Uncover the significance of the solar plexus energy center and learn how to balance and activate it. Simple yet effective techniques to harness confidence, personal power, and emotional well-being through the healing of your solar plexus chakra. Elevate your self-awareness and empowerment with practical insights.
Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra is the third of the seven main chakra energy centers, just after the sacral chakra, located around the belly button in the stomach area. It represents confidence, self-esteem, and personal power.
Outline of the Solar Plexus Chakra
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Location: Navel area
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Solar Plexus Chakra Symbol: Ten-petaled lotus with a downward-pointing triangle.
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Associated color: Yellow Chakra
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Element: Fire element
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Bija Mantra (seed syllable): RAM
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Affirmations: Solar Plexus Chakra affirmations
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Sanskrit name: Manipura
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Purpose: Foundation
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Endocrine gland: Adrenals
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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
As the third chakra, the Solar Plexus Chakra helps with governing 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 mindful practices, including chakra meditation, pranayama, asanas, and mantra.
When energy flows through the third chakra, you may experience heightened skillful self-expression and increased self-confidence. This helps you feel motivated and have a deeper understanding of your purpose in life.
A blocked Solar Plexus Chakra can negatively impact health in the physical body and mental state. Some of the symptoms may include:
Physical Symptoms
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Pancreas and gallbladder issues
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Digestive issues in the upper abdomen
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Digestive system disorders like irritable bowel syndrome
Mental Symptoms
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Aggression
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Fear of rejection
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Insecurity
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Dominating others
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Negative thought patterns
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Low self-esteem
Other symptoms of physical imbalance include high blood pressure, diabetes, eating disorders, and stress-related illnesses.
Additionally, you may experience improper processing, control issues, be overly rigid, and exhibit a victim mentality.
Those experiencing these symptoms may benefit from practicing Solar Plexus Chakra healing exercises so life force energy can flow freely through the human body.
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 a balanced Solar Plexus Chakra.
Yoga Asana
Certain asanas help open the Manipura Chakra. Following yoga poses can assist healthy alignment through the solar plexus:
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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 five to ten breaths.
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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.
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Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana): Step your right foot forward, Bend your front knee 90 degrees, and pivot the back heel 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.
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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 Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmations
Repeating affirmations aloud, in writing, or in your head supports positive thought patterns. Some examples of positive affirmations that support the health of your Solar Plexus Chakra include:
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I stand in my personal power.
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I am ambitious and capable.
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I have the courage to create positive change in my life.
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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 digestive system 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. This will help balance an overactive Solar Plexus Chakra or an underactive Solar Plexus Chakra.
Other reasons one’s Solar Plexus Chakra may hurt include, a pulled muscle, diabetes, trauma, acid reflux of other gastric issues, pancreatitis, and respiratory disorders.
How to heal Solar Plexus chakra pain?
There are several ways you can heal the pain in their Manipura Chakra. Resting and allowing the body time to heal is often an effective method.
During this time, if there is a physical injury, apply heat to the solar plexus area or cold packs if there is swelling. Additional methods include eating a bland diet and trying breathing exercises such as Pranayama.
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 inner 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.
References
A Complete Guide to the Chakras and Their Effects on the Mind, Body and Spirit
Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation
Disclaimer
The contents of this article are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related changes or if you have any questions or concerns about your health. Anahana is not liable for any errors, omissions, or consequences that may occur from using the information provided.
