Solar Plexus Chakra

Picture of Clint Johnson Clint Johnson Last Updated: October 7, 2023

The Solar Plexus chakra is the third of the seven main chakras, located around the belly button in the stomach area. It represents confidence, self-esteem, and personal power.

Outline of the Solar Plexus chakra

Location: Navel area

Associated color: Yellow Chakra

Element: Fire element

Bija Mantra (seed syllable):RAM

Affirmations: Solar Plexus chakra affirmations

Sanskrit name: Manipura

Purpose: Foundation

Nerve plexus: Plexus

Endocrine gland: Adrenals

Right: To Act

Main issues: Power, will, self-control, vitality, purpose, direction

Excessive: Dominating, blaming, aggressive, scattered, constantly active

Deficient: Weak will, poor self-esteem, passive, sluggish, fearful

Shadow element: Shame

Resolution: Self-Compassion; Self-Assertion

Associated Crystals: Solar Plexus chakra crystals such as Tigers Eye, Yellow Calcite, Golden Topaz

Origins of the Solar Plexus chakra

The Chakra system originated in India between 1500 and 500 BCE. It was first mentioned in the ancient text called the Vedas, which introduces the seven primary chakras.

In Sanskrit, the Solar Plexus chakra is called the Manipura chakra, which translates as city of jewels or lustrous gem. The Solar Plexus chakra comes after the Root chakra and the Sacral chakra, with the Heart chakra, Throat chakra, Third Eye chakra, and Crown chakra following. Altogether, this creates the body’s chakra energy system.

Chakra is defined as a spinning wheel of energy that runs up the spine to the top of the head. Concepts of the seven chakras came to the Western world in the 1880s from tantric yoga traditions and are increasingly studied and practiced due to their extensive benefits.

Functions of the Solar Plexus chakra

Solar Plexus chakra color therapy

As the third chakra, the Solar Plexus chakra governs self-confidence, relating to self-esteem, purpose, and inherent power.

Kundalini energy lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is awakened through wellness practices, including chakra meditation, pranayama, asanas, and prayer.

When energy flows through the third chakra, individuals may experience heightened skillful self-expression and increased self-confidence. This helps people feel motivated and have a deeper understanding of their purpose in life.

Blocked chakra energy can negatively impact health in the physical body and mental state. Some of the symptoms may include:

Physical symptoms:

Pancreas and gallbladder issues
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Digestive system disorders

Mental symptoms:

Aggression
Fear of rejection
Feel insecure
Dominating others
Negative thought patterns
Low self-esteem

Other symptoms of physical imbalance include blood pressure issues, diabetes, eating disorders, and stress-related illnesses. Additionally, one may experience improper processing, control issues, be overly rigid, and inhibit a victim mentality.

Those experiencing these symptoms may benefit from practicing some of our recommended Solar Plexus chakra healing exercises so life force energy can flow freely through the human body.

Solar Plexus chakra explained

How to open the Solar Plexus chakra

Several practices support the opening and balancing of the Solar Plexus chakra. Here are some exercises that bring balance to and heal the third chakra:

Burning incense and oils: Aromatherapy is proven effective in opening and healing the chakra energy system. Musk, sandalwood, ginger, saffron, and cinnamon are incense and oils that correspond with the solar plexus.

Yoga asana: Certain asanas help open the Manipura chakra. Here are three effective poses in yoga that will assist healthy alignment through the solar plexus:

Boat pose (Navasana): Sit on the floor and extend your legs forward. Lift through the sternum and put your weight back to balance on your sit bones. Exhale and bend your knees at a 45-degree angle. If comfortable, try extending your legs straight while maintaining the height. Hold the posture for ten to twenty seconds.
Bow pose (Dhanurasana): Lay on your belly, bend your knees, and grab hold of the outer edges of your ankles. As you inhale, lift your upper body, exhale, and press your legs back. Hold this position lifting through the crown of your head, and keep your gaze forward. Hold this for five breaths.
Warrior pose (Virabhadrasana): Step your right foot forward, Bend your front knee 90 degrees, and pivot the back heal to form a 45-degree angle for stability. Inhale and bring the arms straight up beside the ears. Hold this for five to ten breaths, then repeat on the other side. This pose will allow warrior energy to flow freely through the body, supporting chakra healing.
Seated spinal twist: Begin sitting upright on the mat. Bend one leg and cross it over the other, so your foot is flat on the floor. Then, bend the underneath leg. Reach the arm on the same side as your top leg behind you, and plant the hand on the ground. Hook the other arm behind your bent leg and hold for several breaths. Repeat on both sides.

Repeating Affirmations: Repeating affirmations aloud, in writing, or in one’s head supports positive thought patterns. Some examples of positive affirmations that support the health of one’s sacral chakra include:

I stand in my personal power.
I am ambitious and capable.
I have the courage to create positive change in my life.
I forgive myself for past mistakes and learn from them.

Repeat positive affirmations to reverse negative thought patterns and experience a strong sense of power.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Solar Plexus chakra hurt?

Although one’s Solar Plexus chakra may feel pain for several reasons, the most common cause is anxiety. The third chakra is closely tied to the lungs and adrenal glands. Because of this, added stress that causes shortness of breath may affect the Solar Plexus chakra.

Try performing breathing exercises to reduce anxiety and feel calm.

Other reasons one’s Solar Plexus chakra may hurt include:

Pulled muscle
Diabetes
Trauma
Acid Reflux of other gastric issues
Pancreatitis
Respiratory disorders

How to heal Solar Plexus chakra pain?

There are several ways one can heal the pain in their Manipura chakra. Resting and allowing the body time to heal is often an effective method. During this time, apply heat to the solar plexus area or cold packs if there is swelling.

Additional methods include:

Eat a bland diet
Try breathing exercises

How to prevent Solar Plexus chakra blockage?

Several techniques can prevent blocked energy from occurring in the Solar Plexus chakra. Some of these include:

Exercising regularly
Obtaining enough sleep
Limiting stressful activities
Eating several small meals instead of one large meal
Practicing one of the many different meditation techniques or breathing exercises

In addition to allowing energy to flow freely through the Solar Plexus chakra, these methods may help you live a healthier lifestyle.

What is the solar plexus?

The solar plexus is a nerve center located in the abdomen. This center controls many of the body's automatic functions, such as digestion and respiration.

The solar plexus is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. When the body is under stress, the solar plexus can become activated, which can cause the heart rate to increase and blood pressure to rise.

What is the Solar Plexus chakra responsible for?

The Solar Plexus chakra is responsible for our ability to feel confident and in control of our lives. It is also associated with our personal power, self-esteem, and sense of purpose.

When this chakra is balanced, we feel confident and capable of achieving our goals. We may feel insecure, scattered, and powerless when out of balance. Imbalances in the Solar Plexus chakra can also manifest as physical problems with digestion.

What does the yellow chakra mean?

The yellow chakra or Manipura chakra is associated with the solar plexus. This chakra is said to represent our personal power.

When the yellow chakra is balanced, we feel confident and in control of our lives. We can manifest our goals and desires with ease. When the yellow chakra is out of balance, we may feel powerless, scattered, and lost. We may also experience physical symptoms such as indigestion, fatigue, and anxiety.