Focus On: The Solar Plexus Chakra

Located between the navel and the solar plexus, this chakra is also called “Manipura“, which translates from Sanskrit as the “City of Jewels” (Mani – gem, Pura or Puri – city).

Exploring the Solar Plexus Chakra symbol

The main elements of the Solar Plexus chakra symbol are a circle with ten petals and a downward-pointing triangle. This last one in particular represents the fire element and the transformative power of this energy centre. In fact, fire turns matter into energy that can be used to propel, move forward. The ten petals are often represented with the colour blue, like the blue colour of the flame.

It is said that Manipura governs digestion and metabolism, as it is connected with the fire energy and it is the home of the coeliac plexus, which innervates most of the digestive system. Other than that, the Solar Plexus is the core of our personality, our identity, of our ego, our willpower. While the Sacral chakra seeks pleasure and enjoyment, the third chakra is all about the perception of who you are.

Solar Plexus Chakra’s gifts and challenges

The gift of this chakra is sensing your personal power, being confident, responsible, and reliable. The energy of this chakra allows you to transform inertia into action and movement. It allows you to face challenges and move forward in your life. Manipura reminds you that you can choose, you have the power to choose and create your life, making your own decisions. And here comes the hard work, as the main challenge for the third chakra is to use your personal power in a balanced manner, which means being proactive rather than reactive or inactive.

An unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra

So what happens when you have a Solar Plexus unbalanced? Other than having digestive problems, people with excessive Manipura energy react too much to life circumstances, they have emotional outbursts and are often stressed out. If they have a blocked or deficient third chakra, they are passive and inactive, allowing life to pass by while they do nothing.

On the other hand, when the Solar Plexus chakra is balanced, you may find yourself being assertive, showing your will in a way that leads to the expected results (usually effortlessly) and having harmonious relationships with your surroundings.

How to re-balance your Solar Plexus CHakra

But how can you open and rebalance your Manipura?

• Essential oils (lemon, ginger, clove, cinnamon and black pepper) are an easy, subtle way to open your third chakra. They can be worn as perfume if diluted properly, or used in oil diffusers. A few drops in a hot bath can provide a relaxing location for meditation.
• Since the goal is to have an opened and activated solar plexus chakra, try imagining a bright yellow flower opening over your navel. A glowing golden ball of light or a burning flame are also good meditations for opening Manipura. Imagine those for a few minutes at a time throughout the day while taking deep, calming breaths.
• The best Solar Plexus chakra yoga poses are those that strengthen your core and help you to feel more powerful and confident. Step into the Warrior I pose to access your inner spiritual warrior.
• Certain foods (sweet potatoes, pumpkins, corn, lemon, lentils and brown rice) can be used to heal the Solar Plexus chakra. Adding these to your diet or increasing the amount you eat can help activate your chakra.

Work on these beliefs you may have consciously or subconsciously in order to figure out where they come from and solve them.

Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmations

I love and accept myself.
I stand up for myself.
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 honour my self.
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.
I seek opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
I am at peace with myself.