The Fire Element & Yoga

fire element and yoga

The Fire Element & Yoga

Element: Fire

Part of hand: Thumb

Chakra: Manipura Solar Plexus

Physical association: Digestion, muscles, sense of sight

Traits: Strength, courage, ambition, fire in the belly, willpower, self esteem

According to ancient yogic teachings, human beings are made up of the five elements: Earth, air, fire, water and Ether /space.  The fire element is also known as Agni Tattvas.

In yoga, the fire element can help to strengthen the core, build heat to strengthen the body, whilst cleansing and purifying the mind, body and spirit.  The fire element aids and boosts the immune system, digestive system and assists with the absorption of food; it burns our karmas, mental and physical blocks and fears; gives us strength and energy and zest for life; and gives us discipline and commitment.  Fire is an agent of healing and transformation. When it is present it produces dynamic change and purification.  The fire element is said to create our vigor, passion and charisma. The fire goes out when we die.

Fire is found at the third chakra, the naval centre, the solar plexus; Manipura chakra; which is associated with the colour yellow, sun, solar, solar plexus, fire. Stoke your inner fire and direct energy into the solar plexus.

manipura chakra

In Yoga we can increase our internal fire, either with fast flowing postures; or by holding postures for longer than normal, or with twists.

Please head to our Resources page for podcasts on the fire element and yoga.

 

Where is Manipura Chakra?  The most commonly accepted location for the third chakra is at the solar plexus, between the navel and the chest. The Solar Plexus is a collection of two bundles of nerves.  They intertwine and pass each other at the upper abdomen.  The Solar Plexus gets its name from its resemblance to the sun with nerves meeting in the middle and then radiating out like the rays of the sun, to other areas of the body.

The Fire Element…  Manipura chakra is traditionally related to the element fire, though some connect it to the element air. It has a connection with the sun – Think sun, solar, solar plexus, and heat, energy, fire, (the air fuelling the fire or Agni in the body) and all forms of power.  This weeks’ yoga practice is therefore strong and warming.

The Chakra’s Function…  Manipura is related to the digestive system.  Its main function is to help transform matter into energy to fuel your body. It governs metabolism and is commonly associated with the pancreas and your immune system.  It is our fire centre, the centre of the core of the body.

Colour Yellow… The Solar Plexus chakra is most commonly represented by the colour yellow, the third colour in the light spectrum.  Think sunshine, energy and radiance.

Balancing Manipura Chakra…  When the Solar Plexus chakra is balanced, you may be:

  • Assertive
  • Exert your will in a way that leads to the expected results somewhat effortlessly
  • Have harmonious relationships with your surroundings and others
  • Be proactive rather than reactive or inactive
  • Feel strong and full of energy, and have a real “fire in the belly”

Imbalances in the third chakra can manifest as:

  • Excessive control and authority over your environment and people
  • Or the opposite in case of deficiency or blocked energy
  • Feelings of helplessness, or irresponsibility
  • Being obsessed with minute details, or losing sight of the whole picture
  • Being manipulative
  • Misusing your power
  • Lack of clear direction, lack of purpose or ambition
  • Making plans or having a lot of ideas without finding efficient ways to realize them

Mudra…   Gyana Mudra. The thumb and index finger touch in Gyana mudra.  This is perhaps the most used mudra in yoga and is also known as the chin mudra. To do this, bring the tips of the thumb and index finger together, and keep the other three fingers together, lightly stretched. This symbolizes the unity of fire and air elements, as well as the unity of universal and individual consciousness.

The Gyana mudra increases concentration, and creativity. Keep your palms facing upwards when feeling receptive and open; or rest your palm on your legs when you wish to feel more grounded.

Mudra…  Also try Agni Mudra or Surya Mudra.  Place the ring fingers in the base of the thumbs and secure them there with the thumbs.  The other fingers are extended but soft. With repeated practice it increases the fire element in the body and can encourage you to be more assertive and confident.

Faye x

 

Posted 2 June 2021