Svadhishthana Chakra (also known as the sacral chakra or abdominal chakra) is the second primary chakra present in the human body. The literal translation of ‘sva’ is self and ‘sthana’ is place; Svadhishthana Chakra is the place where the human consciousness begins and the second phase of human development. It is also said to be the dwelling of the mind or the seat of the subconscious mind. All the life experiences and memories since conception in the womb are stored here. This chakra manifests the development of the personality, after eliminating the consciousness of negative characteristics.

This chakra is symbolically represented as a lotus with six petals, each petal signifying the six negative qualities. The element of Svadhishthana Chakra is water and its color is orange. Its mantra is VAM.

It is located at the tailbone, between the abdominal region and the base of the spinal cord or the navel centre.

It largely controls the functions of the sexual and reproductive organs. The large intestine, kidneys, blood circulation, body fluids and the sense of taste are the other body parts and functions under the Svadhishthana chakra. It influences a person’s sexual behavior by regulating the production of the testosterone or estrogen hormones.

The diseases caused by a blocked or imbalanced Svadhishthana chakra are fertility issues, impotence, muscle pain, lower back pain, Endometriosis, PCOS, and depression.

  • Overactive Svadhishthana Chakra:
    Anyone with an overactive sacral chakra will be highly emotional, with a fantasizing nature, or dramatic. The person may suffer from sexual addiction. The attachment to the opposite sex may also be unhealthy.
  • Underactive Svadhishthana Chakra:
    Anyone with an underactive sacral chakra will be emotionally unstable and over-sensitive. They are full of feelings of guilt and shame that they deny themselves worldly pleasures. They usually withdraw themselves from a crowd and remain isolated.

People with a balanced second chakra are creative and expressive, and confident to allow pleasure into their lives. Healthy and happy relationships are formed by such individuals. Individuals with integrity and ethics, and who value relationships are said to have a balanced Svadhishthana chakra.

  • One of the main reasons for Svadhishthana Chakra blockage is muscular tension. The best way to open this chakra is physical activities including gym workouts, jogging, walking, dancing, etc. These exercises relax the muscles and open the chakra.
  • Focusing around the navel region and visualizing the color orange during meditation is also helpful. Wearing orange clothes, or sitting in orange surroundings (like at dawn or dusk) is helpful.
  • The poses in yoga such as Trikonasana (or the triangle pose), Balasana (or the child’s pose), Bitilasana (or the cow’s pose), and Natarajasana (or the dancer’s pose) have a balancing effect on the second chakra.
  • Following the principles of Saral Vaastu in home and at workplaces, and facing the favorable directions while doing specific tasks balances the chakras.
  • Food items for the second chakra include oranges, honey, mandarins, melons, almonds, etc.