Over the years I’ve struggled with negative thoughts about my body and how I thought my stomach was too flabby. Some of that is related to my childhood/young adulthood environment when my mom would make comments to me whenever she thought I gained weight, but it is more likely related to how we are inundated with what society thinks is the perfect image of a beautiful person.
Today when I was talking to my Acupuncturist I came to the realization that I ‘hold’ onto my stomach and I need to let go.
I’m pretty sure I am not alone in holding on to my belly, so I wonder if we can support one another in letting go. Let go of the idea of what our abdomen should look like and accept it as it is. If you are like me, it will be a work in progress. It took me years to get to this place, so I’ll be kind to myself as I shift in another direction.
From the perspective of the subtle body – both the Svadhisthana Chakra and Manipura Chakra are part of the abdomen region, so I thought I would share information I’ve gathered over the years about these two chakras.
Second Chakra | Third Chakra | |
Nickname | SACRAL | SOLAR PLEXUS |
Name | Svadhisthana | Manipura |
Meaning | One’s Own Place/Sweetness | Jewel City/Lustrous Gem |
Location | Lower abs, genitals, womb | Solar Plexus |
Element | Water | Fire |
Petals | Six | Ten |
Color | Orange | Yellow |
Symbol | Crecent Moon | Triangle – down |
Animal | Crocodile | Ram |
Body Association | reproductive, bodily fluids | Liver, Digestive System, muscles |
Glands | Ovaries, Testicles | Pancreas |
Sense | taste | sight |
Aspects/functions | Desire, Sexuality, Sensuality | Will, Personal Power |
Planet | Jupiter | Mars |
Soul Desire | To feel | To act |
Sound | Vam | Ram |
Energy State | Liquid | Plasma |
What aggravates | Guilt | Shame |
Archetype | Martyr | Warrior |
Life Lesson | uncovering motivations influencing choices – based on conditioning | self-esteem, self-confidence, the courage to take risks |
Nadi | Kuhu | Vishvodhara |
Musical note | D | E |
Gem | Amethyst | Emerald |
Tissue | fat | blood |
Dosha | kapha | pitta |
Prana | apana | samana |
Asanas | cobra, boat, bow, cat | triangle, warrior, half moon |
forward bend, reclining bound angle | cobra | |
If blocked | rigid, self-neglect, no desire | helpless, controlling |
blocked creativity | irresponsible, misuse of power | |
Emotional dysfunction | unbalanced sex drive, instability, feelings of isolation | need to be in control, oversensitive to criticism, additive personality, aggressive |
Physical dysfunction | impotence, frigidity, bladder and prostate problems, lower back pain | stomach ulcers, fatigue, weight around stomach, allergies, diabetes |
Oils | ylang-ylang, sandalwood | lavender, rosemary, bergamot |
Astrological Sign | Cancer, Scorpio | Aries, Leo |
Deity | Vishnu | Rama |
Is there a message here for you? Does anything resonate for you in terms of what might be going on energetically? And if so, what should you do about it? You can use the information above to experiment with yoga poses, aromatherapy, wearing a certain gem, chanting, or setting an intention. Or you can set up an appointment with an Acupuncturist, a Reiki practitioner, a Massage Therapist, or other healing modality. Pay attention – your heart and mind will tell you exactly what is right for you!
May we be filled with lovingkindness. May we be well in body, mind & spirit. May we be happy & at ease. My daily mantra and my wish for you today – from Jack Kornfield’s ‘The Art of Forgiveness, Lovingkindness and Peace”.
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