Yoga has been around for thousands of years, and in that time, the practice has helped countless people across the globe. It has been recognized here in the West because of its benefits to improving wellness, with an emphasis on physical health. This rising appreciation can be attributed to the fact that we’re growing more health-conscious as a society everyday — and rightly so. In fact, Self reports that the wellness industry is currently worth approximately $3.72 trillion. Its rapid growth can be credited to raising awareness about health, as well as the prevalence of chronic illnesses amidst escalating healthcare costs. This has led to the rise in the amount of spas, workplace wellness programs, wellness tourism, and wellness real estate, with more and more people relying on professionals who can provide holistic care. Additionally, Maryville University underscores the importance of providing health education to communities by those in non-clinical roles. They can help turn this awareness into action and empower communities to make better, healthier decisions. The explosion in the amount of bespoke fitness studios and healthy food establishments point to a more proactive approach to personal health, and it’s the reason why yoga studios keep filling up fast. Yoga is all about deepening our understanding of our own bodies, down to the different energy centers and how to access them. So with all that in mind, this article will look into the solar plexus chakra and how you can balance yours, too. What is the solar plexus chakra? GoddessCeremony previously described chakras as energy centers, with each one being a source of prana, or life force, in the body. It is believed that opening each chakra has profound effects on the physical, mental, and spiritual states of the body. To open all means to allow energy to circulate freely through a person. The solar plexus chakra, or manipura chakra, is located between the navel and the lower part of the chest. It is represented by the element of fire and is also the source of a person’s inner flame. A person who has learned to control their manipura chakra is someone who is self-confident, assertive, and independent, as it governs one’s decisions and direction in life. In terms of anatomy and physiology, the solar plexus is most closely linked to the digestive system. Healthline lists some of the different conditions and painful symptoms that can be associated with a closed off solar plexus. It encompasses pulled muscles, gastrointestinal reflux, gas, and indigestion as well as more serious conditions like diabetes, pancreatitis, and respiratory disorders. Slow metabolism, which leads to weight gain, is also tied to problems with this chakra. How do you channel this chakra?
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All the digestive system’s organs and their functions can be improved by channeling this chakra through yoga. The focus should be on improving the midsection or core strength as well as raising the heart rate in order to increase metabolism. To do that, make sure to incorporate a couple of sun salutations in your practice for cardiovascular endurance. Increasing your heart rate boosts the body’s metabolic rate by burning more calories. A flowy sequence combined with pranayama breathing techniques will also help with respiratory problems, if any. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of core-strengthening poses in yoga; even a simple Tadasana or Mountain Pose can already activate your core. Here are some more poses to engage your midsection and effectively balance your solar plexus chakra: - Ardha Chaturanga Dandasana (Plank Pose); - Navasana (Boat Pose); - Urdhva Prasarita Padasana (Leg Lifts); - Virabhadrasana I-III (Warriors I-III); - Garudasana (Eagle Pose); - Dhanurasana (Bow Pose); and - Chakrasana (Wheel Pose) By incorporating these asanas into your practice, you’ll be able to strengthen and have more control of your solar plexus chakra. However, it doesn’t end there, as the manipura chakra is more than just anatomy. During your meditation practice, try envisioning the color yellow as it is symbolic of this chakra. You can also take your practice outdoors in order to get exposure to sunlight. Science World Report points out that simply being around nature can help boost self-esteem as well as cultivate respect for your own body. This is very much what the manipura chakra stands for. In turn, this can help you take more control of your own body and learn how to protect yourself from pain and illness. It will also teach you to be more self-confident, and when you do, you’ll be able to radiate your power out into the world.
In gratitude,
Rachel
About the Author:
Rachel Davis is a Reiki Master and certified life coach. She also facilitates corporate meditation classes. In her spare time, she likes to create art with oil and canvass as her medium, painting mostly natural landscapes.
You can connect with her at reese.am.jones@gmail.com