Second Chakra - Swadhistana

[paul linus]

The second chakra, called swadhistana, is located above the root chakra (muladhara), just below the navel. It is associated with the hypogastric nerve plexus as well as the adrenal glands and kidneys. Though these will not be discussed in detail here, both play a role in balancing and cleansing the energy of the body.

 

[Nil Thapliyal]

Psychologically, the second chakra is the source of our adaptability and our ability to form relationships and associations outside ourselves. The traditional symbol of the second chakra is the crescent moon; as the moon reflects the light of the sun, people often reflect and share one another’s energies. Relationships also form our definitions of ourselves, and in our lives, we must flow from the various roles of child, parent, friend, lover, subordinate, and superior.

 

[paul linus]

Each chakra has an associated organ of perception (jnanendriya) and organ of action (karmendriya). For the swadhistana chakra, these are the tongue (our sense of taste) and the hands respectively. The second chakra is also referred to as the pleasure center. Our sense of taste largely determines what foods and other orally ingested things we find pleasurable. Our hands also connect us with pleasurable sensations. They are also conduits of communication and creativity for the individual. Furthermore, like the feet, they are terminals of the many energy lines that run through the body. Certain hand positions, called mudras, can activate and/or soothe the internal organs.