Your 7 Energy Centers Table of Contents
Your 7 Energy Centers is a series consisting of 7 parts.
In traditional eastern medicine, and the spiritual and yogic spheres of Hinduism and Buddhism, Chakras are the seven main circular energy spaces within the physical body.
“As centers of force, Chakras can be thought of as sites where we receive, absorb, and distribute life energies,” according to Yoga Journal. Each Chakra is associated with specific functions within the body, as well as issues that arise in our physical, spiritual and emotional lives.
The third Chakra, the Manipura Chakra—the “lustrous gem”—is considered to be the seat of intellect in your body. It’s the base of your cognitive thinking and the source of “gut feelings” toward your emotional and physical connections, as well as your motivation and drive to meet challenges and opportunities in your life.
Navel (Manipura) Chakra
Location
The third Chakra is located in the area of the solar plexus, navel and digestive system. It’s the “fire in your belly,” or the core of your being that is inspired to embrace life with enthusiasm and inspiration.
Association
The Manipura Chakra is involved in “self-esteem, warrior energy, and the power of transformation,” according to Yoga Journal. This Chakra is also associated with metabolism and digestion. Positive attitude, confidence, deep laughter, warmth and vitality come from a healthy third Chakra.
When stress levels are high or self-esteem issues are present in an individual, problems relating to digestion, eating disorders and discontentment show an imbalance in the third Chakra.
Excessiveness or perfectionism are also symptoms of a struggling Manipura balance, and often individuals need to push themselves past comfort zones and obstacles in order to grow through humbling and life-changing experiences.
Colors
Yellow and Gold
Relative Foods
Nurture your body with foods that help to stimulate you digestive system, including whole grains such as wheat pastas, breads, cereals, rices and seeds. Moderate amounts of dairy, including yogurt, milk and cheese can help to calm an irritated intestinal tract.
Try to resist creating a false sense of energy with stimulants such as caffeine and sugar. Avoid eating and drinking in excess, and instead try to use an approach of moderation with your consumption.
Healing Techniques
Yoga Journal recommends “restorative, passive backbends that cool off the belly’s fire act as calming agents for third chakra excess.” Also, Sun Salutations (Suryanamaskar), Boat Pose (Navasana), Breath of Fire (Bhastrika Pranayama) can help to ignite the inner fire in your core.
The Manipurna Chakra is also thought to be the home of the ego, so often practicing yoga postures or participating in activities which are challenging can be a way to calm your ego, but only when you take the elements of judgement and comparison out of your intentions.
November 4, 2011 at 8:01 pm
When the third chakra opens, breathing goes deep and slow too… automatically, on its own; since the lungs get more space to expand without any resistance offered by ta contracted thoracic diaphragm.