Health and Wellbeing
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
BRING AWARENESS TO YOUR SENSUAL SIDE
SVADISTHANA – THE SACRAL CHAKRA
What is the Svadisthana chakra?
Svadisthana is a chakra (wheel of energy) located in the upper part of the sacrum below the navel. In English it is often referred to as the ‘navel centre’ or ‘centre of self-expression and joy’ and is traditionally associated with our sexual energy and the pleasure chakra that turns us on. It makes sense then that this chakra places high emphasis on our relationship to others, our motivations for our relationships with others and how much joy we bring to them.
When our Svadisthana chakra is in balance we are able to extend love to others without judgement or conditions, we can express ourselves freely and we feel heightened emotions of joy and/or pain. However when this chakra is imbalanced, dis-ease of the sexual organs can arise as an extreme response or conditions that affect how we process water within our bodies ie kidney and bladder complaints may arise. Each chakra corresponds with an element and Svadisthana’s element is water hence the kidney and bladder connection.
When we practice yoga it brings awareness to who we are thus allowing us to connect deeper within ourselves. If we are lacking this connection and therefore unaware of the Svadisthana chakra, we often exhibit signs of jealousy, rigid control, overprotectiveness, anger and inability to receive love. The great thing is that as we connect to this energy centre we can gradually create a positive environment for loving relationships to grow and this can lead us towards what just about every human being strives for - happiness, whereby we are completely at peace with ourselves and can be unaffected by our surroundings. In this state, we will only want to give and receive unconditional love with no rules, conditions, expectations or consequences. This is a journey that many of us are on and by living life totally, passionately and intensely we can live a life that is free and ultimately be free to be who we are.
Svadisthana and Aromatherapy
There are several essential oils that resonate harmoniously with the Svadisthana chakra and can heighten sensuality and encourage joy. Here are a few suggestions.
Sandalwood
This essential oil comes from an evergreen tropical tree and has a vibrational connection with Svadisthana. Among other things it is an anti-depressant, antiseptic, expectorant (promotes the release of phlegm or mucus from the throat) and an aphrodisiac.
Jasmine
This strongly perfumed essential oil comes from a beautiful flowering shrub. It is an anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and once again an aphrodisiac.
Ylang Ylang
This essential oil comes from the cananga tropical tree flower. Often used as an aphrodisiac due to its exotic perfume it is also an anti-depressant, antiseptic and a sedative.
All of these essential oils encourage calmness, relaxation and can bring awareness to your sensual side when you spend time indulging in them.
Why not try one of these essential oils in a warm bath and create the right environment to bring awareness to your Svadisthana chakra. Enjoy......
Next month I’ll show you which asanas (postures) can stimulate and awaken the Svadisthana chakra.
Please Note
Please do not use essential oils if you are pregnant without an aromatherapist’s advice and avoid using essential oils with children under 12 years old unless under qualified supervision. Never use essential oils directly to the skin. Always add to a base oil, for example, sweet almond oil or any light vegetable oil ie rapeseed or sunflower. Please ensure that you change the essentials oils regularly so that a build up of one oil does not occur.
See you soon for the next HEALTH AND WELLBEING TIP