Meaning: mani – brilliant jewel; pure – city Location: area of the solar plexus, between the diaphragm and the navel Element: fire; radiant matter Color: yellow Symbolism: transformation Mantra: RAM developmental age: 18 months to four years Sense: view Body parts: diaphragm, pancreas, rib cage, stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder Positive emotions: dedication, perseverance, self-discipline Negative emotions: anger, rage, bitterness, vanity, resentment Main physiology activity: muscular movement and digestive process
In a previous post on our blog, we talked about the seven chakras of the subtle body, their meaning and location. Manipura is the third chakra. Located in the area of the solar plexus and upper abdomen, it is related to our willpower and the ability to carry out our purposes. It is associated with the energy of the sun and the digestive fire or agni, with the power of the body and mind to process both matter and energy.
If your energy is balanced and it flows well, you will be able to set proper boundaries in your relationships, possess willpower, and connect with and understand your own personal power. You will also enjoy good digestion and a balanced metabolism.
However the energy of the third chakra may be unbalanced. When it is due to excess, one tends to be too individualistic, rebellious or competitive, harshly judging others and falling into intolerance, irritability, aggressiveness or wanting to control everything. If it is by default, you may lack initiative, enthusiasm or ambition. It would also be easy to get caught up in passivity and suffer from low self-esteem or digestive problems.
This imbalance can be due to many reasons: having had authoritarian parents or teachers, being faced with inappropriate responsibilities at a young age, or being subjected to dehumanizing relationships.
To balance the Manipura or third chakra, we recommend:
Asana: postures such as Ardha Matsyendrasana (Seated Half Twist), Parivritta Trikonasana (Twisted Triangle) or Paripurna Navasana (Boat Pose). In general, twists and poses that strengthen the abdominal muscles stimulate the Manipura chakra.
Pranayama: Kapalabhati or bright skull breathing. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight and your hands on your thighs. Inhale slowly and exhale in succession quickly and forcefully through the nose until the lungs are empty. Take a couple of rounds of normal breathing, inhale to three-quarters of your lung capacity, and hold your breath, fixing your inner gaze between your eyebrows. Exhale, do a couple of rounds of normal breathing, and repeat the exercise at least two more times.
Meditation: Sit in a comfortable meditation posture. Place your hands on your thighs making a fist but with your thumb up (fire mudra). She closes her eyes and breathes deeply and consciously through her nose. Recall an incident you have experienced that made you feel angry or irritable. Recreate it in your mind trying not to get carried away by emotions. Next, imagine yourself totally calm and sure of yourself in that same situation. Keep this mental image and recreate it in your mind a couple more times.
Affirmations: Sit in a meditative posture and repeat internally: "I recognize my personal power and I take responsibility for the circumstances of my life." Or: "My enthusiasm allows me to achieve what I set out to do."
Others: Uddhyana bandha or abdominal energy closure; laughter therapy; the dance of the dervishes.
