Eastern philosophy holds its roots in the knowledge that has existed for more than 5000 years. One such philosophy is the dualist philosophy of yoga which introduces an entire monastic lifestyle and a deep-rooted understanding of the body and the mind. Within its spiritual aspects lies the knowledge of the energy centres within our body, known as the “Chakras”. There are a total of seven chakras and today we shall delve into a deeper understanding of the second chakra known as the Svadhisthana or sacral chakra.

The Svadhisthana or Sacral Chakra is the second chakra within this system and it is located just below the navel in the lower abdomen. It has many characteristics that define its energy and how it impacts our physical and emotional state.

The Svadhisthana has a great influence on physical and psychological aspects of life and is characterised as follows: 

1. Location –  Right below the navel in the lower abdomen. 
2. Element – Water. This symbolizes fluidity and adaptability. It also shows emotional depth. 
3. Colour –  This chakra is represented by the colour orange which delves into aspects of creativity, emotional depth and zeal. 
4. The Svadhisthana is physically associated with our reproductive organs, lower back area, kidneys and bladder. 
5. From an emotional standpoint, the sacral chakra is centred on creativity, pleasure, emotional depth and stability, and intimacy and is deeply rooted in artistic expression.

The Svadhisthana has to be balanced to understand its importance. Its impact on our physical and mental state can improve our lives significantly when balanced. Some of the key importance of this chakra have been mentioned below:

1. The chakra affects creativity and acts as the centre for creative energy. 
2. Svdhisthana plays an important role in regulating emotions and stability. 
3. This chakra is located in the lower abdomen and hence plays an important role in intimacy, pleasure and joy. 
4. The chakra also deeply affects our sense of adaptability and increases self-confidence when kept balanced.

A balanced chakra can bring about much positivity in our lives and when imbalance can cause much discomfort. Hence it is important to be aware of your energy centres and work towards balancing them out to live a healthy and peaceful life. To figure out whether your chakras are balanced certain indicators have been mentioned below.

1. You will be filled with zeal and energy. 
2. You will have healthy reproductive health and a good libido. 
3. You will not have any chronic lower back pain. 
4. You will not experience any abdominal discomfort.

1. You will experience a high level of self-confidence.
2. You will experience intimate connections and hold strong relationships. 
3. You will be emotionally stable and secure.
4. Your creative and innovative abilities will shine.

An imbalance in the sacral chakra can bring much discomfort and cause many physical and mental imbalances within us. Some of the signs of an imbalanced sacral chakra have been mentioned below.

1. Low sexual libido. 
2. You may experience issues with reproductive health such as infertility or menstrual irregularities. 
3. Chronic lower back pain is a sign of an imbalanced sacral chakra. 
4. issues with the kidneys or the bladder, and other urinary infections are all signs of an imbalanced chakra.

1. Emotional instability, mood swings, and fits of rage are all related to an imbalanced sacral chakra.
2. Lack of creativity and self-confidence. 
3. you find it difficult to adapt to new situations.
4. Lack of emotions towards relationships and intimacy.

There are many causes for an imbalance in chakra and it is important to discern the root of this imbalance in order to deal with the situation and improve our lives. 

1. 1. Leading an unhealthy lifestyle can be a major cause of an imbalance sacral chakra. 
   2. Pre-existing physical issues such as hormonal problems, reproductive problems issues with lower back pain may cause an imbalance. 
   3. a life filled with stress, may it be stress at work or at home could lead to imbalances in your sacral chakra. 
   4. Poor diet is another cause for such an imbalance. 
   5. Repressed emotions, negative feelings, anger, guilt and low self-worth are all causes of an imbalance sacral chakra. 
   6. Emotional or sexual trauma from past experiences could also be a causing factor.

In order to balance the Svadhisthana, a combination of physical, emotional and spiritual exercises must be undertaken. Some of these practices have been discussed below:

1. 1. Better nutrition. 
   2. Exercising regularly. 
   3. Practising Yoga which involves a physical and spiritual routine with stretches and intense breath work. 
   4. Meditation is a great way to clear the mind, calm down and focus on our personal issues. 
   5. Involving yourself in creative activities like painting, writing or getting involved with music are all great ways to stimulate the mind. 
   6. Seeking counseling is a good way to gain control over unresolved emotional issues. 
   7. Finding a hobby like cooking or knitting is a good way to spend your free time and attain a sense of tranquillity. 
   8. Spending more time in nature can be extremely therapeutic for the mind and has the power to heal past traumas.

Related Blog: Sacral Chakra Opening Symptoms: How to Recognize and Embrace the Changes

1. Better physical health. 
2. Better relationships. 
3. A good libido and balanced emotions towards intimacy. 
4. The ability to enjoy and bring about a sense of positivity in life. 
5. Better creative inspiration and the ability to innovate and adapt to new situations. 
6. A sense of harmony in one’s life with a sense of stability and tranquillity.

Q1. Where is the sacral chakra located?

The sacral chakra or Svadhisthana is located right below the navel in the lower abdomen. 

Q2. What yoga poses help balance the sacral chakra?

Yoga poses that benefit the Svadhisthana:

1. Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (Pegion Pose)
2. Utkata Konasana (Goddess Pose)
3. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose)
4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
5. Utthan Pristhasana (Lizard Pose)

Q3. What colour is associated with the sacral chakra?

Orange. 

Q4. What foods support sacral chakra healing?

1. 1. Oranges 
   2. Carrots
   3. Avocados
   4. All kinds of nuts. 
   5. Watermelon
   6. Cucumber
   7. Sweet potatoes.

On a concluding note, the Svadhisthana is an extremely important energy centre that can immensely affect our emotional and physical well-being. Being aware of the knowledge can enable us to diagnose our issues and work towards improving our physical and mental health

If you’re looking to deepen your connection with the sacral chakra and enhance your overall well-being, consider joining a yoga class focused on chakra balancing. Practicing yoga under expert guidance can provide the support and techniques needed to unlock your energy centres and live a more joyful, balanced life.