5 YOGA POSES THAT ACTIVATE MANIPURA - THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

Manipura or the solar plexus chakra is located just above the belly button and below the sternum. The body areas it pertains to the pancreas, the digestive system and the abdominal muscles. This is our centre of will, the energy system which helps us connect with and activate our inner power. Manipura represents our self-confidence, self-assurance, self-esteem and transformation through our power of will. When this chakra is balanced and activated, we have a strong sense of self and identity, beyond the ego. We feel connected with our internal power and can make decisions with certainty. The solar plexus also empowers us to take responsibility for our actions and move forwards with confidence and self-trust. When this chakra is blocked however, we can experience arrogant and controlling behaviours, sometimes manipulative towards others or even the self. Imbalance in Manipura can also lead us to live from our ego and become defensive. The solar plexus element is fire, also referring to our digestive system or agni (Ayurveda), the ability to digest food properly. The sun is the ruling planet and when balanced, we can literarily glow with confidence, inspiring and motivating ourselves and others.
 
The following asanas make a great sequence for activating the Manipura and opening its energy flow. Please check the contraindications of these poses before attempting. 

NAVASANA
​BOAT POSE

​Navasana is a yoga pose which requires us to contract the abdominal muscles and find our balance between the sitting bone and the tail bone. It builds strength to our core and tones the abdominal muscles. This is the main part of the solar plexus chakra, meaning that when we are in boat pose we activate the energy from this chakra. On a mental level, navasana helps us to concentrate and focus, bringing balance and stability to our body and mind. Click here to learn this asana step by step. 

PADA SANCHALANASANA
YOGIC BICYCLE

This floor exercise is a great way to activate Manipura. Through its dynamic and warming movement, we activate the agni, or the fire in our belly. Not only does this tone the abdomen but it also releases any blocked energy in the solar plexus chakra. When combined with correct breathing, the yogic bicycle creates an energising and empowering feel to the mind, body and emotional self. Click here to learn this asana step by step.

KUMBHAKASANA
PLANK POSE

Forearm plank

A popular and effective asana, kumbhakasana is great for strengthening the core but also for bringing balance overall in the body. It requires us to stand strong and trust our body, letting go of the ego. Sometimes plank pose can feel challenging in the beginning, but if we learn to surrender the tension shall pass. The burning sensation we feel during this asana is the Manipura fire and the muscles in the abdomen working and releasing tension, therefore the more we stay in plank and trust ourselves, strength is eventually built and we become more confident in our ability to maintain still through this sensation.
*Contraindications for this pose: pregnancy, weak wrists or shoulder injury.

SETU BANDHA SARVANGASANA 
BRIDGE POSE

Supported bridge pose using the dharma yoga wheel

Setu bandha sarvangasana is a pose which requires us to open ourselves to the world. On a mental level, it helps alleviate stress, anxiety and feeling low. It brings clarity to the mind and focus, both strong characteristics of Manipura. This asana stimulates the digestive organs and strengthens the lower back, improving digestion and the flow of energy. By doing so, we learn to trust again and feel confident in expressing ourselves to the world. It is a great way to release any negative emotions that may be stuck in the lumbar spine and create a positive transformation within.
*Contraindications for this pose: lower back injury, pregnancy.

DHANURASANA
BOW POSE

Dhanurasana is a great pose for stretching the digestive organs, allowing the energy to open and flow freely within the stomach area. It is also a good asana for increasing flexibility in the lumbar spine and releasing tension from the hips. Opening the chest allows us to breath in deeper, from the stomach all the way into the lungs, also activating the heart chakra. The deeper the breath becomes, the more open the energy in these two chakras is. The restorative option is a nice way for those who want to bring a little extra support for the backbend. 
*Contraindications for this pose: any back, spinal or shoulder injury; pregnancy. 

​As we begin to unlock any blocked energy from the solar plexus, a lovely journey of self-transformation begins. We learn that we have so much internal power to manifest and create, to inspire and motivate. In life, there will be moments which will perhaps make us question or doubt our sense of identity. It is in these experiences that we learn more about ourselves and how many wonderful gifts and talents we can bring to the world. Manipura when balanced will empower us to shine bright and open ourselves to the possibility of living with purpose, to lead and to allow ourselves to become inspired by all that surrounds us.