The solar plexus chakra, or manipura, which we also call the umbilical chakra, is the third chakra, responsible for our metabolism, both in terms of the digestive system and in each cell individually. In this article we are going to talk a little more about this chakra, which basically takes care of the way we digest things – physical and emotional. Come check it out!
What does manipura mean?
Coming from Sanskrit, the term “manipura” means “city of jewels” or alternatively “shining jewel” (“mani” = “jewels”; “pura” = “city”). It is the “home” of the celiac plexus, which innervates a large part of the digestive system.
This chakra is portrayed as a lotus flower with 10 petals, each bearing a Sanskrit letter representing a mode of consciousness (or vritti): spiritual ignorance, thirst, jealousy, betrayal, shame, fear, disgust, illusion, foolishness and sadness.
In the center, a red triangle with the point down, in whose interior a circle symbolizes its element, the fire. The seed is the syllable RAM, your bija mantra.
Bijas mantras are sacred sound vibrations that carry the power of a certain energy. When pronounced, these sounds potentiate, unlock or activate the energy of the chakra to which they are connected.
Characteristics of the solar plexus
Manipura is located in the abdominal cavity, under the navel, next to the stomach. It is the chakra that is most sensitive to external stimuli, as it is where we find the center of our mystical energy. He is responsible for connecting us with our intuition, our sixth sense. It is also connected to our self, it is where the ego of each individual lives.
This chakra is responsible for the pancreas and adrenal glands. It also takes care of other organs such as the liver, spleen, gallbladder and stomach. The vegetative nervous system is also among its responsibilities.
Solar Plexus Color, Element and Stone
There are many factors associated with the chakras that help to establish balance or even strengthen their energies - the main ones are color, the element of nature and stone. Each chakra has its own.
The color of joy and optimism
The color that represents the solar plexus chakra is yellow. Yellow like the rays of the sun, in our imagery representation. It symbolizes comfort and the ability to stimulate our concentration and intellect, as well as project joy and other positive emotions.
There are countless ways to use color to help balance the chakras. In that case, there are two simple ways. The first is to close your eyes, do breathing exercises and imagine yellow in the region ruled by the chakra, repeating its mantra (RAM). The other is to imagine the organs associated with manipura (all of the digestive system) and your nervous system energized by yellow. Think of this color as cleaning up bad feelings, especially grief and anxiety.
fire and power
Manipura is light, heat. Ruled by Fire, this chakra transforms passive elements into pure energy, bringing out its full potential.
Because he has such a powerful ruler, he works in transformation through willpower, impetus, the ability to achieve. It moves us towards the new, towards change, towards the broad view of things.
crystals and protection
A variety of stones are associated with this chakra: yellow citrine, imperial topaz, yellow calcite, pyrite, sulfur crystal, and yellow quartz.
The function of stones and crystals is to balance the chakras, in addition to helping to restore self-healing. Their action takes place through electromagnetism, and the vibrations they emit have the power to purify, align and activate the energy of the chakras, helping to enhance their properties.
One way to use stones for the benefit of the chakras is to practice meditation with each stone placed exactly on the corresponding chakra, all aligned. Make sure you keep them in this position for an average of 30 minutes.
Don't forget to clean your stone always after use, washing it under running water. You can also recharge her energy by placing her in the sun for 1 hour or so. Clean and energize your stones whenever you feel the need.
Using your chakra stone in conjunction with the properties of chromotherapy, you ensure the balance of your energies and also ward off bad vibrations in any circumstance or environment.
What happens when the solar plexus is out of balance?
As mentioned above, there are many ways to balance and strengthen our chakras. And this is an essential practice, as health, physical or emotional problems can throw us out of balance, also unbalancing our energy centers.
As it is a chakra linked to the ego and the digestive system, when solar manipura is out of balance, problems occur in the physical, spiritual and emotional fields: digestive disorders (such as gastritis and ulcer), liver problems, risks for diabetes or hypoglycemia; arrogance, lack of confidence, tendency to depression, low self-confidence; relationship difficulties and a greater attractiveness to bad and negative energies.
When he is very active, pride and stubbornness can be difficult issues to deal with. When it is closed or blocked, self-esteem declines, the person feels extremely insecure and indecisive, and psychic problems gain a certain dimension.
Therefore, achieving balance – neither too active nor too limited – is vital so that our physical, mental and spiritual health is always protected.
balanced solar plexus
Balanced manipura brings us feelings such as passion and desire in the right measure, vitality and good physical and mental disposition, ability to make decisions and choices, emotional control and satisfaction with others and with ourselves.
Our thoughts start to flow better, we are in line with our feelings and self-love reaches its fullness.
Physically, there are also notable effects: the skin is brighter, digestion improves, the kidneys work efficiently, blood sugar is balanced, metabolism is balanced and nutrients are better absorbed.
Aromatherapy is also very helpful. Essential oils associated with this chakra help balance and energize it. Ginger and star anise in synergy are excellent for keeping you harmonized. Bergamot, cardamom, sweet orange, basil and lemongrass are also great choices.
There is no doubt that everything mentioned here is highly effective in keeping the chakras in harmony, working well and protecting our energies. But you can do more than that. Take care of your body, eat well, don't drink too much alcohol, stay away from cigarettes, drink plenty of water and practice physical activities.
To take care of body and mind together, try yoga – an activity that has a powerful connection to the chakras. And to keep your thoughts in tune with good energies, try meditating! It really works and connects you to your self, which is the focus of this chakra.
Your body is your temple, it is your mobile abode and it needs to be in good condition so that you are sheltered with health and safety – physically, emotionally and spiritually. So don't neglect him. Respect yourself, take care of yourself, love yourself!
Getting to know the chakras better
Chakras are energy centers connected along our spine, and their purpose is to receive and emit vital energy at specific points in our body. They work continuously, transferring these energies between our physical body and the material and spiritual planes. They are a form of food for our aura.
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- Use positive affirmations to balance your body
- Learn to balance your chakras during the day
Although there are passages in the Vedas (holy books of Hinduism) mentioning 32 chakras, and others even counting up to 88 thousand, the consensus is that there are seven main ones: basic, sacral, solar plexus, laryngeal, frontal and coronary.
Keeping the chakras in balance ensures not only a healthy body full of good vibes but also a full life, endowed with self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-love.
Learn more about chakras this article. Good reading!
