable, accept change and can go with the flow. 

When your sacral chakra is blocked or unbalanced, nothing seems good enough and depression can ensue.  You may feel as if you have no choice, no ability to change and no initiative.  Creatively, you may suffer from a type of writer's block.  You may seem over-emotional and unable to express feelings.  A blocked chakra can also bring a denial of pleasure and fear of sex.

Opening the sacral chakra is about letting go of guilt and frustration, and enjoying the flow of life. 

To balance your sacral chakra, perform the yoga exercises listed above, focusing on the location of the chakra.  Visualize the color orange and the lotus flower.  Mentally repeat the affirmation, "I trust myself to follow my dreams" or "I adapt with grace to any situation". and the energy moving in both directions.  Stay connected to your breath. 

Courtesy of Chakra Mediatation by Swami Saradananda