Yoga Practice Name
Swadhisthana (स्वाधिष्ठान)
Description and Steps
| Name and Sanskrit Spelling | The Sanskrit name is स्वाधिष्ठान, transliterated as "Svādhiṣṭhāna," and pronounced "sva-dhi-shthaa-na." |
| Meaning and Symbolism | "Sva" means self and "adhiṣṭhāna" means abode or dwelling. Svādhiṣṭhāna represents the dwelling place of the self. It symbolizes creativity, emotional flow, pleasure, and sensuality. |
| Location | Lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel, in the sacral plexus area. |
| Associated Element (Tattva) | Water (Apas) |
| Seed (Bija) Mantra | VAM |
| Number of Petals | 6 |
| Color Association | Orange |
| Associated Gland/Organ/System | Reproductive organs, kidneys, bladder, and lower digestive organs. |
| Psychological/Emotional Themes | Emotions, sensuality, creativity, intimacy, adaptability, and joy. It governs our ability to feel pleasure, express emotions, form relationships, and flow with change. |
| Signs of Imbalance (Deficiency or Excess) | Deficiency: Emotional numbness, lack of creativity, fear of intimacy, rigidity. Excess: Over-indulgence in pleasures, mood swings, dependency, addictive behaviors. Physical symptoms may include reproductive issues, kidney problems, or lower back pain. |
| Balancing and Activation Techniques | Hip-opening yoga poses like Baddha Konasana and Utkata Konasana, fluid movement (like dance), pelvic breathing, chanting the mantra VAM, creative expression through art or writing, and connecting with water. Engage in honest emotional expression and nurture healthy intimacy. |
| Symbol and Deity (optional) | Represented by a six-petaled lotus. The deity often associated is Varuna, the god of water. The animal symbol is the crocodile (Makara), representing the primal and instinctual nature of this chakra. |
| Reflective Prompts / Inner Inquiry | “Do I allow myself to feel and express my emotions freely?” “What is my relationship with pleasure and creativity?” “How do I experience intimacy and connection?” |
| Real-Life Examples or Modern Context | An imbalanced Svādhiṣṭhāna may show up as creative block, unstable relationships, emotional suppression, or sexual dysfunction. When balanced, one feels emotionally resilient, expressive, playful, and open to joy and connection with others. It supports artistic flow, healthy desires, and emotional well-being. |
Practice Level
Gallery
