Solar Plexus Chakra
About the Solar Plexus: The Solar Plexus Chakra/Manipura is located at the navel. In Indian tradition Manipura “Place of gem” or “shining like a pearl” has 10 red petals, with a downward triangle representing the element of fire.
The Functions of the Manipura: Diverse religions all over the world have revered this energy symbolizes the Sun. In Hindu tradition Agni is associated with fire and lighting together with the fearful goddess Kali, who often has tongues of flames coming from her mouth. Think of the Manipura as the Sun in your body. It draws solar radiance as a type of prana and transduces into the form that enables the flow of vital energies throughout the physical body to be regulated. It’s a gathering point for lines of subtle energy, the nadis, which controls all bodily functions.
The meanings of the ten petals are:
Spiritual ignorance
Thirst
Jealousy
Treachery
Shame
Fear
Disgust
Delusion
Foolishness
Sadness
These are the aspects to overcome at this chakra level before proceeding to work on the Heart Chakra. Remember the 3 major chakras below the heart are principally concerned with the physical body and the world we perceive with our senses, whereas those above the heart are of more spiritual nature. Health issues and the Manipura
Digestive problems, diabetes and cancer are all associated with the Manipura chakra, but above all the Manipura/Sacral chakra is associated with stress.
Associated body system
Manipura/Solar Plexus Chakra is positioned over one of the main regions of the body that reacts to stress. This plexus of nerves can often be felt as a tight knot if you press the area just below the sternum. If you feel some discomfort, there is some stress or blockage. To heal this, you might try to remove yourself from the source of stress; improve your health; begin a routine of meditation and chakra nourishment or seek the help of a healer.
Associated Endocrine Gland
Manipura directs energy to the islets of Langerhans situated in the pancreas, which produces insulin to lower high blood-sugar levels, and glucagon’s to raise low blood sugar.
Stress as the Effect of Lifestyle Changes
Four out of five people who experience various stressful situations in their lives at the same time will suffer from major illness within 2 years. These major causes of stress have been identified by Dr. R. Rahe, who advises the U.S. Army medical Corps on treatment for servicemen suffering from combat stress:
Divorce
Personal Injury or Illness
Being fired at work or retirement
Sex difficulties
Gain or loss of a family member
Change in responsibilities at work
Change in work hours or conditions
Outstanding personal achievement
Moving houses
Change in sleeping habits
Christmas
Minor violations in law
It’s always recommended that you do not make several lifestyle changes at the same time. I will include some relaxation techniques that you can try in between visits. The Effects of Stress and How to Counteract Them Major everyday causes of stress include:
People poisoning
Pressures exerted by other people from which there is no escape
Unacceptable time pressures
Sleep deprivation
A high number of lifestyle changes shown above
What You Can Do About Stress
Take action before you “crack” or become ill. Recognize your tiredness and how much you can tolerate.
Change your environment, get away from the situation that causes the stress. If you can it just may save your life.
Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs. Keep fit and eat healthy. Try things like (yoga, tai chi, or any other Eastern practice that is based upon movement of subtle energies in your body.
Learn some relaxation techniques this will show you how to breathe fully and how to lower your muscle tension
Start to respect the fact that you are a spiritual being of light living in a physical body. Start learning new meditation techniques.
Gain a good understanding of the reasons for stress and how it’s related to emotional issues in your life.
Take up hobbies and leisure activities
Treat yourself to a relaxing complimentary health treatment, which will improve your energy levels, balance your chakras and alleviate physical symptoms.
Walk, sing, chant, or dance more often, and enjoy whatever is around you.
Accept your feelings of stress and don’t allow them to alarm you. When you’ve recovered use the experience to deepen your understanding of other people.
Be an example of how to handle stress without distress, because you are fortunate enough to have gained an understanding of the way pranic energy and chakras are central of the health of your body and mind.
Empower yourself each day by working on a physical or spiritual discipline.
Major Effects of Stress on the Body
Check yourself out from head down. Do you suffer from any of the following:
Headache
Dizziness
Insomnia
Panic attacks
Blurred vision
Difficulty swallowing
Aching neck muscles
Susceptibility to infections
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disorders
Over breathing
Asthma
Palpitations
Excessive sugar in blood
Nervous indigestion
Stomach ulcers
Backache
Nervous rashes
Allergies
Excessive sweating
Mucus colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Sexual difficulties
Hormonal imbalances
Inability to conceive
If so then you’re probably suffering from stress on some level.
Description of the Manipura Yantra
Number of Petals: 10
Color: Golden yellow or greenish- blue
Triangle: Red downward pointing triangle with a T-shaped projection which symbolizes movement (action)
Ram: Represents the strength and courage of who we are in the world. Some people believe that it depicts the nature of the person dominated by Manipura- Strong but charges head first.
The Bija Mantra
Manipura’s bija mantra is Ram. The speaking of this sound assists longevity and the rising of the kundalini energy.
Crystals to Activate the Manipura
The gemstones Topaz and Yellow Tourmaline are both recommended to activate the Manipura.
Topaz
Topaz is obtainable in many colors, but for Manipura choose clear bright yellow. A small raw crystal will work great it’s not necessary to have an expensive cut or polished one. Topaz assists in the realignment of energies and helps to bring a golden radiance to the auric field. Traditionally this is a crystal of love and good fortune. With such clear energetic properties, it is an excellent aid to the whole-body metabolism, but especially to the liver, gallbladder, and digestive process. It not only helps with digesting food, but it also helps with the digestion of ideas at the mental level.
