6 Yoga Poses That Will Boost Your Self-Esteem & Improve Digestion

We've talked about how to ground your root chakra and open your sacral chakra. Now it's time to move up the spinal column to the Manipura, "lustrous gem," or solar plexus chakra.

This chakra is located in your abdomen, from your navel to your breastbone. Its element is fire, and its main functions are self-esteem, power, and will. If this chakra is blocked, it can lead to digestive problems, stomach ulcers, and diabetes. It can also make one feel depressed, frustrated, or powerless.

Opening this chakra will help you get in touch with your inner will, or what you were put on earth to accomplish. It will allow you to live a life that's both challenging and exciting. One way to jump-start this process is to try something new—including the poses below!

First, make sure that your body is properly warmed up with a flow sequence. Take five to ten sun salutations, integrating a Vinyasa (exhale to chaturanga or knees/chest/chin, inhale to upward-facing dog or cobra, and exhale back to downward-facing dog) between each.

Sit on your knees, with a block or two underneath you. Place your hands on your thighs and let your shoulders melt onto your back. Then commence kapalabhati, a pranayama that's also called "breath of fire" and skull-shining breath.

Come to stand with your right foot about 3 feet behind your left, with your right toes facing the upper right corner of your mat. Your left heel should bisect your right foot, so your feet should be on the same line.

Bring your right foot about 2 feet behind your left, again pointing your right toes to the upper right corner of the mat. Lift your arms, square your hips, and bring your hands down to the ground for pyramid pose (parsvottanasana).