by Cindy VanDyke
As we work our way up the spine to our next energy center, we will find it located at the level of the solar plexus. This is above the belly button and below the center of the ribs.
This chakra is called 'Manipura' and it governs our diaphragm, solar plexus, pancreas, and the adrenal glands that sit on top of our kidneys. This chakra is connected to the element of fire, and it is our empowerment and energy center.
The first chakra identifies with with the physical self, and the second with the emotional self. The third chakra identifies with the ego self. Here, we have moved from preservation, to gratification, to self-definition.
The emanating colour here is yellow like the sun. If we have too much energy here, we tend to be aggressive, competitive or domineering. Alternatively, the colour violet can be soothing and beneficial. If this center is deficient of energy, we tend to be weak willed, submissive, and have poor self-esteem. This is when the vibrant colour yellow is needed. When this chakra is balanced, one has healthy boundaries, self-confidence, self-esteem and discipline.
A wonderful yoga breath for this area is kappala bhatti, or breath of fire, which opens and balance the diaphragm while getting energy moving up and down, and in and out. The yoga postures that balance this center are warrior, twists, cobra, and forward fold. Other beneficial actions for a healthy solar chakra are releasing anger laughing, movement and eating whole grains.
This chakra is really about empowering ourselves and processing anything that supports the transformation of self-definition.
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