I’m sure everyone has had moments of self-doubt and anxiety. I’ve definitely had some of these moments too. When we were introduced to the different chakras I was intrigued to learn that these chakras can influence our behaviours, and even our physical wellbeing.
When you are feeling a lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem, it could be that your manipura chakra is underactive.
The manipura chakra, or the solar plexus chakra, is the third chakra in our body, located in the navel and corresponds to the 4th lumbar spine (L4).
It is associated with self-confidence, personal growth and transformation, and self-development. Hence, a balanced manipura chakra will lead to healthy self-confidence and self-esteem. You will also feel that your life has purpose and determination. Physically, because the manipura chakra is associated with the digestive endocrine glands, it will also present itself in a well-functioning digestive system.
Symptoms that the manipura chakra is blocked or underactive (low energy flow):
- Lack of confidence
- Inability to make decisions
- Seeking help or validation from others
- Heightened victim mentality
- Depression
Symptoms of an overactive manipura chakra:
- Stubbornness
- Arrogance
- Need to control others
- Getting angry and aggressive often
- Easily pass judgements on others
Of course, an imbalanced manipura chakra may bring about some physical symptoms too, such as: anxiety, fatigue, issues with the digestive system, frequent gas and constipation.
Here are some ways you can balance your manipura chakra:
Using sound: mantras and affirmations
- You can recite (or listen to) affirmations to harness positive energy. Examples to affirmations for the manipura chakra are
- I am worthy.
- I am strong and courageous.
- I am confident.
- I am capable of achieving my desires in life.
- You can also chant the bija mantra for manipura chakra: RAM, like how you usually chant Om or Aum.
- The manipura chakra corresponds to the frequency 528Hz so you can listen to sounds/music at this frequency as well.
Using asanas and pranayama
These poses can help to realign your manipura chakra:
- Virabhadrasana A, B and C (Warrior I, II and III)
- Phalakasana (Plank)
- Dhanurasana (Bow pose)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
- Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved triangle pose)
- Navasana (Boat pose)
Practising Kapalabhati Pranayama is good way to activate the chakra too.
Using meditation
To balance chakras using meditation, you need to bring your awareness to the location of the chakra, in this case, it would be the solar plexus, just above the navel.
- Sit in a comfortable Asana such as Sukhasana or Padmasana, hands on your lap. Relax your whole body with a couple of breaths and close your eyes.
- Bring your awareness to the Manipura Chakra location, that is just above the navel.
- Since this chakra is associated with Yellow color, therefore, imagine a yellow source of light just above your navel.
- Now take deep breaths and try to warm the navel region. Maintain the whole process for 5-10 minutes.
- Chant the mantra RAM (Manipura Seed Mantra) during the meditation
