We've been working on the Root Chakra and grounding ourselves then we worked on the water elements in our body with the Sacral Chakra. Today we're moving further up the spine to the Solar Plexus or Manipura Chakra, our power house!
The Manipura Chakra is located below the ribcage and above the navel and is associated with the colour yellow and element of fire. It's the centre of our willpower. When he energy is balanced we feel confident, energetic and spontaneous. On a physical level we are able to digest food well and feel strong and healthy.
This chakra develops at the age of 18 months - four years (think terrible twos and toddler tantrums!!) when we start to see ourselves as independent individuals. It's associated with drive, ambition, stamina and self-discipline. We can face life's challenges, establish healthy boundaries and are able to stand up for what we believe.
Signs for Manipura imbalance:
- You apologise too frequently
- You procrastinate
- You need a lot of caffeine to get going
- You feel that you need more willpower
- You feel anger, rage and resentment
- You feel like you need to control others and like to have the last word
- You might have no ambition, drive and lack energy
Physical Signs
- problems with digestion
- problems with metabolism
- suffering from nervous exhaustion
How to work with the Manipura Chakra
Any yoga poses that help to detox and fire up digestive energy such as twists are great. Another way to work with the Manipura Chakra would be a juice fast for one day a week. Drinking 2-3 litres of freshly made juice (no bananas or avocados) alongside of plenty of water helps to re-balance digestive energy.
Manipura Chakra
- Colour: Yellow
- Sound: RAM
- Element: Fire
- Yoga Poses: reclined twist, ardha-matsyendrasana, privrtta trikonasana
- Mudra: Fire Mudra, make a fist, thumb facing upwards
- Yantra: Ten Petal Lotus, fiery triangle
- Animal: Ram or billy goat
Source: The Essential Guide to Chakras, Swami Saradananda
Such a informative and clear post on such an important chakra! Thank you 🙂
Wow! I have been trying to work out how to overcome anxiety related digestive problems for ages. I get a knot in my solar plexus and it won’t go away. Your summary above is incredibly helpful. Thank you.
So glad you found it helpful! Maybe try working on some of the yoga poses.
I shall definitely be trying the yoga poses that help balance the manipura chakra, as I exhibit all the signs of imbalance 🙁 Thank you, at least I know how to do something about it now!
Where are the strength poses like navasana? manipura is all about willpower and stregth
Great one!