Explore Your Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra is the third of the seven main chakras. In ancient Sanskrit it is called Manipura which means ‘lustrous gem’. The solar plexus is known also as the navel chakra, power chakra and yellow chakra.

This chakra is located in your upper stomach between your navel (tummy button) and the breastbone.

The solar plexus is associated with the ego. It is the source of personal power, self-belief and self-worth. In addition, it is associated with gut intuition and psychic abilities. It is the seat of your personal power, however this does not mean your power over others. This chakra is to do with your own self-mastery; mastery over your thoughts, fears and emotions, allowing you to rise to the occasion in times of need, following your true path without distraction.

The Manipura chakra relates to the stomach, liver, diaphragm, adrenal glands (the upper digestive organs) and the immune system.

What is a balanced solar plexus chakra like?

When your solar plexus in balanced and working well, you will have lots of energy and manage to get a considerable amount done with relative ease. You find you are organised and driven. Whereas people around you only talk about making changes to their lives (ie going to the gym, starting new hobbies) you actually get on and do it.

You have fire in your belly (which isn’t surprising considering the solar plexus corresponds with the element of fire) and an eagerness to get on with life, inspiring others with your positive attitude. When this chakra is healthy, a person does not feel the need to boast, they prefer to let their actions and results speak for themselves.

The purpose of this energy centre is to provide you with the momentum to move forward with your life and manifest your aspirations and ambitions. It supports your direction in life and the actions you need to take in order to achieve your goals. With a clear head you find it easy to make decisions and are not bogged down by conflict. You are quietly confident and kind.

What happens if the chakra becomes imbalanced?

If you have a weak solar plexus you are likely to see yourself as a victim. You are probably pessimistic in nature and have a feeling of being down trodden and allow others to treat you poorly.

With a continual lack of self-confidence and self-worth, the willpower to achieve something meaningful with your life may be virtually non-existent. The consequence is that you may find yourself settling for a less fulfilling and dull life.

You may have low expectations of life and little aspiration regarding goals. You are probably shy and reluctant to take on leadership roles at work, however you may be quick to sarcastically put others down. In fact, if you are lacking direction, you may find yourself compensating by working for a boss or drawn into a relationship with someone who has a very strong solar plexus and big ego. You may find yourself being carried along with the tide.

A person with a very strong solar plexus chakra may find it difficult to switch off. You are not necessarily competitive with other people but you are competitive with yourself for sure. You set yourself very high standards, working so hard that you have little time to relax and enjoy your success. This fast pace lifestyle leaves keeps you so busy you may find yourself feeling irritable, especially if you feel people are getting in the way of what you want. Worst case scenario a person with an over-developed chakra may become a bully, intimidating everyone around them in an effort to make themselves more powerful.

If this chakra continues to have blockages it may result in physical symptoms for example ulcers, poor digestion, diabetes, arthritis, organ problems (especially liver and kidneys), nerve pain, fibromyalgia and difficulty with weight management, either gaining or losing weight.

Do not despair, there are lots of things you can do to improve your solar plexus chakra.

How can a blocked solar plexus be healed?

By clearing blockages in the third chakra the energy will begin to flow freely again and help your health return. Working with a Reiki practitioner or other energy healer can be a good way to start on the path to a healthier you. Reiki is a beautiful, holistic practice that balances the energy flow through the chakras. This can be experienced in person or through distant healing, both are equally as effective. If you would like to experience a Reiki session for yourself or find out more information, please message me at Suffolk Reiki.

The solar plexus is associated with the colour yellow. So look out for yellow and when you see it, allow yourself to be reminded to focus your attention on this chakra. Colour psychologists say the vibration of this colour is most likely to make us feel happy. Try wearing something yellow; even if it is small like a yellow scarf, underwear or with summer approaching maybe find a T-shirt with a splash of yellow on it.

If yellow clothing is not to your liking, introduce yellow accents into your home. Try filling a vase with yellow daffodils or a yellow flower that is in season. If it goes with your décor, add yellow scatter cushions, throws or picture frames, anything that you are drawn to.

Gemstones for the third chakra include Citrine, Carnelian, Topaz, Malachite, Amber and Yellow Sapphire. You can place the gemstone on the area of the chakra while lying down to help open and align it. During a Reiki session I often use crystals to help balance chakras. I also find that wearing crystal bracelets helps. Depending on how I am feeling influences which bracelet I choose. This link will take you directly to a choice of beautiful bracelets Crystal Bracelets .

Alter what you eat, try more yellow fruit and vegetables, there are so many varieties. Look out for lemons, grapefruit, yellow plums, peaches and melons and how about sweetcorn, peppers, squash, yellow tomatoes and courgette flowers. The list is endless and each mouthful will be full of goodness that helps to support your health. Use this time to try new, colourful foods that you haven’t tasted before.

If you think that your liver and stomach need a detox then look to eat more soup, salads and vegetables. To discover some really tasty complete meal soups and more about bridging the gap between what you eat and what you should eat every day, click here Juice Plus+.

Listening to chakra music in the background while working, sleeping etc. is also a very calming experience. The frequencies in the music resonate with the solar plexus chakra. The link Solar Plexus Chakra Healing promotes the healing of the sacral chakra, thereby helping to remove the blocks, boost energy and positivity.

Guided meditations are also a very good way of helping to balance chakras. The link Balance Your Solar Plexus Chakra Energy: Guided Meditation is a beautiful meditation to balance this chakra. It starts with information about the chakra with a meditation starting about 3 ½ minutes in.

Try changing your daily routine to make yourself step out of your comfort zone. This will help your natural confidence begin to grow. At first it may seem really scary, but this practice will help to focus you on being in the moment and stop overthinking. If you feel your stomach tightening with stress, remember to breath and stay calm!

Start working on your self-esteem little by little. Try improving your posture as people with confidence tend to stand tall. If you are feeling intimidated, stand up straight, pull your shoulder blades down, hold your head up high and make eye contact. You may feel nervous inside at first, but with practice you will gain in confidence. Amy Cuddy, a Harvard psychologist states that two minutes in this pose can calm down your stress hormones, boost your testosterone and make you more likely to be hired for a job.

Don’t change everything all at once, take small proactive steps and see what happens. Whatever you choose, know it will be having a positive effect on your yellow chakra.

Namaste x