Hula Hoop Dance and Balancing the Navel Chakra

Heather Doxtater – author of the Chakra series

The Navel Chakra, or Manipura, is the Third major energy center in our bodies. It is the chakra that gives off the energy of how we feel about ourselves. Once we have conquered the second Chakra, or Svadhistana which you can read about here, we come to a place of understanding our own personal power. It is the delicate balance of assertion of boundaries and the willingness to be open to love others as they are in the present form. This personal power is greatly enhanced with a hoop in hand.

A hoop dancer will find benefits with having the Manipura in balance because you are in control of your perceptions. It is good to be able to laugh at yourself when you are having trouble ‘nailing a trick’ instead of becoming angry or upset. It is the energy center that allows you to let go instead of holding onto a negative feeling.

Balance in the third chakra will show up as a healthy ego in a person who also has a strong understanding one’s own self worth. A person whose Manipura is out of control will be critical of others with harsh judgements. A poor energy alignment of this chakra will show up as lack of confidence and inability to complete projects or overcome personal obstacles.

There are a variety of ways you can balance out this energy center. As a hoop dancer (or future hoop dancer! Check out the shop for some great deals on Beginner Hoops!) you will find that you are naturally building up confidence every time you pick up your hula hoop. Here are a few other tips to help you balance out this critical chakra:

-Wear Healing Crystal Jewelry or Carry Citrine stones in your pocket
– Imagine a yellow aura around your body to build up the light for your confident self
-Try out Yoga poses that are directed at opening up the Navel Chakra such as Boat or Bow poses

It is important to balance the first two Chakras before balancing out the navel chakra. This will help bring your joy and confidence of self awareness into your inner states of consciousness. If you are ready to read on to balance out your Fourth Chakra, or Anahata, click here!