Manipura chakra, also known as the solar plexus chakra, is the third chakra in the body’s energy system. It is located in the upper abdomen, just below the diaphragm, and is associated with the color yellow. The word manipura comes from the Sanskrit word for “city of jewels,” and is associated with power, vitality, and transformation.
The solar plexus chakra is responsible for the body’s digestive system and metabolism, and is associated with the element of fire. It is also associated with personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, a person feels a sense of self-worth and is able to assert themselves in a healthy and productive manner. However, when this chakra is blocked or imbalanced, a person may experience feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and a lack of self-confidence.
There are many ways to balance the solar plexus chakra, including practicing yoga poses that focus on this area of the body. Here are a few examples of yoga poses that can help to balance the manipura chakra:
Boat Pose: Boat Pose, or Navasana, is a yoga pose that strengthens the core and activates the solar plexus chakra. To practice Boat Pose, begin by sitting on the mat with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your sit bones. Extend your arms out in front of you and hold the pose for several breaths.
Warrior III: Warrior III, or Virabhadrasana III, is a yoga pose that strengthens the legs and activates the solar plexus chakra. To practice Warrior III, begin in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Step forward with your right foot and extend your arms out in front of you. Lean forward and lift your back leg off the ground, keeping your hips level. Hold the pose for several breaths and then switch sides.
Downward-Facing Dog: Downward-Facing Dog, or Adho Mukha Svanasana, is a yoga pose that stretches the entire body and helps to activate the solar plexus chakra. To practice Downward-Facing Dog, begin on your hands and knees with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Lift your hips up and back, straightening your arms and legs to form an inverted V-shape. Hold the pose for several breaths.
Plank Pose: Plank Pose, or Phalakasana, is a yoga pose that strengthens the entire body and helps to activate the solar plexus chakra. To practice Plank Pose, begin on your hands and knees with your hands shoulder-width apart and your knees hip-width apart. Step your feet back so that your body is in a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold the pose for several breaths, engaging your core and activating your solar plexus chakra.
In addition to yoga poses, other practices that can help to balance the solar plexus chakra include meditation, deep breathing, and affirmations. Visualizing the color yellow or repeating affirmations such as “I am confident and strong” can help to activate this chakra and bring it into balance. There is much information available about yoga poses for the solar plexus chakra in any 200hr online yoga teacher training course.
In conclusion, the solar plexus chakra, or manipura chakra, is an important energy center in the body that is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. By practicing yoga poses and other techniques that focus on the solar plexus chakra, individuals can help to bring this energy center into balance, leading to greater feelings of self-worth, confidence, and inner strength.
