With more and more people getting captivated in the sedentary style of life, health and wellness have literally taken a backseat for many. With every passing day, innumerable people are getting diagnosed with some condition or the other. Although, one might blame it on other external factors, the actual reason is much closer to our body than we think. Most of the health anomalies that we face in our routine lives are due to the imbalance of Chakras or the spinning wheels of energy that govern our body.

In last week's post, we acknowledged the emotional, creative and sexual influence of the Sacral Chakra. This week let’s learn about the Solar plexus chakra or the third point of energy and how to keep it balanced.

Also Read: Root Chakra: Know About First Chakra And Yoga Poses To Awaken Muladhara

What is The Solar Plexus Chakra?

The Solar Plexus Chakra is the third of the seven Chakras and is located in between the belly button and the base of the sternum, just a couple of fingers above the naval. It is also known as ‘Manipura’ which is the Sanskrit term for ‘city of jewels’. Alongside the first (the Solar Plexus) and the second chakra (the Solar Plexus), these three energy centers are often signified as the lower triangle.

The Element That Solar Plexus Chakra Governs:

The solar plexus chakra is mainly governed by the fire element or Agni Dhatu inside of you.  It mainly receives the element from the sun and the food comprising heat and samana energy. 

The Physical Body Connected To Solar Plexus Chakra:

Manipura chakra relates to the optimal functioning of the stomach, upper abdomen, gallbladder, liver, kidney, spleen, adrenals, small intestines, and middle spine.

The Emotional Body Connected To Solar Plexus Chakra:

The Manipura chakra is connected to your strength, your vitality, your willpower, your ego, and your stamina. It’s the centre where you get your intellectual power, clarity in life, assertiveness to do tasks, aggression due to incidents, discipline and self-confidence.

The Mental Body Connected To Solar Plexus Chakra:

If the Solar plexus chakra is in balance, one feels free and determined to choose their own path, has a clear sense of purpose in life and identity, feels empowered to take action towards achieving their goals, has the ability to take decision and trust in oneself and others, has clarity of mind and control of their own emotions, and has a sense of inner strength and resilience.

The Symbol That Solar Plexus Chakra Represents:

Solar plexus chakra is chiefly depicted by a downward or upward-facing red triangle, radiating a yellow aura in the form of an open-petalled flower.

The Mantra That Activates Solar Plexus Chakra:

The third chakra can be awakened by smelling a lemony-citrusy fragrance and by chanting the Bij mantra ‘Ram’.

The Mudra That Awakens Solar Plexus Chakra:

The Solar Plexus Chakra can be activated if you perform the Hakini Mudra in the meditation pose.

For doing this mudra, bring your hands to the height of your solar plexus (i.e., your naval) with palms facing each other. Now while leaving space in between both palms, touch the fingertips of both hands together. Let the thumbs point towards the solar plexus and the rest of the fingers radiating in the outward direction.

Also Read: Kundalini Yoga: Know How To Awaken The Chakras Of The Body

What Happens If The Solar Plexus Chakra Is Out Of Balance?

A blocked or unbalanced Manipura Chakra may often cause indigestion, pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, adrenal imbalances, diabetes, arthritis, intestinal tumors, colon diseases, stomach ulcers, eating disorders, anorexia/bulimia, low blood pressure and sensitive or bleeding gums. The imbalance usually manifests in the form of low self-confidence, uncontrolled anger and irritation, insecurity, doubt and mistrust of others, need for other’s approval, unhealthy relationships, lack of motivation or direction in life, controlling behavior, and difficulty setting boundaries for oneself.

So, without further ado, if you want to steer clear of the side effects of an overactive or underactive third chakra, we bring you 5 restorative postures that help you open and balance Manipura chakra naturally. 

Incredible Yoga Poses To Open Solar Plexus Chakra

Kumbhakasana (Plank Pose)

Lie down flat on the ground, on your stomach. Place both hands on either side of the face, with the palms facing down. Raise both feet together, keeping them side by side to each other and the tips of the toes touching the ground. Now, using the momentum of both hands, inhale deeply and gradually lift your upper body i.e., your torso along with the hips and thighs to a comfortable height from the ground. Keep the feet parallel to the surface of the floor and be in this posture for  30 to 60 seconds, then exhale and slowly come back to the ground.

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

Lie flat on the ground on your tummy. Place both legs a few inches apart and let the arms lie freely by the side of the body. Breathe out and bend the knees backwards, bringing it closer to the buttocks. Extend both your hands back and hold it tightly with both hands. Breathe in slowly and raise the torso and chest from the ground. Drag both legs closer to the raised torso, look straight ahead and retain this position for a few breaths. Then slowly breathe out and come back to the initial lying position on the floor.

Anjaneyasana (Progressive Low Lunge)

Start the asana by stepping your left foot forward between your hands. Lower your right knee to the floor, sliding the foot back until you feel a good stretch in the right hip and the thigh muscles. Make sure the front knee is placed directly over your ankle. Touch the palms of both hands and extend them up above your head. Breathe in and lean back lifting your hips and ribs up. Return to a regular lunge position and repeat the asana five times holding your breath and exhaling.

Warrior pose (Virabhadrasana)

Stand straight with legs 3-feet apart. Turn your left foot out by 90 degrees and right foot in by about 15 degrees. Lift both arms sideways in a straight line to shoulder height with your palms facing up. Ensure that your hands are vertically parallel to the ground. While breathing out, bend your left knee and turn your head to your left. Push your pelvis down gently. Keep breathing normally as you go down. While inhaling come up and while exhaling, bring your hands down from the sides. Relax and repeat 5 times.

Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

Crouch on the floor on your knees. Keep your foot hip-width apart and your hands shoulder-width apart. Now, as you breathe in, slowly lift your hips off the floor and straighten out your elbows and knees. Make sure that your body forms an inverted ‘V’. Now, while pressing your hands into the ground, stretch your neck such that your ears should lightly graze your inner arms, and you look towards your belly button. Hold this position for five-eight breaths, breathe out and come down on the floor into the original position.

Deemed as the “Mother of all Poses”, practicing the Shavasana or Corpse Pose at the end of the yoga session holds high importance in soothing the nerves, calming the mind and helping the body absorb the benefits of the previous yoga poses.