part 8, continued from previous issue
The third and fourth chakras, manipura and anahata, are rajasic in essence. Fire and air are the elements associated with these chakras respectively. The more subtle functions of prana, samana vayu and prana vayu, are directed by the second two chakras.
Manipura chakra governs the solar plexus. The sympathetic connections in the solar plexus include the greater, lesser and lower splanchnic nerves, and the parasympathetic counterparts consist of fibers of both right and left vagus nerves. These autonomic nerves control the involuntary functions of the gut. It follows that the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas and small intestine are under the direct influence of manipura chakra and samana vayu. Samana vayu rules the region between the heart and navel. It is distributed mainly through manipura chakra. In agreement with the element tejas (fire) with which this chakra is associated, samana vayu is a destructive force that breaks down substances. It is also the force behind the process of assimilating that which has been broken down. It does this by regulating the fires of digestion.
The adrenal glands and the pancreas are the endocrine glands associated with manipura chakra. They are particularly significant in the genesis of several chronic diseases such as peptic ulcers and diabetes mellitus. Cortisol, secreted by the adrenal cortex, is important in immunosuppression and may be the physical vehicle by which autoimmune diseases are instigated. The increase in secretion of cortisol can be caused by any physical or neurogenic stress.
Prana vayu, being centripetal or inward in direction, governs mainly the region between the larynx and the heart and is responsible for the regulation of the intake of oxygen, or inhalation. Since the breath is the major vehicle for taking in prana in general, if prana vayu is deficient or obstructed, it will have many repercussions in the functioning of the whole body. The heart is considered to be the seat of prana vayu and it is governed by anahata chakra, as are the thymus and the cardiac plexus. The thymus is important in the regulation of the immune system.
When consciousness is centered at the third and fourth chakras, one is considered to be on a higher level of awareness. Whereas an inadequate focus of energy in the solar plexus will manifest as digestive disturbances, an excess of energy, or too much fire, will result in such complaints as peptic ulcers. An imbalance of mental energy at this area will be associated with ego problems and aggressiveness, dominance and assertiveness or submissiveness. Disturbing emotions or feelings of grief or sadness are channeled through anahata chakra. When the energy being transmitted through this center is distorted by the emotions, one may initially experience functional disturbances such as palpitation and breathlessness. If the functional disorders persist over a long period of time, they can lead to more serious problems such as ischemic heart disease.
(to be continued)
Dr. Barbara Bova, HOD, Dept of Homeopathy