Solar Plexus

Do you know where your third energy chakra or the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is located?

But, let’s ask a question first. Have you ever been in a situation where you just knew or felt it wasn’t right for you? So, where exactly did you feel those cues in your body? Most of us would say those types of cues as to their “gut” feeling. You can physically feel that confidence and wisdom in the stomach area, that is where the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is located. This is the chakra most related to your confidence. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the solar chakra and what it represents in life.

What Is Solar Plexus Chakra?

The Solar Plexus Chakra is called Manipura in Sanskrit, which means a “shining or lustrous gem”. Sometimes also known as navel chakra, this is where your self-confidence, identity, passion, and personal power are born. It is the seat of your personal power, which gives you the ability to rise to the occasion when demanded.

When your solar plexus chakra is balanced, you’ll feel a sense of wisdom, decisiveness, and personal power. Often this is also called the personal power chakra or warrior chakra, as the feeling that arises is similar to a wise warrior going into a battle. The person has the confidence to win and the wisdom to know the personal truth he is fighting for.

When the solar plexus chakra is out of balance, we may feel a lack of confidence, confused, worried about what others think of you. Since this chakra radiates around your digestive system, having this chakra out of balance can even lead to physical issues related to liver, stomach respiratory systems.

The solar plexus chakra is represented by a vivid golden yellow color. 

Let's Learn The Basics Of The Solar Plexus Chakra

What does the Solar Plexus Chakra chakra control: Controls self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem

Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area

Element: Fire

Color: Yellow

Seed Mantra: Ram

Signs Of Misaligned/Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra Symptoms

An overactive solar plexus chakra may result in:

• Short-tempered

• The need to dominate and micromanage

• Greediness 

• Lack of compassion or empathy

An underactive solar plexus chakra may result in:

• Indecisiveness

• Feeling insecure

• Low confidence

• Feeling needy

Physical Symptoms of A Misaligned Solar Plexus Chakra:

• Fatigue 

• Problems in the nervous system

• Digestive system disorders and abdominal pain

Ways To Open/How To Open And Unblock Your Solar Plexus Chakra

As the solar plexus chakra is closely related to the color yellow, eating yellow fruits and vegetables, wearing yellow clothes will help open this chakra. Any form of physical exertion is good for this chakra, doing yoga or any other exercise will be beneficial. Going out and soaking in some sunshine would help too. Below are some of the ways that you can incorporate in your life to balance your solar plexus chakra.

Do Meditation

To balance your solar plexus chakra (manipura), practice meditation. You can follow these simple steps to start with. Try this guided meditation to clear the energy of your solar plexus chakra.

1. Keep your arms by your side, take a few moments to turn your attention inward. Take slow, steady, and deep breaths. Notice the ground beneath your feet and the space above your head. 

2. As you breathe in, slowly take your arms above to the sky. Now, imagine a ball of bright yellow light at the center of your abdomen where this chakra is located. Breathing out, bring your arms down.

3. Continue this flow, and focus on the chakra energy growing bigger and more vibrant with every breath you take in.

4. When the shining light has enveloped your whole body, keep your arms overhead and breathe. Embrace a strong sense of your personal power and generous healthy confidence.

Practice Yoga

Practicing yoga postures with mindful breathing helps release tension in the solar plexus chakra, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Practicing the warrior poses (Veerabhadrasana/virabhadrasana) can build confidence and align the third chakra. Sun salutations of warriors pose warms up the body and connect with the fiery energy of the sun. Boat pose or the Navasana is another superb posture for strengthening the abdominal muscles, balancing digestion, and bringing a sense of personal empowerment, which are related to the third chakra.

Say Affirmations

Empower the energy of your solar plexus chakra by creating your own personal affirmation. Try these positive and powerhouse affirmations:

• I am strong and courageous

• My power comes from within

• I can do anything

• I am ambitious and capable

• I feel motivated to pursue my purpose

• I am empowered and I empower others

• I stand up for myself

• I am proud of my achievements

• The only thing I need to control is how I respond to a situation

Chanting seed vibration mantra (bija mantra) - Ram will also open and heal your solar plexus chakra.

Include Chakra Food In Your Diet

The third chakra is in charge of our personal power controlling our willpower, confidence, and general purpose. A balanced third chakra will bring feelings of inner peace, confidence, and self-control. Since solar plexus chakra is linked to yellow, eating yellow foods can help activate it. Think of pineapple, yellow peppers, banana, corn, lemons, and yellow curry. You can also feed this chakra with whole grains and foods rich in carbohydrates such as brown rice, oats, rye, sprouted grains, beans, vegetables. These food items will give the much needed crucial fiber and sustainable energy.