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Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): “Personal Power”
Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra: Discover why aligning the Manipura chakra is crucial for confidence, personal power, and self-esteem.
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Sanjeev K Yadav
Image by Peter Lomas/Pixabay
The manipura chakra, also known as the solar plexus chakra, is the third primary chakra in the human energy system. Its sanskrit name translates to “city of jewels” or “lustrous gem”, reflecting its association with personal power, self-esteem, and vitality.
Located between the navel and the solar plexus, this chakra is symbolized by a ten-petaled lotus, with each petal representing different aspects to be balanced and harmonized.
The element associated with manipura is fire, symbolizing transformation, and energy. This dynamic element is reflected in the chakra’s primary functions, which include willpower, assertiveness, and personal power.
The inner states connected to this chakra are laughter, joy, and anger, highlighting its vibrant and dynamic nature. Yellow, reminiscent of the sun’s radiance, represents the manipura chakra, and its seed sound or bija mantra is “RAM”. It is often depicted with a downward-pointing red triangle within a yellow circle, symbolizing the transformative power of fire.
The sense associated with this chakra is sight, and it is characterized by the guna of rajas, which signifies activity and movement.
Balancing the manipura chakra is essential for harnessing personal power, boosting self-esteem, and fostering a sense of vitality and purpose. By nurturing this energy center, individuals can enhance their confidence, assertiveness, and ability to transform their lives.
Image by freepik/Freepik
Significance of manipura chakra
In terms of physical health, the manipura chakra governs the digestive system, including the pancreas, liver, and stomach. It plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism, ensuring that nutrients are effectively processed, and energy is distributed throughout the body.
A balanced solar plexus chakra supports healthy digestion, prevents digestive disorders, and maintains overall vitality. Mentally and emotionally, this chakra is linked to our sense of self, personal power, and confidence.
It influences our ability to assert ourselves, make decisions, and take responsibility for our actions. Spiritually, the manipura chakra is connected to our inner strength and willpower, enabling us to pursue our goals and embrace transformation.
How does a balanced manipur chakra benefit us?
A balanced manipura chakra manifests a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and motivation. Individuals with a balanced solar plexus chakra are often assertive and decisive, able to take on challenges with courage and resilience.
They exhibit a healthy level of self-discipline, which enables them to set and achieve their goals effectively. This balance is also reflected in their physical health, particularly in a strong digestive system, which is crucial for overall vitality.
Additionally, characteristics of a balanced manipura chakra include being responsible and reliable, with a balanced and effective will. These individuals possess good self-esteem and a balanced ego-strength, which allows them to navigate life’s ups and downs with confidence.
Their personality exudes warmth, making them approachable and inspiring to others. They are confident, spontaneous, and playful, often displaying a good sense of humor.
Appropriate self-discipline is another hallmark, ensuring they maintain a sense of personal power and can meet challenges head-on. This balance fosters a clear sense of purpose and the ability to inspire and lead others, contributing to a fulfilling and empowered life.
What are the symptoms of an overactive manipura chakra?
An overactive manipura chakra can result in aggressive behavior, a strong need for control, and a tendency to dominate others. This imbalance often manifests through physical symptoms such as digestive issues, including ulcers, and emotional symptoms like excessive anger and a constant need for validation.
Individuals with an overactive solar plexus chakra may exhibit domineering and controlling behavior, always needing to be right and have the last word. They can become manipulative, power-hungry, and deceitful, often turning to sedatives to manage their intense energy. Such individuals might experience temper tantrums, violent outbursts, and stubbornness.
They often display a driving ambition characteristic of a TYPE A personality, are highly competitive, and can come across as arrogant and hyperactive. This excessive energy disrupts their balance and harmony, leading to further emotional and physical challenges.
What are the symptoms of an underactive manipur chakra?
An underactive manipura chakra can result in low self-esteem, lack of motivation, and difficulty in making decisions. Individuals may feel powerless and experience digestive problems like constipation, struggling with feelings of inadequacy.
This deficiency often manifests as low energy and a weak will, making them easily manipulated. They may have poor self-discipline and follow-through, leading to repeated failures and reinforcing their low self-esteem.
Physically and emotionally, they might feel cold and detached, with poor digestion and a collapsed middle. Such individuals may be attracted to stimulants to boost their energy levels.
They often exhibit a victim mentality, blaming others for their problems, and tend to be passive and unreliable. This combination of traits can significantly hinder their personal and professional growth, making it essential to address and balance this chakra.
Techniques to balance manipur chakra
- Yoga poses:
- Vajrasana (thunderbolt pose)
- Trikonasana (triangle pose)
- Meditation and visualization:
- Color visualization: Focus on yellow color during meditation. Visualize a bright, yellow sun radiating warmth and energy in the solar plexus area, symbolizing transformation, and vitality.
- Element of fire: Meditate on the element of fire, imagining its transformative energy burning away doubts and fears, and igniting your inner strength.
- Confidence-boosting activities:
- Public speaking: Engage in public speaking or similar activities that challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and build confidence.
- Setting and achieving goals: Start with small, achievable goals to build momentum and reinforce your sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
- Affirmations:
- Use positive affirmations to reinforce the energy of the manipura chakra. Examples include:
- “I am confident and powerful”.
- “I am in control of my life”.
- Use positive affirmations to reinforce the energy of the manipura chakra. Examples include:
- Healthy lifestyle:
- Diet: Maintain a healthy diet with foods that support digestion, such as whole grains, legumes, and yellow-colored foods like bananas and corn.
- Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to support overall health and energy levels.
- Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay present and connected to your inner power.
Balancing the manipura chakra is a journey of empowerment and self-discovery. By nurturing this energy center, you can enhance your confidence, personal power, and overall vitality. Embrace the transformative energy of the fire element, and allow yourself to shine brightly, pursuing your goals with determination and courage.
About the Author
Sanjeev K Yadav, M.A. (Yoga), M.A. (Psychology), Diploma (Nutrition)
Mr. Sanjeev is a yoga professional and consultant specializing in applied yoga, human excellence, and psychology. With over nine years of experience as a health and life coach, yoga & well-being trainer, and psycho-yogic counselor, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice. He is currently completing his Ph.D. dissertation in yoga.
