The word chakra comes from a Sanskrit word meaning "wheel," and in Hinduism the chakras are centers of energy located in different parts of the body, each one represented by a different flower- or wheel-like symbol. Each chakra is thought to have different properties and characteristics, including a mantra, a color, and a connection to various physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. The Manipura chakra is thought to be located near the spine, in line with the solar plexus or navel. According to Hindu tradition, the manipura chakra is the chakra of willpower and achievement, and is thought to govern several organs, including the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. The idea of chakras is an important part of Hinduism, kundalini yoga, and some Buddhist and Tibetan traditions, and has also been incorporated in several Western therapeutic practices such as aromatherapy, Reiki, and sound therapy.
The manipura chakra is sometimes called the third primary chakra, based on the Hindu tradition of seven primary chakras. Its symbol is a red, upside-down triangle surrounded by ten dark blue lotus petals. In Hinduism, an important purpose of the manipura chakra is that it radiates prana, which can be translated as vital energy, or vital life. This energy is thought to affect the body and the mind, and if this specific chakra is balanced, meaning its energy is flowing correctly, it has positive effects such as making a person more confident and energetic, and also more physically healthy. However, if the manipura chakra is unbalanced, a person can suffer negative effects such as depression, arthritis, indigestion, and anger.
The significance of the manipura chakra for both mental and physical well-being makes it very important in various spiritual and therapeutic practices, including yoga and meditation. Practitioners often strive for chakra balancing or chakra healing if the energy of the chakra is thought to be unbalanced or blocked. To achieve this, various approaches can be used, such as meditation, breathing exercises, essential oils, and conscious breathing. Sometimes, chakra therapy includes touching the specific chakra with one's hands, crystals, or gems.
Healing the manipura chakra is thought to lead to better physical health, for example improving digestion and counteracting diabetes. It is also thought to help make a person less selfish and more charitable in his or her relationships to other people and the world in general. Chakra therapy is not a scientifically proven medical treatment, but practitioners claim that greater physical and mental well-being can be achieved by balancing the energy of the chakras.