The chakras are seven wheels of energy that start from your head and end at the base of your spine.
Among these seven vitality centers, the third chakra is the one that acts as your body’s powerhouse for energy.
The Solar Plexus, or Manipura, is our source of personal strength, self-belief, and self-worth.
Discover how to harness the fire within you to transform thought into action and make your visions a reality by aligning the solar plexus.
Understanding Manipura
The Solar Plexus Chakra – also known as Manipura, is located at the abdominal site, a little above the belly button, and ends up at the location of your breastbone.
In Sanskrit, this chakra translates to ‘lustrous gem of the city.’
The corresponding color of this chakra is yellow, which holds a profound spiritual significance in many cultures. Symbolizing the light of the sun, yellow embodies the qualities of warmth, joy, and energy. This is the color of intellectual pursuits, creativity, learning, and wisdom.
On a spiritual level, yellow is seen as the color of personal power and freedom. It’s also associated with clarity of thought, insight, and self-actualization. Just like the sun illuminates our world, the color yellow signifies our innate ability to illuminate our life path, guiding us towards our true selves.
The Solar Plexus Chakra’s symbol is a ten-petal yellow lotus flower with a downward-pointing triangle at its center. Each of these components holds significant symbolism.
For example, the ten petals represent the ten pranas, or vital energies, that are inherent within us. In Ayurvedic and yogic philosophies, these pranas govern different physiological and psychological processes in the body and mind.
Further, the downward-pointing triangle epitomizes the balance between power and wisdom, strength, and subtlety, hinting at the harmonious blend of assertiveness and understanding required for true personal power.
Solar plexus chakra emotional effects
The third energy wheel is closely tied to our sense of self.
Thus, when this chakra is in harmony, it can manifest in feelings of decisiveness, self-respect, and courage.
On the other hand, an imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra can lead to a variety of emotional effects.
When Manipura is overactive, for instance, it may result in dominant behaviors such as being controlling, impatient, or excessively competitive. It can also result in feelings of anger, aggression, and ambition that overlooks the needs and feelings of others.
Conversely, if it is underactive, it can provoke insecurity, shyness, and anxiety. A lack of confidence and feelings of helplessness, victimhood, and powerlessness are also common.
Common symptoms of a DEFICIENT solar plexus chakra include feelings of:
- Lower self-esteem
- Lower self-confidence
- Constantly questioning your worth
- Feeling as if you are a victim in every situation
- Depression
- Negative self-image
Common symptoms of an OVERACTIVE solar plexus chakra include feelings of:
- Competitive
- Bossy
- Stubborn
- Self-centered
- Feelings of anger or over aggressiveness
- Ambition
Physical effects of a solar plexus chakra imbalance
An imbalance can also manifest in various physical symptoms. This is due to the location of Manipura in the body and its governance over the digestive system and other core bodily functions.
- Digestive issues: The solar plexus chakra is closely linked with the stomach and the digestive system. When it’s out of balance, you might experience issues like bloating, gas, nausea, ulcers, or other digestive problems.
- Chronic fatigue: An overactive or blocked wheel can lead to an overexertion of energy, resulting in feelings of constant fatigue, lack of motivation, and low-energy levels.
- Weight challenges: Some people with a blocked third chakra may have a negative relationship with food and experience obesity or eating disorders.
- Immune system: The solar plexus affects the immune system, hence any imbalances could potentially affect the body’s ability to fight off illnesses.
Other signs of blocked solar plexus energy
Besides feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, a third chakra imbalance can make you feel overwhelmed by life’s circumstances; as though everything is happening ‘to’ you rather than ‘for’ you.
Difficulty setting or maintaining healthy boundaries — which leads to dysfunctional relationships—, as well as feelings of being used or walked over are common.
Likewise, the solar plexus is tied to our ambitions and life path. When it’s blocked, we may feel lost, without purpose or direction, and struggle with setting or achieving goals.
This can also provoke a spiritual disconnect, where you might feel like you’re just going through the motions, lacking a sense of joy, excitement, or wonder about the world.
How to remove the blockage
There are helpful ways to balance your solar plexus chakra.
In the body
Eat yellow colored foods. Corn, quinoa, rice, millet, oats, yellow lentils, chickpeas, yellow split peas, bananas, yellow peppers, lemons, pineapple, and yellow squash should be part of your diet— if your body digests them well (discover your body type). An easy way to incorporate more yellow color into your life is by using turmeric or ginger with some of your favorite recipes.
Aromatherapy – Essential oils like lemon, bergamot, rosemary, ginger, and juniper can regulate the solar plexus chakra. Applying them topically (mixed with a carrier oil) over the solar plexus area or using them in a diffuser or during meditation can be quite helpful.
Yoga, Ayurveda’s sister science, offers poses that can support the smooth flow of energy through the third chakra. For instance, Navasana (Boat Pose), Matsyandrasana (Seated Spinal Twist), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), or Ustrasana (Camel Pose). When practicing these poses, breathe mindfully and envision the bright, yellow energy of the solar plexus chakra becoming balanced and vibrant.
Listen to 528 Hz. Listening to music, sounds, or binaural beats at a frequency of 528 Hz can stimulate and balance Manipura, as this vibration is associated with transformation and miracles.
Use the color yellow. In your clothes or with crystals, such as Citrine, Yellow Jasper, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Calcite, and Amber.
In the mind
Meditation. When you meditate, you cultivate an increased sense of self-awareness. This process can help you recognize patterns, beliefs, or behaviors that might be contributing to an imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra. It’s also an opportunity to mentally and emotionally process these factors, which is a key step in healing and rebalancing this chakra.
Breathing exercises (pranayama). One effective Pranayama technique to balance the solar plexus is the “Kapalabhati” or “Skull Shining Breath”. It is an invigorating practice that helps cleanse the body and improve digestion.
Sound therapy. The solar plexus chakra resonates with the sound frequency of ‘RAM’. Tibetan singing bowls, chants, or even listening to calming music in this frequency can help.
Journal. Reflect on instances where you’ve given away your power. What changes can you make to reclaim it? How might incorporating some of these strategies into your life help balance your solar plexus chakra?
Other ways to balance your solar plexus chakra: affirmations
Affirmations related to transformation and positive growth can assist in aligning the solar plexus chakra.
Repeat them or write them down if possible. Some might resonate more with you than others.
I am powerful and capable of achieving my goals.
My potential to succeed is limitless.
I am enough just as I am.
I am resilient, strong, and brave.
My personal power is used for noble purposes.
I trust in my ability to make the right decisions for myself.
My desires materialize with ease and grace.
I choose joy, peace, and positivity as the foundation of my life.
Energy, vitality, and health are my constant companions.
I embrace my unique individuality and express myself freely.
Let me know your favorite ways to balance your solar plexus chakra and if there’s any that you feel should make the list!
