Manipura - The Navel Chakra

This chakra is extremely complex.  It is the chakra of the mind, ruling rational thought, discernment and individuality.  Yet it is also a very physical chakra, governing the digestive system, liver and spleen as well as the back.  It is the chakra from which our moral judgements emerge, and from which we draw the moral courage to stand up for what we believe in.

 Manipura is known as the solar plexus or navel centre, and is situated at the umbilicus. It is in close association with the coelic or solar plexus. It is related to the element of fire. When the basic needs of the first and second chakras are satisfied, then another factor appears in the third chakra, Manipura, which is power. In the lowest chakra, matter meets with matter. In the second chakra woman meets with man. In the third, leader meets with follower.

The Sanskrit name, Manipura, can translate as ‘jewel in the city’ and the jewel it refers to is the mind.  When our solar plexus chakra is in balance, our mind is also in balance.  We are in control of ourselves and the challenges and decisions that we face in life.   As well as being warm in nature, people with balanced solar plexus chakras tend to have a healthy intuition, they can generally rely on their hunches or ‘gut instincts’, and they can express themselves well.

With a balanced solar plexus we are also discerning, disciplined and assertive, and we face life’s challenges with courage and integrity.  Our ego will no longer need continual gratification.  We will discover a moderation in thought and action; we are able to listen to people without being overwhelmed by them.  We instinctively find a comfortable relationship with the world.  Our character becomes gemlike: solid, multifaceted and filled with life.

The fire in this chakra gives us our ‘glow’, burnishes our ego, and illuminates our mind; it helps us to see the world around us clearly.  This fire also creates the necessary heat for the metabolism of food, cellular transactions and thought. We will feel greater self-respect, self-compassion, and be assertive and confident. 

On the other hand, an overly dominant solar plexus leads to bullying, egotistical and aggressive behaviour.  These people believe they are always right and get angry easily, and seek to control others through their anger. A weak solar plexus chakra results in depression, guilt and lack of confidence; it becomes hard for us to see our life clearly, leading to feelings of heightened vulnerability.

Because the solar plexus is the centre of the intellect and decision-making, it is important for the health and development of this chakra that we make our own choices, rather than have them made for us.  The development of the solar plexus is hindered if we have a feeling of powerlessness in life.

We can have, be and do anything we choose in our life, anything, we just have to choose wisely and believe in ourselves – we shouldn’t settle for second best.  This chakra is a powerful receiver and transmitter of energy, as we give, so we receive, so balance is essential here.  

If we are giving out feelings of being a failure then this will be reflected straight back at us. If we give out feelings of being a success then this will be reflected straight back at us.  Give to ourselves first and foremost otherwise we won’t have anything to give to others.

Physical imbalances include digestive problems, liver dysfunction, stomach ulcers, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, pancreas and gallbladder issues and colon disease. Emotional imbalances include issues of personal power and self-esteem, fears of rejection and criticism, and anxiety about physical appearances.

There are a few practical things we can do to help to energise/balance this area including:

 ·       Wearing yellow;

·       Wearing/holding amber, citrine, and/or yellow aventurine;

·       Ayurveda and following Ayurvedic diet and lifestyle choices to promote healthy digestion and balanced digestive fire;

·       Scaravelli-inspired yoga, with its emphasis on self-compassion and truly honouring the body’s wisdom;

·       Reiki;

·       Gentle massage around the navel centre using a base oil to suit such as coconut oil;

·       Doing things that are joyful and fun;

·       Weeding, planting and growing – getting your hands in the earth and being in nature;

·       Resting, enjoying a Yoga Nidra for example;

·       Gentle exercise.

·       Abdominal breathing;

·       Burning sage;

·       Watching sunset/sunrise (just be aware whether sunrise might over stimulate);

·       Listening to beautiful music.

Colour: yellow

Element: Fire

Sense organ: Eyes

Yantra: Ram

 Bija seed Mantra: The red triangular mandala at its centre contain the primordial element of fire. It has ten petals

Related plexus and organs: coeliac or solar plexus and pancreas

Balanced attributes: Greater self-worth and self-respect, self-compassion, confidence, learn from mistakes, healthy boundaries, personal power, assertive and confident, divine will.

Examples of possible chakra deficiency or excess: Feeling overwhelmed and at mercy of fate, loneliness, ego centred, digestive disorders, issues of personal power and self-esteem, fears of rejection, criticism, anxiety about physical appearances.