Solar Chakra

In the last few weeks, we've discussed the root (muladhara) chakra, the sacral (svadhistana) chakra, and the heart (anahata) chakra. If you missed those discussions you can find them here on the website. Last week, I got ahead of myself and erroneously skipped my favorite chakra, the solar or manipura chakra. Manipura translates as lustrous gem.

The third chakra up from the root is the solar plexus or manipura chakra. This chakra is represented as the color yellow. Yellow is the the same color as we usually interpret the color of the sun to be. In the physical body, the manipura chakra is located between the navel and the lower ribs. This is the solar plexus. The solar plexus is the seat of the nerves of the digestive system and includes intestines, pancreas and spleen.

The third chakra is associated with power, will, self-confidence, assertiveness, laughter, joy and anger. The symbol of the manipura chakra is 10 lotus petals and a downward-facing triangle that signifies fire.

Signs of an unbalanced manipura chakra include ulcers, diabetes, and a host of other digestive disorders, including Chron's Disease and any type of colitis.

To balance this chakra, you may want to use crystals associated with it. They include yellow citrine, topaz and rutilated quartz. A shout out to my cousin Judy who brought me a yellow citrine when I was hospitalized years ago with a bad flare-up of Chron's disease. Judy knew then that this crystal was important to helping to heal my intestines. It did most definitely contribute to my healing. I still have that crystal and pull it out every once in a while during yoga nidra practice! It is comforting.

Yoga poses associated with this chakra include the upward salute or a full sun salutation sequence. Upward salute is mountain pose with the arms extended overhead. You can do this pose either from seated or from a standing position. Once the arms are extended overhead this mountain pose is known as volcano. Volcano is associated with the fire element as is the manipura chakra!

To do volcano, first center yourself by grounding into mountain pose (tadasana) and on an inhalation raise the arms overhead. Allow the fingers and palms to touch each other in namaste with the upper arms just outside the ears. Allow the eye gaze to rise toward the raised hands while keeping the chin parallel to the floor. We can introduce this to a sequence now by bringing the hands down through heart center, then sweeping the arms open to the sides and back up into volcano. Repeat.

Pose Images Courtesy of Tummee.com

If you want a more advanced sequence, try sun salutation 1.

Coming Up This Week

Today, I am teaching online Yoga Nidra class 1:00 p.m. via Osher Lifelong Learning Institute through Eckerd College. The theme is on the heart and healing.

Maybe you've been telling yourself, "I'm going to do Yoga Nidra with Laurie next week." Welcome to next week! For tonight's class, I have written a brand new journey. I am really excited about this reflecting pool journey. Please come and learn to explore the light in your inner being as you release and relax the stresses away. I hope to see you there. Register here.

As always, I am available for private sessions. Contact me directly via this website to set up appropriate time and place.