3rd Chakra: Transformation

"The greatest illusion of the New Age is that awareness alone heals. Believe me, awareness by itself does nothing! Putting the healing process in motion requires a regular spiritual practice and discipline not just exercise and clean living."
– Caroline Myss

Sushumna in Yoga or Sumana in Thai is considered to be the home of the Chakras. The Chakras are located along the spine like a ‘super highway’ or a channel connecting one to another. Because of where the Chakras are located we can feel there influence over our entire nervous and endocrine systems. The alignment of the spine will help form the shape of the body and determine the openness of each Chakra i.e.; a collapsed chest, ventral drag or rolled in shoulders may indicate an imbalance in the core or 3rd chakra. It is possible to open and balance the Chakras by bringing more awareness and flexibility to the spine.

Manipura is the Sanskrit name of the 3rd Chakra, meaning ‘lustrous gem’. It is located between the navel and the lower ribs, and is often referred to as the solar plexus. It connects us to the pancreas, digestion and our musculature. This chakra is closely related to the element of fire and is expressed through the color yellow. It is here in the 3rd Chakra we understand power, assertiveness, will and transformation. We learn how to overcome inertia, liberate ourselves from fixed patterns and create new behavior. This chakra asks: Do I take time to develop and maintain my own personal power? Do I feel empowered by the choices I make? Do I feel excited about life? Do I feel confidant?

Contemplation and movement can help to clear toxins, raise your internal fire and stimulate the ascending current. Keep these questions in mind as you explore the strength of your solar plexus with the following asanas or postures.

Breath of Fire
This is a pranayama or breathing exercise to help clear toxins from the body. Start sitting in a comfortable position on the floor or in a chair. Rest your hands over your solar plexus. Use your diaphragm to vigorously pump your exhale out your nose. Focus on the exhalation, your body will naturally inhale without force. Repeat this breath several times (perhaps 10-30) quickly until you feel the heat rising. Pause and take deep breaths if you feel dizzy.

The Woodchopper
Stand with your feet about hip width apart, knees soft, hands interlaced over your head, and back slightly arched. As you exhale swing your hands and arms down and in between your legs. Repeat several times. If you like you can make a loud ‘ah’ sound as you exhale and swing downwards. Feel the power of release as you do this.

Bow Pose
Lay on your stomach with your hands down by your side. Bend your knees and reach for your ankles. As you inhale lift your head and pull the ankles backwards to lift your chest and to balance on your belly. Breathe deeply pressing the belly into the ground. Allow your shoulders to relax and your chest to open to the ceiling. Feel the internal fire growing as you try this.

Yoga for the Chakras: Fluidic Movement

"You could not step twice into the same river; for other waters are ever flowing on to you."- Hercalitus

The chakras interweave the history of yoga with the practice of yoga. The word yoga comes from a Sanskrit word which means to “yoke” or to join. Yoga is the practice in which we can unify personal consciousness with universal consciousness. The origin of yoga and the earliest mention of chakras reach back to the Vedas, a series of hymns, incantations, and rituals from ancient India. Following the Vedas were the Upanishads or wisdom teachings passed from teacher to disciple. The Upanishads are difficult to date because they are believed to have been passed down orally for approximately a thousand years before being written down for the first time between 1200–900 BCE. It is understood in eastern cultural traditions that each chakra holds a unique set of energy's, and when one is blocked it affects all other parts of the body. Practicing yoga can help release, balance, and align the chakras through specific asanas, or postures.

Svadisthana is the Sanskrit name of the 2nd Chakra, meaning sweetness. It is found at the lower abdomen, and is related to the element of water and the color orange. The 2nd chakra connects us to the womb, genitals, low back, kidneys and bladder. It is in charge of our adrenals and helps us understand our feelings. This chakra teaches us how to let go and create flow. This chakra asks: Do you feel comfortable expressing your sexuality? Do you take time to take care of yourself, to fill your own cup? Do you enjoy or take delight in change?

Regular practice of the following poses can help balance the energy of the 2nd chakra:

Goddess Pose
Lay down onto the floor with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Gently allow your knees to part until they reach the floor or until you feel a good stretch in your inner thighs. Hold for 6 breaths. You may place a pillow or bolster under each thigh to provide added support and comfort.

Scissor Legs
Continue lying on the floor with your legs straight. On an exhale lift both your legs 6-12 inches off the floor. On your inhalation spread your legs apart, and on your exhalation squeeze them back together again. Repeat at least 6 times or until you’re tired.

Hip Circles
Begin standing with your feet just a bit wider than your hips. Keep your knees bent slightly as you rotate your pelvis in small and large circles moving clockwise and counter-clockwise. Remember to keep your head and feet stationary and the movement smooth.

All these asanas or postures are designed to encourage the energy to move or open throughout the pelvis and lower abdomen. Take time to nurture yourself through movement, drink enough water, take long hot baths or showers and feed yourself with energy, love and touch. Be well.