Yogic Management for Digestive Disorders(2)

In the previous issue of Namaskar I talked the human digestive system, the process of chewing, swallowing, assimilation, absorption and peristalsis. This process is governed by strong pranic energy that creates the fire that governs the action of the entire digestive process. This energy is governed by the third, and very important, Manipura Chakra. Manipura Chakra is located at the solar plexus area, which is also where the main part of the digestive system lies. There are organs, glands and nerves being governed by this Chakra. It is just like our solar system, the Manipura is like the SUN, it is the source of energy , it governs the life of the planet. Mani means ' jewel", Pura means " city", Manipura means" the jewel of city". The development of Manipura Chakra is very important. It is our source of prana, which is associated with heat, vitality, dynamism, generation and preservation. It regulates and gives fuel to all the processes of life. The physical location of the Manipura Chakra is at the level of the navel. Its bija mantra is R A M. It has ten petals in yellow color. It carries the fire element. At this Chakra carries the element fire, just like the power of a lion, it has to be handled carefully and skilfully. It has the capacity of cleansing and clarification and also has the power to refine and transform matters from one state to another. The muscles and the structural muscles of this chakra are the intercostals, traps, lats, diaphragm and erectors. The organs that are governed by it are the stomach, duodenum, liver and gall bladder. The endocrine glands that relate to this area are the adrenal and pancreas. the bones that form this area are the ribcage and the thoracic spine. The malfunction of this solar plexus area, which is also an imbalance of Manipura Chakra, may cause physical issues such as indigestion, diabetes, peptic ulcer, losing appetite and all kinds of abdominal disorders. On the psyche level, Manipura Chakra governs our individuality and independence, and these change according to our age and mental growth. By maintaining Manipura chakra we may begin to know ourselves, our potential and learn how to handle our ego too. Blockage in this area may cause an emotional blockage too. for example, if the energy is blocked around the diaphragm, the erectors, and the long muscles along the spine, it may create some frustrated energy in the body. The continuous and persistent tension in these muscles may change the nature of person and the condition of their health. It is common that we unconsciously learn to tense up these muscles in order to hold back our anger and aggression. As a result we may feel it is difficult to take a deep breath, the diaphragm then becomes tight and energy is blocked. The rigidity of our psychological attitude can also be reflected in our body, this may in turn also spread to the other charkas and tissues of the body. this rigidity may cause many other problems with breathing, sleeping, the liver and other chronic abdominal disorders. At the same time it can develop tension in the erector muscles, which results in stiffness of the spine and compression of the vertebrae that may crate anger, which very harmful to oneself and the people that surround us. this explosive, or suppressed anger is physically and emotionally toxic. When Manipura Chakra opens, we feel empowered and able to manifest our desires. If we can learn how to harness and redirect the fire from the Manipura Chakra we can harness a great source of energy. In the next issue, discussion will be on some common abdominal diseases and the relative yogic managements.