Manipura - Solar Plexus Chakra

The manipura chakra (mani=gem) is located along the vertebra in the navel region, also called the solar plexus and is considered the seat of the emotions.  It governs the area between the navel and the heart where the Manas and the Surya chakras are located.  Manas means mind and Surya the sun.  In Light on Yoga, by BKS Iyengar, he says this may stand for the two adrenal glands above each kidney.

This chakra, associated with the color yellow relates to the abdomen, stomach, upper intestine, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, adrenal glands and spleen.  Any dysfunction in this chakra can physically lead to intestinal and digestive problems, as well as dysfunction of the adrenal glands.  Physiologically, a closed manipura chakra can lead to low self esteem and a need for constant reassurance.  If the chakra is too open, a person may become controlling and judgemental. 
Aiming for a balanced manipura chakra leads to feelings of self acceptance and self-respect - feeling at ease with one self.

This chakra is associated with the element fire.  If feeling low, poses that work from the core help to re-energize.  Twists, warrior poses (Virabhradrasana I,II or III, sun salutations (Surya Namaskarasana) and boat pose (Navasana and Ardha navasana) are a few.
If your manipura chakra is open, more calming, restorative postures to cool the abdomen are best.

If chanting, the seed mantra RAM is best used while focusing on this chakra.  The hands can be placed in front of the stomach, just below solar plexus with the fingers straight and the tips touching, fingers pointing away, and the thumbs crossed.

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.vpweb.com