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Customer Reviews4.33 out of 5 starsSign in to review this article "Very well explained, thank you!" - Sue Ellen, The solar plexus, located in the upper abdominal region, often becomes overheated. It is responsible for the body's digestive processes, but also for striving and success; it's where we store our ambitions, hopes, self-concepts, and goals. For this reason, you may tend to hold your sense of self worth in this region. When you feel like a failure, ashamed of something you've done, or simply hold yourself to a very high standard, your solar plexus could become tense and sore. If you react to the tension you feel in this area, you may become preoccupied with "saving face," perfectionism, and other "heat" signs. Luckily, the solar plexus is not all about stress and strain. It is also called manipura chakra in Ayurveda, meaning the "city of gems," because the heat in this area helps refine your sense of purpose and clarify your dreams. After practicing moon pose and relaxing your solar plexus, you'll be able to express your ambitions with more serenity and grace. You'll also find this pose improves your digestion. To do the pose, balance on one foot, reaching equally in four directions with your four limbs. If you reach too far in any one direction, you will lose your balance. Half moon pose cannot be achieved by strength or flexibility: you must figure out how to align and adjust the solar plexus area of your spine in order to maintain balance. As you continue to practice this serene posture, you will find comfort in the pose, and feel like you are hanging suspended from the sky. You will be able to reach higher, to open wider, eventually gazing up toward a moonlit night sky. My Saved Articles | Most Popular About the Author John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 6 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language. STUDY AYURVEDA
Questions, Comments & Impressions of 'practice this cooling stretch'?Is there something else you'd like to know about 'practice this cooling stretch'?(4.33 out of 5 stars) 6 ratings, 8 likes Sign in to review this article
Love this posture for exactly these reasons you mentioned.
As a yoga therapist and Ayurveda certificate holder, I'd like more information about how Half-Moon is actually a cooling pose. You say that in this position, the abdomen and solar plexus areas relax - how so? Is this true for everyone?
It seems to me that because this is a standing pose, the activation of the large muscles of the thighs and hips would create a certain amount of heat, and because this pose also requires a strong focus to maintain balance, that it would be both brahmana and heating. And the attempt to maintain balance and the integrity of the form of the posture might cause many to contract and tighten the abdomen...
Aren't there simpler ways to relax the abdomen and solar plexus without the heating effects of engaging the large musculature, and without the mind-heating effects of maintaining balance?
Very well explained, thank you!
Great comments Kathleen and thank you!
You are correct there are simpler ways to relax the abdomen, but this pose remains the most effective one I know for teaching awareness and alignment of the solar plexus.
The middle back (in terms of body awareness) is a mysterious place for many. You notice this when people are dancing - stiffness in the spine above the kidneys. The solar plexus is a hot spot that needs to be addressed.
You are correct that the posture could be overstimulating while someone is trying to figure it out. However, the pose has a post relaxation effect even for a newbie because of its effect on liver/solar plexus.
Meanwhile, I would love to know of some simpler poses to teach alignment of the middle back - for the reasons you mentioned.
The solar plexus is a nerve plexus in the abdomen that is situated behind the stomach and in front of the aorta and the crura of the diaphragm and contains several ganglia distributing nerve fibers to the viscera. The diaphragm attaches to the spine at the middle back, not necessary in the same spot for all. The most immediate and direct pathway to the diaphragm and the nervous system is through the breath. Since everyone's spine is different, I would avoid offering an individual posture as a one-size-fits-all way to align the middle back, just as in Ayurveda you would avoid offering a one-remedy-is-good-for-all IBS. So instead of offering a single asana in isolation, I would recommend a few basic breath-centric postures with repetition to bring awareness and circulation to the area of concern, and then a simple seated pranayama done in a relaxed way. Try this:
1. Dynamic child's Pose to gently relax the back - from hands and knees, exhale as you move into child's pose, inhale back to hands and knees. Do this 6 times, not too fast.
2. Cobra to gently stretch into the area of the solar plexus - lying on the belly with hands resting behind the back, lengthen through the torso as you inhale up into cobra, exhale as you come down. Do this 6 times, not too fast.
3. Repeat #1.
4. Sitting with spine erect but not rigid, shoulders relaxed, place your awareness in the area of your solar plexus. Begin to slowly inhale allowing the natural expansion of the chest, ribcage and belly as the lungs fill. Exhaling slowly, allow the torso to return to it's previous shape. Over the next few breaths, slow down the exhale slightly so that it becomes a bit longer than the inhale. Continue for about 12 breaths.
Simple balanced asana followed by a slightly langhana pranayama... ahhhh.
Kathy J
Generally speaking, twists are good for the liver and weight loss.
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