What is the Third Chakra (Manipura) in Kundalini Yoga?

Oct 08, 2020 / Kundalini Yoga

“If you do not know to balance the third chakra, you may have all the degrees, all the knowledge, all the money, all the beauty, but you shall be unhappy.”
– Yogi Bhajan

To gain true happiness and feel grounded, you must balance your manipura chakra. The third chakra in Kundalini Yoga is ripe with possibility and opportunity. However, you must start to understand your chakras so that you may balance them. Here’s what you need to know about the navel chakra and how you can keep it balanced.

What is the Third Chakra in Kundalini Yoga?

The center of our physical body and our energy, the third chakra goes by a couple of names. You may hear this chakra referred to as the navel point, the solar plexus, or the manipura chakra.

Located in our belly, below our breast bone and heart, the chakra is at once powerful and majestic. This one is tied to emotions, such as self-esteem, confidence, and self-love; all of which can be hard to obtain when we live in a realm of doubt.

Ahead of delving into the importance of balancing the third chakra in Kundalini Yoga, it’s important to understand more about it. Here’s a quick overview of its central themes:

Color: Yellow

Sanskrit meaning: Jewel city

Element: Fire

Planets: Mars

Crystals: Orange Calcite, Citrine, Malachite, Topaz

Psychological function: Self-esteem and confidence

Challenge: Stress

Location: Belly, below the heart

Alternate names: Navel point, solar plexus, manipura chakra

Third Chakra Affirmations

Since the third chakra in Kundalini Yoga is all about self-confidence and self-esteem, the affirmations you will use follow that theme. Should you feel that your third chakra is out of balance, you may choose to start repeating some of the following affirmations daily:

‘I love myself unconditionally’
‘I trust in my inner power’
‘I am my own guiding force’
‘Others don’t define my value’
‘I accept myself for who I am’
‘I make decisions with confidence’
‘Everything I need, I already have within’

Signs Your Third Chakra is Out of Balance

Should your third chakra in Kundalini Yoga be out of balance, it will affect how you feel and your emotions. However, you may also experience some physical transformations that are also linked to this issue. With that in mind, here are the signs you should be aware of:

Low levels of self-esteem
Anxiety and stress
Low levels of energy
Sadness or low moods
Digestive problems
Stomach complaints
Aggression and anger

Signs Your Third Chakra is In Balance

“That is the power of the third chakra. It gives you instant, infinite experience of your life.”
– Yogi Bhajan

On the other hand, when your navel chakra is in balance, you will reap countless rewards. Taking the time to boost your self-care and balance this chakra is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself. Here are some of the telltale signs that it’s in balance:

High levels of confidence
Powerful energy
Excitement and happiness
Healthy sense of ego
Sense of deep security
High levels of responsibility

How to Balance Your Third Chakra

Worried that your third chakra is out of balance. Fortunately, there are ways in which you can balance it. Doing so is a process but it’s worth your time and energy. Here are some of the ways that you can start to balance your navel point:

Practice the Breath of Fire to recharge your energy
Try the Bow Pose to boost confidence
Start a daily self-care routine
Engage in the Sat Kriya regularly
Use essential oils such as musk or sandalwood

Learn More and Continue Your Journey!

Now that you have a deep understanding of your third chakra, ensure that you do all you can to balance it. By keeping the solar plexus in check, you can encourage positive feelings of self-love, confidence, ambition, and happiness. Get started today.