Manipura( Solar Plexus Chakra)
As a child I did dance and drama, during one my dance classes, I can remember looking at my dance teacher in confusion when he'd say , project your abdomen to the audience , because it is the centre of your universe . Now i’m an adult and a Complementary Therapist ,I understand the meaning behind his theory, he was referring to the solar plexus (Manipura) " Which is actually the centre of our whole-being"
What does Manipura mean?
Manipura is the Sanskrit name for the chakra located in the area of the solar plexus, above the navel. The name manipura comes from the Sanskrit mani meaning “gem,” and pura or puri meaning “city.” So, it is often translated literally as the “city of jewels,” which helps us to metaphorically think of this chakra as our own personal treasure centre of power and well-being.The English name for manipura is solar plexus or navel chakra.
The solar plexus chakra is our vital energy storehouse. If you've ever wondered where your gut feeling has its spiritual home, this is where it is. Our gems of gut instinct, personal power and self-confidence are delicate possessions that are easily disrupted by stress in our lives.
The manipura chakra is also one of the major points in the body where prana enters. This chakra works like a magnet drawing energy in from the universe to distribute around the body through the nadis. When prana isn’t moving well physical, emotional and psychological symptoms can appear.
Solar Plexus Facts
Position just beneath the sternum
Colour -Yellow
Petals -Ten Related
Element- Fire
Metal - Iron
Musical Note -E
Mantra- RAM
Gem Stone -Citrine, Yellow Jasper, Golden Calcite
Sense -Sight
Planet -Mars/Sun
Essential Oils- Geranium,Clary Sage,Bergamot
Yoga Pose -Cow Pose, Seated Spinal Twist, Camel Pose
When Manipura(solar plexus) Is Imbalanced
When the solar plexus chakra is strong we deal with life’s challenges pretty well. When we’re on the right path, we exude self-confidence, self-awareness and generosity. We feel strong and vital, we are positive and upbeat.
If the solar plexus chakra is overactive then over-confidence, arrogance and aggression can occur. We may feel cocky and our overdeveloped sense of self is pushed to the forefront in all we say and do. However, if the solar plexus chakra is underactive we are anxious and uptight, lacking in confidence and mentally weak. Stress takes control and we lack energy, unable to think clearly and we feel powerless. A person who is too passive about life, often has an underactive manipura chakra.
Physical symptoms of an imbalanced solar plexus chakra include problems with the pancreas, diabetes, stress-related illnesses, blood pressure issues and digestive problems to do with the ‘digestive fire’ or agni. Chakra imbalance can happen at any point in our lives. By working with the energy flow of the chakra we can easily restore balance and physical symptoms can dissipate. Stress in particular is especially responsive to an alternative approach to healing.
Exercising the Solar Plexus Chakra
To really understand your relationship with your solar plexus chakra, it’s a good idea to try working with its energy directly. I've put together some activities that you can try to get in touch with that energy flow and balance it. Take a look at the fact section and you’ll see that there are plenty of ways to work with your solar plexus chakra.
Tummy (Abdomen) Massage
Pick one of the aromatherapy oils from the Facts section and add a few drops to a base massage oil such as almond oil( or olive oil, should you have a nut allergy) warm between your hands and apply gently to the tummy,or better still, have someone do it for you such as a massage therapist.
Apply the oil with both palms gently over the whole abdomen. Spend some time on this, feeling for tension and breathing deeply to relax the abdominal area. Then, using small, circular motions with your fingertips and without pushing down too hard, work lightly and slowly over the tummy. When massaging your tummy, always move in the same direction as the bowel.( For example Always use a clockwise motion when massaging the abdomen as this follows the workings of the intestine; this can help to relax the abdomen, which, in turn, can aid digestion)Create a large circle starting from the crest of the right pelvis, working up towards the bottom ribs, across the bottom of the ribs working to the left, and then down towards the crest of the left pelvis. Be extra careful crossing over the bladder making sure the movements are light and then back to the right pelvis again.
Tummy massage isn’t appropriate for everyone. If you are pregnant or have any existing medical conditions related to the digestive, reproductive or urinary system please speak to your General Practitioner or qualified Massage Therapist before using this technique or aromatherapy oils.
Relaxation Techniques
When stress is becoming an issue nothing helps more than a regular relaxation session to release physical tension and to soothe the mind.
If you’re going through a particularly stressful time it is vitally important that you put your wellbeing first. Create a relaxation plan where you set out one or two relaxing activities to do every day. Practising Yoga before bed will not only have you dropping off like a log but will also spread that relaxation into the next morning giving you a great start to the day. Try Yoga every night for a week. You'll notice the difference for yourself. Click onto the link for 12 minute bedtime yoga
Reference
Manipura. Yogapedia (2018) cited in https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5523/manipura accessed(02.04.2021
Manipura: The Solar Plexus Chakra.Yoga London(2021) cited in
https://yogalondon.net/monkey/the-users-guide-to-the-chakras-the-manipura-chakra/ accessed(03.04.2021)
How to massage your stomach. Daily Mail(2018) cited in
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-104008/How-massage-stomach.html accessed(01.04.2021)
Wind Down Yoga - 12 Minute Bedtime Yoga - Yoga With Adriene (2019 cited in
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiWDsfZ3zbo accessed (03.04.2021)
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