Continuing this series of blog posts, we will now look at the third of the seven main chakras; the solar plexus chakra.
The solar plexus chakra is about our identity, our ego, self-esteem and willpower. Whereas the first chakra keeps us grounded and secure, and the second chakra helps us acknowledge and feel our emotions, this third chakra is about us taking action, moving forward with direction and momentum, meeting challenges and radiating our power in the world. Linked to the digestive system, which assimilates food and nutrients, this chakra also helps us to assimilate thoughts
and ideas. It is about being autonomous, taking responsibility for our choices and actions and displaying self-discipline. Linked to ego, this centre also holds our fear, judgement and expectation.
Below is a summary of the some of the main attributes of the sacral chakra:
Chakra: Solar plexus
Sanskrit name: Manipura (city of jewels)
Location: Above the naval – just below your breast bone
Colour: Yellow
Element: Fire
Subtle body: Mental body
Vowel: Ah
Sense: Sight
Challenge: Shame
Twinned with: Brow chakra
Basic rights: The power to choose, to act and be an individual
Physical issues: Liver, pancreas, stomach, adrenal glands, digestive system, gall bladder, spleen, muscles
Emotional issues: Power, strength, control, activity, autonomy, will, self-esteem.
What are the signs of a healthy solar plexus chakra?
When we have a balanced solar plexus chakra we are easily able to make conscious choices and decisions, face challenges and move forward in life. We have healthy self-esteem and confidence. We have a strong sense of independence, autonomy and self-discipline, demonstrating reliability, strong willpower and clarity of judgement. With a healthy solar plexus chakra our egos and personal power are in perfect balance.
What can affect your solar plexus chakra?
Any experience which causes shame can affect the solar plexus chakra – we may have been shamed when we were younger, we may have experienced abuse or were fearful of being punished. Being in any volatile situation can affect this chakra. As the solar plexus is about power, any problems with authority or being controlled can cause issues here. People who had very over-protective parents or, conversely, those who had to take on the ‘parent’ role at a very young age may also experience imbalance in this chakra.
What are the symptoms of an out-of-balance solar plexus chakra?
Physical manifestations of an out-of-balance solar plexus chakra can include:
Over-eating
Fatigue or laziness
Stomach ulcers
Indigestion
Diabetes
Eating disorders
Digestive issues
Irritable bowel syndrome
Liver problems
Chronic fatigue
Kidney problems
Colon disease
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Reflux
Gallstones.
Emotional manifestations can vary depending on whether the chakra is in excess or deficient but can include:
Emotional outbursts
Insecurity
Anxiety
Passivity or inactivity
Co-dependent relationships
Inability to make decisions
Low self-esteem and self-worth
Being controlling or, conversely, feeling out of control or helpless
Lack of direction
Lack of judgement or overly judgemental
Being stubborn or rigid in thoughts and views
Victim mentality and blaming others
Aggression, domineering personality
Competitiveness
Easily manipulated or, conversely, manipulative
Anger
Resentful
Tendency to absorb others’ feelings, thoughts and issues.
How to support and heal your solar plexus chakra
There are many ways you can help to support and heal your solar plexus chakra:
Fragrances If you enjoy burning essential oils or using them in aromatherapy practices, try rosewood, rosemary, frankincense, sandalwood, rose, chamomile, saffron, musk, bergamot, cedarwood, orange or grapefruit.
Crystals The following crystals can be carried in your pocket or bag, left under your pillow or next to your bath, or used in healing to support the solar plexus chakra: citrine, tiger’s eye, yellow tourmaline, amber and malachite.
Yoga poses The following yoga poses can help you to balance your solar plexus chakra:
Exercise In addition to yoga, any exercise that is medium to high intensity can support the solar plexus chakra; try running, aerobics or martial arts.
Affirmations If you enjoy using affirmations, choose from some of the following:
I am strong and courageous I am worthy of love, kindness, and respect I choose the best for myself I express myself in a powerful way I am proud of my achievements I choose healthy relationships I am authentic I direct my own life I appreciate my strengths I feel my own power I am free to choose in any situation.
Colours Yellow is the colour of the solar plexus chakra. Wearing yellow clothes can help (admittedly, yellow doesn’t suit everyone so if bright yellow doesn’t suit you try a pastel shade or use yellow accessories). Or try surrounding yourself with yellow objects; yellow stationery on your desk at work or have artwork incorporating yellow in your living room. You can also use yellow in your meditation practice.
Visualisations/meditation Not only is the solar plexus chakra represented by the colour yellow but its element is fire. Any meditation/visualisation practice focused on this will be effective to strengthen your solar plexus chakra. Try either of the following:
Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, relax all your muscles and then focus on your solar plexus area; imagining a yellow ball of light sitting there. With each breath allow the light to grow and expand, gradually filling your torso, your whole body and then radiating out into the world around you. See if you can feel the warmth of the colour, sit in this for a few minutes before opening your eyes. Or to vary this – instead of a yellow ball of light expanding, visualise the sun or a sunflower.
Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, relax all your muscles and then picture yourself in a comfortable, peaceful landscape – you may be on a beach, by a lake or in open field. Imagine that in front of you, somebody has lit a small fire. Focus on the fire in your mind’s eye and watch it build. Feel the warmth from the flames seep into your body. If you feel comfortable, imagine stepping into the centre of the fire and slowly transforming into a phoenix in the flames. When you are ready you can let go and fly out of the fire. Calm your breathing and focus back on your body before you open your eyes.
Sun and fire A deficient solar plexus chakra may benefit from healing from the sun. If you’re lucky enough to be in a sunny climate, spend time sitting in the sun (protected!) Or you could try a light-therapy lamp. If you’re outdoors camping, light a fire. Or in the winter months spend time sitting indoors by a fire.
Psychological/therapeutic work Working through any anger or shame with a therapist can help you to release any stored emotions of this type. You may also want to work through any previous issues around authority (potentially your relationship with your parents), or troubles with low self-esteem. To give support to your solar plexus chakra you may wish to set challenges for yourself; perhaps a charity run or walk or learning a new skill. Those with a Type A personality may want to release emotional blocks in this chakra through creative activities such as dance or artwork.
Diet If you need to boost your third chakra, increase your intake of yellow foods. Introduce ginger, cantaloupe or galia melons, apricots, pineapple, cumin, chamomile, sweetcorn, apricots, bananas, cheese, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and yellow peppers. Also, ensure your diet is rich in complex carbohydrates, protein and vegetables.
Work on other chakras Before working on your solar plexus chakra, it is advisable to ensure you have a healthy root chakra and sacral chakra. This provides you with the stability, groundedness and access to emotions needed to help you find balance in this third chakra. The solar plexus is paired with the brow chakra so both of these can sometimes be worked on together.
See a qualified energy healer You may wish to see a qualified energy healer who can help you work through any blockages in your chakra, and release them. Find out more about my energy healing sessions in Newbury, Berkshire. I can also offer distance healing upon request.
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