Some people may believe that it is important to speak from the heart. In Kundalini Yoga, we believe that it is important to speak from the Navel Point.
This is where our true, authentic self is projected from, allowing us to speak openly, honestly, and with clarity.Do you want to learn more about the Navel Point and how to harness its power? Keep on reading.
What is the Navel Point
Our navel is our first point of nourishment. It is our truest, most authentic, oldest self. When the umbilical cord is severed and we are sent out into the world, we do so with all of the wisdom of the ages having entered our body through that single point.
Located just two or three inches below the navel is the point where approximately 72000 nerve endings converge in the shape of a small bird’s egg, which forms the Navel Point. These nerves make it a real hub for both the physical and spiritual energies which flow throughout the body.
Alongside these 72000 nerves there are three essential nadis, or channels, called ida, pingala, and sushmana. When these three nadis are stimulated they, in turn, stimulate a further 72 vital nadis, which allows energy to flow unobstructed through the body.
Students of Kundalini yoga will also be aware of the existence of prana and apana in the body, the life force energy and the eliminating force respectively. Did you know that it is at the Navel Point that these two forces converge?
When prana and apana meet in a healthy Navel Point, they reach balance. The flow throughout the body becomes regulated, and the vibrations through the 72 vital nadis become stabilized, allowing healing energy to be sent to parts of the body, mind, aura and spirit where it is required.
The Navel Point is also strongly connected to the Third Chakra, or Solar Plexus Chakra. Situated a few inches above the Navel Point, when it is in balance it allows self-confidence, wisdom, confidence and assertion, so you can see why a strong Third Chakra is essential for communication.
The solar plexus is also strongly connected with breathing as breath is drawn into the lungs through the movement of these muscles. This breath, or pranayama, draws the prana into the body, which is then sent to the Navel Point for distribution through the nadis.
The Benefits of a Strong Navel Point
We have briefly touched upon some of the benefits of a strong Navel Point, but we will now look at these benefits in a little more detail.
Firstly, a strong Navel Point lends itself to efficient and comfortable digestion. When our digestive systems work effectively we are able to absorb as much of the nutrients and nourishment from our food as it can offer, allowing us to feel energized and well.
It is also our main center of personal “gravity”. It is where our true, authentic self lives. When the Navel Point is strong, our authentic self is allowed to flourish, and when this happens we feel empowered to communicate our true hopes, wishes and desires.
Anxiety and depression are often tied up with the Navel Point, and when this point is strong these problems are diminished, or can disappear altogether.
People coping with anxiety will often struggle to communicate openly as they over-think and ruminate on everything they say, so when the Navel Point is strong and anxiety is lessened, we feel more able to communicate without restrictions installed by anxiety.
When we communicate our truest and deepest wants, needs, and desires, we see a whole host of benefits. Interpersonal relationships flourish, we shed people who do not bring anything to our lives, and we become better able to ask for the things that we need.
We also find that our professional and financial lives are improved by better communication as we feel more confident pursuing the things that are important to us.
How to Harness the Power of the Navel Point
There are some things we can do throughout our daily lives to help to strengthen the Navel Point and harness its power.
These things can be as simple as eating a nourishing diet and treating the body well, getting enough sleep and remembering to laugh daily – laughter is so important for encouraging energy to flow through the nadis.
Daily Meditation
Daily meditation is a good place to start if you are looking to specifically nurture the Navel Point.
Light some good quality incense, sandalwood or honey work particularly well, and spend some time meditating and visualizing your strength and energy, allowing it to course through the body as fire.
Utilize the Root Lock
Other effective exercises for strengthening the Navel Point include simple exercises which utilize the Root Lock, such as the Forward Bend. In this exercise the body is bent forwards over the legs, the Navel Point is engaged, and a Root Lock or Mula Bandha is engaged, which brings all the muscles of upper legs, abdomen, and lower spine into tension.
This Root Lock helps to strengthen the Navel Point and control the energy flow within the body. It also helps to calm the nerves, and connects the Navel Point to the lowest three chakras, giving us the wisdom to tap into our most basic needs and requirements, helping us to better communicate those with ourselves and other people.
Deep Breathing Work
Cannon Breath is another daily exercise to help to develop the Navel Centre and guide the life forces through the nadis and throughout the body. Cannon Breath is similar to Breath of Fire, which you might be familiar with from your Kundalini practice, only Cannon Breath is only done with the mouth.
In this exercise, powerful breaths are pushed from the Navel Point in and out of the mouth rapidly, requiring the use of the strong muscles around the Navel Point to achieve the movement. The more often this exercise is practiced, the more effective it becomes.
The Takeaway
In order to communicate openly, effectively, and with wisdom and honestly, the Navel Point should be nurtured and cared for. When this happens, the energy from one of the most primal and fundamental centers within the body is allowed to flow freely, and we can speak without anxiety or restraint, from the heart.