In Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel” and is often translated by “vortex”. According to yogic scriptures, these energy centers regulate the vital energy or prana that flows in the subtle (aka psychic) body – psychological, emotional & mental. There are 7 main chakras, each with its own distinctive features, located along the sushumna, the energy channel which flows through the center of the spinal cord, starting at the perineum and ending at the top of the head. The chakras are symbolized with lotus flowers, each having a particular number of petals and color, representing the different manifestations of psychic energy associated to it. As everything else in the universe, they vibrate at a specific frequency, and resonate with and are affected by sound vibration.
The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura in Sanskrit, is located between the navel and the sternum, in the solar plexus. It is connected to the fire element and associated with the sense of sight and the digestive system.
Manipura chakra is traditionally symbolized by a bright yellow ten-petaled lotus, with at its center a downward-pointing red triangle. In Sanskrit, Manipura literally means “city of jewels” – a healthy fire center glitters like a jewel and glows with energy and vitality.
Spreading the fire element in the body, the third chakra is indeed the center of energy, dynamism and transformation. Also linked to Agni, the digestive fire according to Ayurveda, it rules over digestion and the ability to absorb nutrients.
Associated with ego and willpower, when the Solar Plexus chakra is balanced, it gives us strength, self-assertion and confidence. On the contrary, when it is blocked, one may lack courage and feel depressive and sluggish or have control issues.
To balance or regulate this chakra, traditional yoga recommends to practice abdominal postures like Navasana (boat posture) and the Agni mudra.
- Element : Fire
- Colour : Yellow
- Seed sound (or bija mantra) : Ram
- Deity : Vishnu
- Animal : Ram
Here is a playlist I created to help explore and balance this energy center, “Third Chakra Fire” is a dramatic, suspenseful flow designed to bravely explore the depths of Manipura and get cleansed in our own inner fire. Jump in!
InnerFlow 