The solar plexus chakra, also known as the seat of our personal power, is responsible for self-perception, control of our lives, and confidence in the world.
When this chakra is balanced, we feel empowered and confident and can concentrate easily. However, when obstructed or out of balance, it can contribute to emotional instability, low self-esteem, and even physical health problems.
In this write-up, we will deep dive into what the solar plexus chakra is, how it affects mental, emotional, and physical health, and the science-backed ways to heal and energize it with yoga and mindful practices.
Significance in Yoga and Meditation
Historical Significance
Padmasana has a significant history that comes up with its history and notable position in the primary yogic scriptures. For instance, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Bhagavad Gita.
This Lotus asana has been applied and is considered the ideal position for pranayama and meditation because it provides grounding and stability.
According to Buddhist monks and spiritual seekers, Padmasana is the posture that increases concentration and inner calmness.
What is the Solar Plexus Chakra?
Manipura, the solar plexus chakra, is the third chakra within the body’s subtle energy system. Situated between the navel and the chest, it is yellow and is representative of our personal power, autonomy, and purpose in life. It controls the digestive system and metabolism as it is the energetic center that feeds our inner flame, determination, drive, and desire.
What Is the Solar Plexus Chakra Responsible For?
The solar plexus chakra governs your self-esteem, willpower, confidence, digestion & metabolism, and sense of determination.
It impacts your capacity to choose, set boundaries, and take meaningful actions in life.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
- Personal Power & Willpower: The solar plexus chakra is seen as the center of your personal power, the ability to act on your desires and goals.
- Confidence & Self-Esteem: A balanced solar plexus is associated with a strong feeling of self-worth, skills, and confidence.
- Manifestation & Creation: It is deemed to be the point of creating your intentions and manifesting your life.
- Intellect and Decision Making: This Manipura Solar Chakra is associated with clear thinking, focus, and the ability to make sound decisions.
Role of Solar Plexus Chakra in Physical and Mental Health
The solar plexus chakra is responsible for boosting your power and emotions and is responsible for boosting the lives of control and confidence.
However, when this chakra is balanced, then you may feel empowered and confident, but when it is imbalanced, then you may have instability in emotions, lower self-esteem, and sometimes you may also have some physical health issues.
Mental Health and Solar Plexus Chakra
An open solar plexus chakra encourages assertiveness, helps us to take the lead with confidence and composure, and stabilizes our emotional body throughout challenging life stages.
It reinforces our self-assurance and judgment, equipping us with the fortitude to navigate through the intricacies of life seamlessly.
Physical Health and Solar Plexus Chakra
On the physical level, this chakra is connected to digestive organs, the pancreas, the liver, and the adrenals.
Blockages of this energy center can create digestive issues, tiredness, ulcers, or chronic stress-related ailments.
Regular practice of yoga and mindfulness helps to maintain this chakra at an optimum level and improve overall vitality.
Characteristics of the Solar Plexus Chakra
The ten-petaled lotus of the solar plexus chakra represents us as fire element humans (transformation, passion, willpower). It is a bubble of warmth and light that gives you the ability to transcend fear and step more fully into your truth. It speaks of ambition, discipline, and inner strength.
Qualities of a Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra
A balanced Manipura chakra is associated with a healthy sense of self, confidence, and personal power. Below is the breakdown of the qualities that a balanced solar plexus chakra could help in manifestation.
- Self-Assured But Not Arrogant— A smooth flow chakra will balance this self-confidence that leads to a strong self-belief. You are always protected, in your skills and in your choices.
- Self-esteem: You could have a good regard for yourself; now, you are prioritizing your own needs and validating your opinion.
- Personal Power: You feel empowered as an individual to take charge of your own life and start generating choices that align with your life goals.
- Assertiveness: Now you are fully aware of your own needs and boundaries to respect and not to be passive or aggressive.
- Balanced Emotions: A solar plexus chakra that is balanced also helps you to control your emotions and gives you the experience of handling things calmly.
- Good Digestion: Since the solar plexus chakra is associated with the digestive system, a healthy chakra means healthy digestion.
In essence, a balanced Solar Plexus Chakra allows individuals to navigate the world with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of self.
Signs & Symptoms of a Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra
Imbalances of the solar plexus chakra can present symptoms of low self-esteem, indecisiveness, lack of direction, fear of rejection, or control issues. When physical, it leads to Indigestion, Fatigue, Diabetes, or Disorders related to the liver. Someone whose chakra is too active could become arrogant, aggressive, or a perfectionist.
There are the following symptoms of a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra:
- Gastrointestinal complaints Digestion problems: This is one of the most common signs, from dyspepsia, heartburn, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, discomfort in the digestive tract, etc.
- Fatigue or Low Energy: Solar Plexus Chakra signs You could be feeling chronically tired or low energy, which are the signs of a blocked solar plexus chakra.
- Low Self-Esteem: The major signs of a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra are that a person has a negative attitude toward themselves with the feeling of being inadequate, worthless, or unworthy.
- Lack of Confidence: People with an imbalanced Manipura Chakra find themselves in trouble making decisions, even tiny ones, which can be due to not trusting their own judgment.
- Inability to Focus: A weakened Solar Plexus Chakra energy may negatively impact your ability to focus or concentrate.
How to Clear and Balance Solar Plexus Chakra
There are the following trusted ways that can assist you in clearing and balancing the solar plexus chakra:
- Affirmations: Affirmations like “I am powerful, I trust myself, I honor my purpose or any of the positive statements that can bring positivity in yourself,” repeated daily, require thoughts of negativity and help lift affirmation and personal empowerment.
- Breathwork (Pranayama): Kapalbhati pranayam exercises the digestive system, tones the diaphragm, and increases internal heat, making it a perfect breathwork technique for solar plexus chakra healing.
- Sunlight Exposure: The solar plexus chakra is nourished by warmth and energy. So trying to spend 15-20 minutes outside in direct sunlight every day is a great way to naturally strengthen and recharge your energy center.
- Meditation: Once you start meditating, your visualization power becomes strong, and to balance your solar plexus chakra, start with an imagination that you are meditating under a shining yellow sun at your center, growing bigger with each breath, and helping to stimulate and harmonize your power center.
- Crystals: Meditate with crystals that resonate with the solar plexus chakra and promote courage and motivation, like citrine, tiger’s eye, and yellow jasper.
10 Solar Plexus Chakra Yoga Poses to Energize and Balance
1. Boat Pose (Navasana)
The power of this pose engages the power center (solar plexus), fortifies willpower, and strengthens the abdomen, so it is perfect for fueling confidence and inner fire.
2. Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I, II, III)
The Warrior pose not only helps to build your strength and expose your weakness by challenging your balance and focus, but it engages your core as well, making you stronger at the core and mentally clearer.
3. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
A thrilling backbend that opens the abdomen and stimulates the digestive organs, Bow Pose awakens the first element associated with the solar plexus chakra.
4. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
This gentle yet empowering posture opens the upper chest and stimulates the abdominal organs, promoting confidence and self-awareness and strengthening the chakra’s connection to vitality and physical strength.
5. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
The plank pose develops both physical and mental endurance as the core is engaged, helping to establish strength, perseverance, and confidence associated with Manipura chakra alignment.
6. Camel Pose (Ustrasana)
Camel Pose opens the front body, particularly the solar plexus area, dislodging repressed feelings and supporting vulnerability, self-assuredness, and energy flow through the web.
7. Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
This strength-building, grounding, invigorating pose energizes while igniting the fire within, so it’s natural when used for the empowerment of the chakra.
8. Twisted Chair Pose (Parivrtta Utkatasana)
This twist combines strength and detoxification, as it brings energy to the abdominal organs, enhancing digestion and clearing backlogs of energy at the level of the Manipura chakra to restore flow.
9. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana)
The Bridge Pose engages the adrenal glands and core muscles, aiding in the process of hormonal balance and the awakening of the solar plexus for personal empowerment and clarity.
10. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
This flowing sequence connects breath to movement, bringing energy into the body, warming the core, and balancing all chakras (but notably igniting the fire within the solar plexus).
Conclusion
This solar plexus chakra is the center of your power, self-esteem, and how well you seize your own life.
The Manipura chakra is the very center of your power, self-esteem, and how well you seize your own life.
When this energy center is balanced, however, all it takes is to live a meaningful life.
For a healthy Manipura chakra, commit to regular yoga, meditation, breathwork, and self-reflection.
Your inner light is your greatest asset; feed that light and shine it.
FAQs
1. What feelings are associated with an overactive solar plexus chakra, and how do they appear in day-to-day life?
When the solar plexus chakra is overactive, you may experience feelings of low self-esteem, guilt, fear of failure, and shame. This may come up as procrastination, poor decision-making, or a need for constant reassurance.
2. How can I know whether my solar plexus chakra is balanced, overactive, or underactive, and what is the difference?
A balanced chakra will produce calm confidence and control, while an overactive one can lead to aggressive behavior, controlling tendencies, or arrogance. Being aware of and observing yourself is crucial.
3. How to support my solar plexus chakra with diet; what foods will improve its health?
You should add yellow-colored food like bananas, corn, yellow peppers, ginger, and whole grains. These foods stimulate digestion and energy through the abdominal area.
4. How frequently should I dedicate myself to yoga or meditation to feel as though my solar plexus chakra is in good condition?
Ideally, start it 3-4 times per week. It’s better to be consistent than intense. Even 10 minutes of daily meditation or sun salutations can be enough to reset the balance.
5. Are there certain sounds or mantras that specifically heal the solar plexus chakra?
Yes, the seed mantra for the solar plexus chakra is “RAM.” Saying it as a mantra while meditating or practicing yoga can also awaken and align the energy center.
6. Which crystal should I use to heal my Solar Plexus Chakra?
You can use Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Jasper, Citrine, and Amber.
