Bow Pose & the Solar Plexus Chakra
The solar plexus chakra is located above the navel. It is known as the chakra of the mind, ruling personal power, Will, and assertiveness. It governs the digestive system, muscles, liver, spleen, pancreas, and adrenals.
When your solar plexus chakra is balanced you are discerning, disciplined and assertive. You are in control of yourself and you face life's challenges and decisions with courage and integrity. An unbalanced solar plexus chakra can result in controlling behaviour, workaholics, insecurity, guilt, or being easily manipulated. Conditions resulting from an unbalanced solar plexus chakra include ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, liver and digestive problems.
Bow Pose is great for stretching the digestive organs, allowing the energy to open and flow freely within the stomach area. It is also a good pose for increasing spine flexibility and releases tension from the hips. It opens up the chest allowing us to breathe in deeper, from the stomach all the way into the lungs, also stimulating the heart chakra. The deeper the breath becomes, the more open the energy in these two chakras are.
Modifications
Make sure you have warmed up first through the chest, shoulders, and hip flexors or thighs. If your hips are tight, your knees will probably splay out. Try to bring your inner knees towards each other.
Contraindications for this pose: any back, spinal or shoulder injury; pregnancy.
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