Solar Plexus Chakra Posture: Trikonasana

As we learned before, the first chakra, Muladhara, represents a singular point, our ground, a place our body occupies. When we go to the second chakra, Svadhisthana, we align our body between heaven and earth, going from singleness to duality, from point one to two. Now, entering the third chakra, Manipura, we activate our energy body, creating a third point, progressing from a line to an area. With more space on our inner temple, Kundalini begins to dance, building up energy that we need to direct.

Trikonasana: Triangle Posture

Trikonasana, or the triangle pose, is a basic pose that can be performed as many times as you want, reaching more profound levels of alignment over time. It helps to regulate the complexity of the third chakra by pointing lines of energy along the legs, torso, and arms, each moving in a different direction. Visualize that these lines shine out of your solar plexus chakra like rays from the sun.

How to execute:

1. Start by spreading your feet along the length of your mat. Position your left foot at a 90-degree outward angle, so that your toes point toward the front of the mat.

2. Plant your roots through each leg. Embrace your muscles to the bones, and pull energy from the earth into your third chakra.

3. Raise your arms, with your elbows straight, to your shoulder height. Then, circle your shoulders back, by outwardly rotating the upper arms.

4. Lean your left arm downwards, touching the floor (or a block) directly below your left shoulder, either behind (if you have a full extension) or in front of your ankle. Be careful not to bend your waist. Bend your hip joint.

5. Lift your right arm, forming a straight line between your right and left fingertips. Widen your fingers and energize both arms.

6. Look up toward your up fingertips, keeping the neck in line with your spine. If looking up hurts your neck, you can look down or forward.

7. Inhale and come out of the posture, reproducing it on the opposite side.
   

Benefits:

• enhances digestion;

• alleviates sciatica;

• strengthens the legs and midsection;

• opens the chest;

• builds strength and steadfastness;

• strengthens the will.

Avoid: or have extra caution if you have low blood pressure, heart disorders or hip injures.

You can learn more about the Third Chakra in this post or taking this yoga class focused on the Solar Plexus Chakra:

Source: Chakra Yoga - Anoeda Judith