Yoga for the Chakras: Fluidic Movement

"You could not step twice into the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you."- Hercalitus

The chakras interweave the history of yoga with the practice of yoga. The word yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means to “yoke” or to join. Yoga is the practice in which we can unify personal consciousness with universal consciousness. The origin of yoga and the earliest mention of chakras reach back to the Vedas, a series of hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Following the Vedas were the Upanishads or wisdom teachings passed from teacher to disciple. The Upanishads are difficult to date because they are believed to have been passed down orally for approximately a thousand years before being written down for the first time between 1200–900 BCE. It is understood in eastern cultural traditions that each chakra holds a unique set of energy's, and when one is blocked it affects all other parts of the body. Practicing yoga can help release, balance, and align the chakras through specific asanas, or postures.

Svadisthana is the Sanskrit name of the 2nd Chakra, meaning sweetness. It is found at the lower abdomen, and is related to the element of water and the color orange. The 2nd chakra connects us to the womb, genitals, low back, kidneys and bladder. It is in charge of our adrenals and helps us understand our feelings. This chakra teaches us how to let go and create flow. This chakra asks: Do you feel comfortable expressing your sexuality? Do you take time to take care of yourself, to fill your own cup? Do you enjoy or take delight in change?

Regular practice of the following poses can help balance the energy of the 2nd chakra:

Goddess Pose
Lay down onto the floor with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Gently allow your knees to part until they reach the floor or until you feel a good stretch in your inner thighs. Hold for 6 breaths. You may place a pillow or bolster under each thigh to provide added support and comfort.

Scissor Legs
Continue lying on the floor with your legs straight. On an exhale lift both your legs 6-12 inches off the floor. On your inhalation spread your legs apart, and on your exhalation squeeze them back together again. Repeat at least 6 times or until you’re tired.

Hip Circles
Begin standing with your feet just a bit wider than your hips. Keep your knees bent slightly as you rotate your pelvis in small and large circles moving clockwise and counter-clockwise. Remember to keep your head and feet stationary and the movement smooth.

All these asanas or postures are designed to encourage the energy to move or open throughout the pelvis and lower abdomen. Take time to nurture yourself through movement, drink enough water, take long hot baths or showers and feed yourself with energy, love and touch. Be well.