The manifesting energies of all creation are reflected within the body. The intensity and patterns of these energies influence the many manifestations of the individual from physiology and health to psychology and personality.
Physiology
Our third chakra, called manipura, or “city of jewels,” is located at the solar plexus. It is associated with the digestive and transformative processes of the stomach, liver, and pancreas (which regulates blood sugar) and, at the cellular level, mitochondria.
The energy created here is related to the universal process of the transformation of matter to energy; we perceive that liberation of energy as light or heat. The manipura chakra is our fire center. It is the energy of combustion and transformation, the engine of change in our physical and spiritual beings.
From a physical perspective, this is the energy center from which we derive our sense of vitality as well as our motivation and inner-power. It is one and the same the focal point of the body’s destructive ability—digesting and transforming matter to liberate ions, which is the molecular expression of prana—and creative ability—producing the energy that fuels the many processes of the body and mind.
Psychology
Psychologically, the third chakra is our center of creativity and expression; it is the energy that brings us out into the world. It is here we derive our energy to not only transform within the body but to transform the world through our actions.
Each chakra has an associated organ of perception (jnanendriya) and organ of action (karmendriya). For the manipura chakra, these are the eyes (our sense of sight) and the end of the digestive tract respectively.
Our eyes connect us to the universal third chakra energy of the sun. This energy draws us out into the world around us. Our eyes wander about the world, drawing us toward what we see as alluring and desirable. As the eyes wander, so does the mind. There are several yogic exercises for the eyes intended to control our visual functions, both internally and externally, examples of which are given below.
In regards to the karmendriya of the third chakra, there is an obvious connection between the functions of consumption, digestion, and elimination. In both a literal and symbolic sense, these are our abilities to receive energy, to create energy, and to let go of the energies within in us that no longer serve us. In the physical analogy of our bodies, this is waste.
Within the individual, our third chakra energy is reflected in our desire to create and to imagine, to manifest our desires in the physical world. If this energy is too strong, a person may become single-minded and obsessive, bossy and egotistical, and may have difficulty relaxing or letting go. Those for whom this energy is weak may lack motivation, will power, self-confidence, and creativity.
Yoga for the Third Chakra
Hatha yoga and certain pranayama exercises influence the chakra energies and can stimulate or calm them. The manipura chakra is a volatile and powerful energy center. Fueling that center can enliven the body and increase will power; calming it can direct our restorative energies inward and bring relaxation and ease.
- Asanas
In Hatha yoga, poses and movement which stimulate the solar plexus and build heat within the body stimulate the third chakra. Sun Salutations are best for warming the body. Warrior poses and back bending postures done with vigorous breathing stimulate the solar plexus. Balancing postures such as the Eagle and the Crow engage the abdominal muscles and direct energy to this chakra center.
Counter balancing postures such as forward folds and relaxing inversions such as the Plow calm the energy of the third chakra and quiet mental activity.
- Pranayama
Nasarga Bhastrika, or the Bellows Breath, is a rapid breathing technique to build the fire energy within the body. Seated in the Lightning Bolt position with the sit bones directly on top of the heels, place the hands on the sides of the rib cage. Focusing on mid-chest breathing, Inhale quickly and exhale forcefully through the nose as if you were pumping the lungs like a bellow, feeling the expansion and contraction of the ribs with the hands. You may begin this exercise with only 30 repetitions and gradually build up to 108 cycles of breath. On the last inhalation, hold the breath inside the body for as much as 30 seconds, focusing on the feeling of heat in the body.
- Eye Exercises
There are many eye exercises in yoga. Here are two examples:
Palming: Rapidly rub the hands together to warm them. Cup your hands over your eyes and lean forward, resting your elbows on the ground in front of you if in a seated position on the floor or on your knees if seated in a chair. This exercise directs the healing power of the third chakra through the hands to the eyes. You may wish to chant the high-pitched sound mantra of “eeeem” to direct pranic vibrations to the eyes.
Gazing: Practicing control of the eyes’ movements encourages us to control the wandering of the mind. In the Bhagavad Gita, it is suggested that students focus on the tip of the nose in meditation. You may also wish to use mandalas to practice eye control. These should be simple geometric designs that are self-drawn or found in textbooks or websites. Gaze at the objects from various distances for several minutes at a time then try to sit and visualize these objects internally. Finish this exercise with palming.
 |
