Second Chakra

New Age meaning and symbolism

• The element is water
• The sense is taste​
• The ovaries and testes are the physical glands which are associated with this chakra. ​
• Overactive Solar Plexus Chakra symptoms: Aggressive and angry, perfectionistic or overly critical of oneself or others
• Underactive Solar Plexus Chakra symptoms: self-esteem issues, indecisive, timid, lacking self-control or self-confidence, and issues with the digestive system
• The colour is orange representing enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, attraction, success, encouragement, emotion, and stimulation. The sunrise and sunset. It is the seat of our desires, feelings and emotions.

• ​When we are working with Svadhisthana chakra we work with suppressed emotions and feelings of guilt and shame. We have to face and accept our flaws.​
• ​​Svadhisthana Chakra is about movement, flow, care, pleasure, sexuality, relationships, procreation, change, sensuality and creativity
• It is concerned with flow and flexibility of body and mind
• It is attached to the sciatic nerve

2nd Chakra Healing Tips:

• Affirmations to boost self-esteem and overall good feelings. Positive affirmations are a good place to start with healing a solar plexus imbalance. Some examples include “I am worthy of my own self-love” and “I am perfect just as I am.”
  
• Self-care. One of the main reasons this chakra gets block is because of the tendency to focus on helping everyone but ourselves. Focus on taking care of yourself. Say ‘no’ instead of yes, do things that make you happy, and put your own needs first daily. You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself first.

Practical Ways of Working with Svadhishthana Chakra

Chandrabhedan Pranayam

Left nostril breathing or Chandra Nadi balances the Svadhisthana chakra. It is best practiced before meditation or asana practice

“Moon-piercing breath”. This practice is believed to activate the Ida Nadi, associated with the moon and cooling qualities, promoting calmness and relaxation.

Left nostril breathing stimulates the right brain which takes us beyond words and logic into intuition, higher emotion and creativity.

Take 3 deep breaths in and out to prepare.

Close the right nostril: Use your thumb to gently close the right nostril.
Inhale through the left nostril: Inhaling slowly and deeply through the left nostril, allow your lungs to fill with air.
Hold the breath for a few seconds, or as comfortably as you can.
Exhale through the right nostril, closing the left nostril with your fingers, exhale slowly through the right nostril.

Inhale through the left nostril, pause, exhale through the right nostril.

Repeat about 10 times

Some Yoga postures for Svadhishthana

Flow like water

• seated flow movements
• cat/cow pose
• flowing cobra
• crocodile pose
• moon salutation
• lunges with arm circles
• goddess pose with arm circles
• warrior sequence
• eagle pose
• Pigeon pose
• mermaid pose
• boat Pose
• garland pose
• butterfly pose
• seated angle pose
• Twists