The third chakra is the Manipura chakra. It means Lusterous
Gem and it's color is yellow. It is located in the area of the
navel to the solar plexus. It's function is Will and Power. The
verb associated with the 3rd chakra is "I can".
The glands and body systems it affects are the pancreas, adrenals,
digestive system, and muscles. When it malfunctions, the resulting
problems are ulcers, diabetes, and/or hypoglycemia.
The sound to chant is RAM. The animal that is associated with the
3rd chakra is also the ram. The herbs are carnation, cinnamon, and marigold. The gemstone is Amber and Topaz. Foods for the 3rd chakra are starches.
In Tarot, it is associated with wands. It's element is fire. It's
planets are Mars and the Sun.
The yoga posture that helps to open and focus the energy of the
third chakra is
DHANAURASANA - The Bow
Begin by lying flat on your belly with your chin resting on the ground.
Bend your knees and allow your feet to come close to your buttocks. Reach back and hold your ankles.
Squeeze your buttocks and press your pubic bone downward.
Lift your head and chest. Press your feet back into your hands, helping you lift the front of your body. Your thighs may come off the ground allowing you to lift your chest even higher.
You may find yourself rocking back and forth. You may feel a pulsing in your belly. Breathe while in the posture and hold the posture for 30 to 60 seeconds (or so).
To release the posture, first lower your legs and release the grasp of the ankles. Unbend your legs. Lower your chest and head. Relax from the posture. You may still feel the pulsing of energy in your belly.
The solar plexus chakra has to do with "belonging." If it's open, the individual will feel that he/she belongs to everything--firmly grounded in his/her place within the universe. It's a mental chakra, but directly related to a person's emotional life. Mental understanding of emotions regulates one's emotional life. If the chakra is open one will have a deeply fulfilling emotional life that does not overwhelm. Also, that person might be susceptible to psychic "attack" or be lost in stars. Physical pain in the chakra stems from overuse.
If the chakra is closed, feelings will be blocked. A person might not feel anything and would not understand the deeper meanings of emotions, and might not be connected to his/her greater purpose.