THE THIRD CHAKRA – MANIPURA (LUSTROUS JEWEL)

 

Location: Navel / solar plexus

Colour: Yellow

Element: Fire

Sense: Sight

Overview

Do you lack energy or have too much energy? Do you find you are unable to achieve your goals or set and strive for unrealistic goals? Do you avoid responsibility or feel you are responsible for everything? Do people walk all over you or do you have a tendency to think you’re better than other people? A yes to any of these questions may indicate a Third Chakra imbalance.

The first chakra is concerned with matter. The second with movement. The mixing of both at the third chakra creates heat / energy. What you do with that energy is up to you. If you direct the energy, it can be used correctly for action and transformation, Combining your intention and energy creates will, the essence of this chakra. Sometimes our desires (second chakra) come into conflict with our will – think about the dieter avoiding biscuits, or those times when we have to do something we don’t want to do. Rather than seeing this as duty or burden, the third chakra invites us to see it as choice. I choose to eat healthily, rather than I can’t have a biscuit.

People with excessive third chakra energy react to life circumstances; they have emotional outbursts and are often stressed out.They are at the mercy of their reactions rather than empowered by choice.

People with blocked or deficient third chakra are passive, allowing life to pass by while they do nothing. They feel helpless, as though they have no choice.

A balanced third chakra gives us the ability to move forward in life with confidence and power. It bestows the ability to make conscious choices – to choose and to act. The message of the third chakra is this: You have the power to choose. You can choose to achieve your life purpose or you can let life dictate to you.

The third chakra is the centre of your self-esteem. Every time you judge or criticize yourself, you deplete this chakra and weaken your willpower. Self-love, self-acceptance, and acknowledgement are the building blocks of the third chakra.

The third chakra develops predominantly from age 18 months to 3 years old. This is the time when our energy wants to act. We make noise, we explore, we try new things. “The task at this time is gaining impulse control and developing autonomy. Successful passage through this period gives you healthy self-esteem, the ability to be assertive, good boundaries and a sense of responsibility, and a will strong enough to see you through the tough challenges of life.” Anodea Judith. Too harsh a response from parents at this time can stifle our autonomy and cause us to feel shame. We learn to stifle our impulses, we shut down, and become submissive. Or we become rebellious and have issues with authority. Too little direction at this time and we don’t develop manners, social skills or learn to respect limits.

We live in a society where strong third chakra traits are rewarded. This is the domain of the go-getter, the entrepreneur or trailblazer. But with a strong Third Chakra comes the responsibility to use your power wisely. How many times have we seen a person in power fall prey to egotism, corruption, abuse of power, greed, or addiction?

Body Associations

Digestive System, Liver, Muscles, Pancreas, Core, Mid-Torso, Side Body, Ribs

Key Words

Choice. Power. Will. Ego. Heat. Gut-feeling. Self-Esteem. Commitment.

Issues

Energy. Activity. Autonomy. Authority. Individuation. Will. Self-Esteem. Shame. Pro-activity. Power. Anger. Making things happen.

Physical issues

Diabetes, hepatitis, indigestion, ulcers, eating disorders, chronic fatigue, hypertension. Disorders of the gall bladder, stomach, liver and pancreas. Allergies, IBS, adrenal gland issues.

Balanced characteristics

Responsible, and reliable. Effective will. Healthy self-esteem. Possessing warmth, confidence, spontaneity, playfulness, and a good sense of humour. Appropriate self-discipline. Able to meet challenges. A realistic sense of one’s personal power. Practicality, organisation, and leadership skills. An awareness of the effect of one’s actions on others. Defined plans and a sense of direction.

Deficient characteristics

Low energy. Weak willed and easily manipulated. Poor self-discipline. Unreliable. Low self-esteem. Cold (emotionally and/or physically). Poor digestion. Attraction to stimulants. Victim mentality (blaming others). Passive. Dogmatic conformity. Easily distracted.

Excess characteristics

Overly aggressive. Dominating, and controlling. Judgemental. The need to be right and have the last word. Manipulative. Power hungry. Deceitful. Attraction to sedatives. Prone to tantrums and violent outbursts. Stubbornness. Competitive. Arrogant. Hyperactive

Possible addictions

Amphetamines, cocaine, caffeine, work, anger

Essential Oils

Lavender, rosemary, ginger, peppermint, lemon, grapefruit, and bergamot.

Gemstones

Tiger’s Eye. Sun-stones. Haematite. Yellow Jasper. Citrine. Fire Opal. Lemon Quartz.

Healing Practices

Vigorous exercise (create heat!). Core work. Regular doses of sunlight (vitamin D). Consuming ginger (raise heat) or peppermint (to cool). De-cluttering. Paying more attention to your appearance. Goal-setting. Healthy habit formation. Surround yourself with the colour yellow. Detoxification. Work on self-esteem issues and assertiveness, or any issues with authority. Release or contain anger. Learn to trust your gut-feelings. Take action. Yellow foods (lemons, grapefruit, bananas, pineapple, corn etc). Sunflowers. Develop awareness of your internal dialogues. Belly laugh. Light candles. Commit to something for 40 days

Yoga Postures

Breath of Fire, Tummo and Kapalbhati Breath to build heat – Sitali breath to cool. Plank pose, stretch pose, boat, leg lifts, and yoga crunches. Bow pose. Side twists. Lengthen the side body. Sufi Grind. Downward Facing Dog. Punching. Ego Eradicator. Warrior and Archer Pose.

Meditation for Increased Energy

Sit with a strainght spine and bring the hands together in prayer pose at the centre of the chest. Close your eyes. Inhale in 4 parts (sniffs) through the nose, pause and then exhale in 4 parts (sniffs) through the nose, pause. On each sniff pull your navel towards the spine. Continue for 3-5 minutes. To end, inhale and press the palms together for 10 seconds, exhale, then repeat twice more