In Sanskrit, the solar plexus chakra is called manipura, which translates to “lustrous gem.” It is represented by the color yellow and the fire element. Fire is light, radiating, and transformative. It only takes a spark for something to completely ignite. It is the same with our inner fire. It has the power to shape our energy, our will, our purpose into being. It offers us confidence and strength. It is the location of our ego, our sense of agency, our center of individualization.
Where Is The Solar Plexus Chakra In My Body?
The solar plexus chakra is located just above the navel in the upper abdomen region, at the solar plexus. Generally, the solar plexus is about three or four finger’s width above the belly button. Given its location, it influences and regulates the digestive system and many important organs such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, and gallbladder.
The Solar Plexus Chakra: Fire Element
The solar plexus is our center of fire. It is where action and purpose and power come together to shape our being. It ignites our confidence and strength. Fire is a powerful element. Arguably, it is the most dynamic and unpredictable of all the elements which makes it exciting and, yes, dangerous when it is out of balance. Yet, fire is necessary to transform us.
“Earth and water are passive and dense. They move downward. Chakras one and two are instinctual. They follow the paths of least resistance. The fire of chakra three is dynamic and light, rising upward, moving away from gravity. This change is necessary to reach the upper chakras and complete our journey.” -Anodea Judith, Eastern Body, Western Mind
What Is The Solar Plexus Chakra All About?
The solar plexus chakra is all about energetic vitality and a strong sense of self. This personal power offers us a positive perspective on life, allowing us confidence and optimism. With optimism, one can rise to meet challenges and is not afraid to make mistakes. A strong internal compass, with a sense of right and wrong, as well as our ability to remain resilient no matter what situation is arises is the power of our solar plexus. It is also the source of our ego, which is our inner executive.
“To restructure the way we think of power and to channel and contain that power within our own being is the challenge of the third chakra. It transforms us, igniting our life with purpose. To have true power emanating from within renews the joy of being alive. What is needed to reclaim our power is to enter into an entirely new dynamic, a new definition of power that lifts us out of struggle and into transformation, out of the past and into the future, one that inspires, strengthens, and empowers individuals without diminishing others.” -Anodea Judith, Eastern Body, Western Mind
A Balanced and Unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra
A person who knows who they are and has a strong sense of self, likely has a balanced chakra. Good self-esteem and a healthy relationship with one’s own ego is also hallmarks of a healthy manipura chakra. Knowing and trusting your purpose and power are also key.
There are many traumas and abuses that can lead to an unbalanced solar plexus chakra such as physical abuse and suffering at the hands of authoritarianism in trusted caregivers. Having age inappropriate responsibilities is also very destructive, as it gives children a skewed sense of autonomy and power when they are not developmentally ready. And also enduring chronic shame, being made to feel ashamed, is very toxic to the solar plexus chakra as it diminishes our sense of self.
If you have a block in your solar plexus chakra, you might be either lacking confidence and willpower, and might frequently feel powerless and unable to rise to meet challenges. You might have little or no energy, and constantly feel drained. You might also have poor digestion and suffer from stomach related issues.
On the other hand, you might be overly aggressive, controlling, and manipulative. You might be power hungry and deceitful. A chakra block with excessive energy in the solar plexus chakra also might present itself with violent outbursts and an arrogant or competitive nature.
How To Heal The Solar Plexus Chakra?
One of the easiest ways to work on the manipura chakra is to do sit-ups and core exercise workouts. Focusing our energy on strengthening our core has a substantial effect on our sense of power. Martial arts is also recommended, for those who are seeking a more unique outlet for balancing the solar plexus chakra.
If you are suffering from low self esteem, and a feeling of powerlessness, risk taking activities can also be beneficial. Try out an extreme sport, maybe? Are you up for bungee jumping? For those who have excess energy in their solar plexus, it is recommended to partake in deep relaxation and stress control exercises, versus vigorous exercise or competitive sports. Those who are already arrogant and competitive, need to practice stillness and relaxation.
In yoga, the yoga poses most beneficial for the solar plexus chakra are those that put pressure on the abdominal area, from bow pose to cobra pose. And also asanas that dramatically twist the solar plexus area, which includes most twisting or revolved poses such as Parivrtta Trikonasana or Parivrtta Parsvakonasana. The twisting asanas require us to release our tension held in our stomachs. They gently massage the digestive organs as we deepen into the twisting movement.
Solar Plexus Chakra Overview
Name: Manipura (lustrous gem)
Element: Fire
Color: Yellow
Basic Principles: Purpose, Power, Direction, Will, Transformation, Energy, Ego, Autonomy
Location: Solar plexus
Associated Gland: Pancreas
Negative Power: Shame
Basic Rights: To act and be an individual
Physical Ailments: Problems with the digestive system, stomach, liver, spleen, gallbladder, diabetes, chronic fatigue, hypertension, and ulcers
Aromas: Lavender and Rosemary
Yoga Poses: Bow Pose (Dhanurasana), (Boat Pose) Navasana, Revolved Triangle (Parivrtta Trikonasana), Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana). Most asanas that put pressure on the abdominal muscles or involve a deep twist will impact the Manipura chakra.
Stones:
- Citrine: The Merchant’s Stone. Offers brightness, a sunny outlook, and positive energy. It is one of the only two stones that do not to be cleansed as it never accumulate negative energy, it only disappates it!
- Tigers eyes: The All Seeing and All Knowing Eye Stone. Supports inner and outer wisdom. It strengthens the will and the clarity of one’s intention.
- Amber: The Gold of the Sea. Provides us with warmth and confidence. It absorbs negative energy and you can place it on a wound to draw out the pain.
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