What are Chakras Part 3: Manipura

Welcome to the third part of our series about Chakras! In our last article about Svadisthana, The Sacral Chakra, we learned how to control our creativity and to strengthen our relationships as well as our sexual and emotional abilities. Did you try any of the affirmations? Did they work for you? Have you made sure to drink lots of water? What about your diet? Has it improved? Don’t forget that mangoes, oranges, carrots and squash do wonders to nourish the sacral chakra!

This week, let’s focus on the third chakra, Manipura. In this article you will find out how to identify if this chakra is weak and how to strengthen it. Learn what to say and do in order to stabilise the Manipura Chakra so that you can Live Your Best Life!

Manipura (the Solar Plexus chakra)

The Manipura chakra is situated in the upper part of the stomach, from the navel to the breastbone. This chakra is yellow, and higher frequencies are golden yellow. It is our source of personal power. It is also responsible for our contentment, trust and motivation.

Symptoms of an Unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra

Do you find that you have a lack of clear direction, lack of purpose or ambition. You make plans but cannot follow them through, and do you ever feel helpless or irresponsible? Do you have low self-esteem which in turn negatively affects your social life? These are all signs that your Manipura Chakra is out of balance or weak, but don’t fear! There are ways to bring it back into balance which we will note below.

Affirmations

Phrases that motivate and build self-esteem are perfect for keeping your Manipura chakra healthy:
“I am courageous and confident.” “I will achieve success.” “I never give up.” “I have solid will power.” “My self-esteem is healthy.” “I am an intelligent being.” “I am focused and strong.” “I am in control of my life.”

Can you think of any others that are more specific to your needs? Try these every day or whenever you feel them necessary. Perhaps before a work presentation or going out on a date! Write them down and place them where they are visible so they are always top of mind.

Visualisation

The third chakra, Manipura, relates to the element of fire. Imagine a yellow light or a ball of fire. Picture it traveling throughout your body, surrounding your organs and cells and muscles. Feel yourself becoming stronger and more and more empowered, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually!

Nutrition

They say you are what you eat. Well, if you want to be powerful and strong, these are the foods you should make a part of your diet ASAP:

• Whole grains such as oats, rice and rye are great for fire energy
• Legumes such as lentils and beans. Add them to curries, dhals and soups.
• Spices like turmeric, ginger, cumin and cinnamon not only add flavour to your food but are great in helping to balance your Manipura Chakra.
• Yellow foods: bananas, corn, pineapple and lemons contain vitamins and minerals which strengthen our immune system. This helps prevent and cure illness and assist with maintaining a strong Solar Plexus Chakra.

Aromatherapy

The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with the digestive system, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Try grapefruit oil to assist with physical issues in these areas. Grapefruit oil is also a great treatment for eating disorders.

Rosemary oil assists with digestive problems and serves as support for liver and gallbladder. Furthermore it also helps if one feels a lack of willpower and inner strength.

Most people will be familiar with lavender oil as it is commonly used for sleeping disorders, but you might be surprised to find that it’s also excellent at releasing bottled up emotions and can restore emotional balance!

Do you ever experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain? These are signs of an unhealthy liver. Roman chamomile helps to purify the liver and to discharge toxins therefore easing these physical symptoms and hopefully getting rid of them forever!

Chakra Mudra

For the Matangi Mudra, fold your hands around the stomach area. Extend your middle fingers then join them at the tips. Slowly and deeply, breathe in and out using your diaphragm. Pay attention to the activity in your abdomen area as you in inhale and exhale.

Chant a long R-A-A-A-M sound. Can you feel the vibrations? Try this for approximately 2 minutes daily and guaranteed you will feel a difference.

Healing with Nature

We are naturally connected to the environment through our solar plexus chakra. Wear precious gemstone jewellery such as golden topaz, amber, yellow sapphire and yellow tourmaline which will help to realign your third chakra. Keep these gems around the house and in your car. Sleep with them under your pillow or on your bedside table if you feel that the Manipura Chakra needs strengthening.

We hope that you found this article interesting and informative. Why not leave a comment below to tell us what you think? Please continue with us through our journey learning about the chakras, how imperative they are in our lives, what we can do to strengthen them and keep us balanced, stress free and more importantly healthy! Looking forward to learning about the 4th Chakra next week!!