Manipura Chakra or the Solar Plexus Chakra is the third of the seven chakras and is the source of self and personal power. Hence, it is also called Power Chakra. The Chakras are vortices or whirlpools of pranic energy at specific areas in the body from where prana is supplied to all the parts of the entire human structure. They represent storehouses of prana (a vibration, a force of constant motion) within the pranic body of man. Thus, when prana is operated at a particular level, it will induce a specific awareness group. The physical or mental stimulation of these psychic centers (chakras) rouses a human being's potential. The Manipura Chakra is like the body's solar energy, the 'Personal Seat of Power', and is located in the spinal area behind the navel. It radiates prana and gives energy, courage, and self-motivation. This chakra area is also the area where responsibility for serving others emerges.
Following are the characteristics of the Manipura Chakra:
- Lotus Symbol: 10 petals, bright yellow in color
- Guna Quality: Rajas
- Mudra: Surya Mudra and Hakini Mudra
- Kosha: Annamaya Kosha
- Tattva: Fire or Agni
- Bija Mantra (Seed Sound): Ram
- Musical Note (Indian): Ga
- Musical Instrument: String instruments like Violin and Sarod
As mentioned above, this chakra is associated with the element of Fire or Agni. This is related to heat, power, strength, passion, transformation, and digestion. The Manipura Chakra governs the spleen, stomach, upper intestines, upper back, and upper spine. Hence, it is good to practice twisting and back bending practices such as Ardha Matsyendrasana or Wheel Pose; flows like Three Legged Downward Facing Dog Pose Tiger Curl Pose Flow or Downward Dog Pose Upward Dog Pose Flow; and Restorative or Therapeutic Poses like Child Pose, Wind Release Pose so as to increase metabolism and immunity to activate fire in the body.
However, an imbalance in the chakra physically results in inflammation or poor digestion and mentally, one might self-doubt their skills, feel depressed, lazy, and lack confidence. On the other hand, the overstimulation of this chakra makes one judgmental, overly critical, dominating in nature, irritable, angry, and aggressive. It is therefore, essential to keep this chakra active and balanced. The practice of shuddhi kriyas like Agnisar or Nauli, asanas especially those that engage the core muscles either to bend sideways or balance in the pose, pranayama poses like Kapalabhati, mudras, bandhas like uddiyana bandha and meditation can help balance the fire element in the body.
In addition, below are the common yoga practices which are foundations to strengthen and balance the Manipura Chakra:
- For Beginners: Sun Salutation, Cat Cow Pose, Warrior Pose Flow, Camel Pose, Cobra Pose, Palm Tree Pose Side Bend or Half Wind Release Pose
- For Intermediate Level: Boat Pose, Revolved Triangle Pose, Dancer Pose, Upward Plank Pose or Halasana
- For Advanced practitioners: Crow Pose, Standing Split Pose, Supta Vajrasana, Ear Pressure Pose or Full Bow Pose
To add on, yoga teachers can choose from 850+ Manipura Chakra Yoga Poses to be at peace, set healthy boundaries and experience confidence based on the demand and nature of the practice.
Please click on the pose title to view the Manipura Yoga Poses Strengthening The Chakra with detailed overview and cues.
