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.
Location: Navel area
Color: yellow
Element: Fire element
Bija Mantra (seed syllable): RAM
Sanskrit Name: Muladhara (meaning: root, foundation)
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
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 the extensive benefits.
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, asanas, pranayama and prayer. When energy flows through the third chakra, individuals may experience heightened skillful self-expression and increased confidence in themselves. 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:
Pancreas and gallbladder issues
Digestive issues
Fatigue
Digestive system disorders
Aggression
Fear of rejection
Feel insecure
Dominating others
Negative thought patterns
Low self-esteem
Other symptoms of the 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 any of 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.
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 yoga poses 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.
Although there are several reasons one’s solar plexus chakra may feel pain, 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
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:
Take ibuprofen
Eat a bland diet
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.
Solar Plexus Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, and More
What evidence is there that chakras exist?
Root Chakra Stones: These 11 Crystals Are Crucial For Healing
Everything You Need to Know About the Root Chakra
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(PDF) The Physiological Foundation of Yoga Chakra Expression
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