Our confidence, self-esteem, and willpower are what set us apart from others, shaping our behaviour and character. These inner powers originate from our subtle body, specifically the Manipura/Solar Plexus Chakra.
The Solar Plexus Chakra, the third major chakra in the series of 7, is associated with fire and the transformative power it holds. It empowers us to adapt and evolve in response to life's challenges. In Sanskrit, Manipura means "City of Gems," symbolizing the radiant gems within us—our self-esteem and willpower. This chakra serves as the source of our confidence and self-esteem, allowing our true selves to shine brightly when balanced.
Located just above the belly and below the breastbone, the Solar Plexus Chakra resides at the centre of our body. It serves as the junction of Prana and Apana Vayu and is the core of our personality and ego.
Furthermore, the Solar Plexus Chakra is also referred to as the Navel Chakra, as mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam verse: "Then she (kundalini) carried the life air upwards and placed it in the position of equilibrium near the Navel Chakra [Manipura Chakra]." (S.B. 4.4.25)
The Manipura Chakra is associated with the element of Fire/Agni, which manifests as heat in the solar plexus, making it the centre of fire within the body. The Bijaakshara or Seed Mantra for this chakra is "RAM." Its frequency is 384 Hz.
The Manipura Chakra is connected to the following behavioural traits:
Mastery over thoughts and emotions.
Willpower and self-discipline.
Confidence and self-esteem.
Ability to manifest thoughts into ideas.
Where Is Solar Plexus Located?
The Manipura Chakra is situated in the naval region, specifically above the navel, corresponding to the solar plexus.
The exact location of this chakra has caused some confusion, as some believe it to be precisely at the navel, while others associate it with the solar plexus. However, Guru Gorakhnatha describes the location of Manipura in Goraksha Sataka as "the chakra present in the navel region."
According to spiritual figures like Ramkrishna Paramhansa and Swami Vivekananda, the chakras are not physically present in the gross body but are part of the subtle body, only visible when the Sushumna Nadi is opened.
The solar plexus chakra is associated with organs such as the pancreas, digestive system, and outer adrenal glands due to its location in the abdomen. These glands secrete hormones that aid in digestion and the conversion of food into energy.
The Colour of Solar Plexus Chakra
The Manipura Chakra is symbolized by the colour yellow.
Yellow is a vibrant and illuminating colour associated with energy and enlightenment. It represents brightness and is often associated with the sun, symbolizing radiance.
In the context of the Solar Plexus Chakra, the color yellow signifies the enlightenment of one's true self. It represents the manifestation of strong willpower and confidence, as the Solar Plexus Chakra emits bright and powerful energy.
The Symbol of Solar Plexus Chakra
The Manipura Chakra is symbolized by a yellow-coloured lotus with ten petals and a downward-facing triangle at its centre.
The ten petals represent the ten pranas within us, including five pranas and five upa-pranas, which are vital energies that sustain our being.
The downward-facing triangle signifies the gathering and spreading of energy from the lower three chakras to the higher chakras, symbolizing the upward movement of spiritual energy.
The animal symbol associated with this chakra is the ram, which represents the energy of the God of fire.
The deities connected to this symbol are Shiva, the supreme cosmic energy, and Shakti Lakini, the consort of Lord Shiva, representing the transformative power within us.
Characteristics of Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra
When the Solar Plexus Chakra is in balance, it brings about confidence and determination. It enables self-control and self-discipline, allowing us to master our own bodies. Here are the characteristics of a balanced Manipura Chakra:
Inner empowerment: The Manipura Chakra empowers us by giving us control over our thoughts, emotions, and mood swings. This leads to a positive outlook and an optimistic mindset.
Calm mind: With control over our thoughts and emotions, the Solar Plexus Chakra promotes a flexible and calm mind. Anger is managed effectively, and problems are approached with composure.
Self-esteem: As the source of self-esteem and confidence, the Solar Plexus Chakra instils belief in ourselves and enables us to make decisions and take action confidently.
Digestion: The Manipura Chakra aids in generating digestive fire, ensuring a healthy digestive system when balanced.
Characteristics of Imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra
Even a slight imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra can negatively affect our willpower and confidence, leading to various disorders in the body. These include Liver and kidney problems, Respiratory difficulties, Nerve pain, Poor digestion, Easily getting offended, Feelings of worthlessness, Restlessness and dissatisfaction, Ange, Overreactiveness, Being judgmental and Unwillingness.
A blockage in the Solar Plexus Chakra can result in greed, short-tempered behaviour, and a lack of willingness. It may also make you feel worthless and perceive your desires as unattainable, leading to anger and rudeness. There are two types of imbalances in the Manipura Chakra: overactive and underactive. Let's discuss them individually.
Underactive or Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra
When the Solar Plexus Chakra is underactive, it can lead to a lack of confidence and ambition. Individuals with an underactive Manipura Chakra may experience the following signs:
Difficulty in making decisions.
Hesitation in expressing concerns or opinions.
Low levels of confidence and willpower.
Digestive issues.
Low self-esteem and self-trust.
Weak mental and thought processes.
Fear of taking on responsibilities.
If you identify with any of these symptoms, it indicates an imbalance in your Solar Plexus Chakra. Now, let's explore how to balance this chakra and restore its harmonious energy.
Overactive Solar Plexus Chakra
When the Manipura Chakra is overactive, it can result in a power-hungry and highly aggressive nature. People with an overactive Solar Plexus Chakra tend to exhibit the following signs:
Getting easily angered over trivial matters.
Trying to exert control over their environment and others.
Displaying self-centred behaviour.
Having a strong desire for power.
Being hyperactive and possessive.
Exhibiting intolerance or conservative behaviour.
Being overly judgmental.
These signs indicate an imbalance in the Solar Plexus Chakra, with an excessive flow of energy that needs to be harmonized for overall well-being.
What causes the Solar Plexus Chakra imbalance?
Numerous past traumas can become lodged in the body, exerting an ongoing influence on thought patterns and behaviors. Individuals who have undergone a strict upbringing, endured bullying or faced authoritarian parenting, as well as those who have experienced mental or physical abuse, often encounter challenges when attempting to balance the third chakra.
Problems Caused by the Imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra
Imbalances in the Solar Plexus Chakra can manifest as various problems. Physically, these imbalances may lead to digestive issues, liver dysfunction, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers, pancreas and gallbladder problems, and colon diseases. Emotionally, imbalances can give rise to issues related to personal power, self-esteem, and the emergence of our inner critic.
How to Balance Solar Plexus Chakra?
To restore balance to your Solar Plexus Chakra, incorporate the following practices into your daily life.
Practice Meditation with Mantra and Mudras
Meditation is a valuable practice for balancing the chakras, including the Solar Plexus Chakra. To balance this chakra, find a comfortable seated posture like Sukhasana or Padmasana. Close your eyes and relax your body. Visualize a radiant yellow light just above your navel, while taking deep breaths to warm the area. Maintain this practice for 5-10 minutes, chanting the mantra RAM.
Certain Yoga Mudras like Surya Mudra, Apana Mudra, Rudra Mudra, and Anjali Mudra are also effective in balancing the Manipura Chakra. Combining these mudras with Pranayama enhances their benefits.
You can also practise the "Breath of Fire" breathing technique as well. Breath of Fire is a popular breathing technique used in Kundalini Yoga to activate and energize the Solar Plexus Chakra. To practice this technique, you can assume any position, although sitting or standing with a straight spine is recommended for optimal benefits.
Step 1: Exhale forcefully by drawing your navel in towards your spine, expelling the air from your lungs.
Step 2: Inhale naturally by releasing your navel outward, allowing your lungs to fill with air automatically.
Step 3: Focus your attention on your breath, specifically the sensation and power of the breath in your navel area. Place your hands on your navel to enhance your focus.
Step 4: Continue the breathing rhythm, aiming to complete one breath cycle every two seconds. As you gain confidence, you can gradually increase the pace to one or two breaths per second.
Yoga Poses for Solar Plexus Chakra
Yoga offers a traditional approach to activating the Solar Plexus Chakra. If you participate in a yoga class, you can request your instructor to include Manipura Power Yoga exercises in the session. Alternatively, if you have a yoga mat at home, you can integrate these poses into your personal practice. Here is a compilation of Yoga poses that can help restore balance to your Solar Plexus Chakra:
Boat Pose (Paripurna Navasana)
Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana)
Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)
Stones to heal Solar Plexus Chakra
The utilization of protective stones for crystal healing has been a longstanding practice dating back to ancient times, serving diverse spiritual and healing objectives.
Among these stones, chakra stones are specifically employed to restore emotional equilibrium within the body's seven energy centres.
Here is a compilation of seven gems, crystals, and stones that can aid in the realignment, balance, and purification of your Solar Plexus Chakra.
Yellow Jasper: Yellow Jasper is a type of rock composed of a combination of Chalcedony and Quartz. It exhibits a range of hues, from a light yellow shade to a golden brown with a shimmering, iridescent quality. Yellow Jasper is believed to have a harmonizing effect on the solar plexus chakra, facilitating emotional equilibrium and fostering a deeper spiritual connection.
Lemon Quartz: Lemon Quartz is a helpful crystal for individuals experiencing emotional turmoil as it aids in the release and transitions away from negative emotions.
Referred to as 'Sun Stone' as well, Lemon Quartz supports us in acknowledging our emotions and converts our lack of confidence into opportunities for personal development.
Yellow Calcite: Calcite is a perfect crystal for meditation since it enhances your aura by deflecting negative energy. The shade and intensity of yellow Calcite can vary from a light, nearly transparent yellow to a rich golden yellow. Yellow Calcite promotes tranquillity in both mind and body and assists in eliminating blockages caused by stress in the solar plexus chakra. It also supports the development of clarity, emotional intelligence, and resilience when confronted with challenging
circumstances.
Yellow Tourmaline: Yellow Tourmaline possesses protective energies that safeguard us during times of emotional instability. It promotes optimism, enhances our sense of self, and empowers us to transform negative thoughts into positive actions. Yellow Tourmaline is renowned for its ability to dispel negative energies and create a harmonious environment.
Yellow Tourmaline is the ultimate bad vibe killer
Yellow Sapphire: If you're experiencing challenges with sexual energy, Sapphire is an ideal gemstone for you. Yellow Sapphires are known for their ability to cleanse the mind of negativity and boost self-confidence. Wearing a Sapphire can enhance your discernment, making it easier to make decisions and resist negative influences while staying true to your values.
Yellow Topaz: Yellow topaz, another precious gemstone, is renowned for its capacity to imbue the wearer with self-assurance. With its radiant golden sheen and delicate yellow colour, yellow topaz possesses significant strength. Occasionally referred to as Imperial Topaz, this gemstone has been employed since ancient Egyptian times to dispel negative energies and facilitate emotional recovery.
Tiger's Eye: Tiger's Eye, as its name suggests, instils strength and courage in those who possess it, rendering it an ideal stone for individuals in the corporate realm or embarking on new career endeavours. This gemstone is also associated with personal power, assisting the wearer in sustaining positive energy, even during challenging periods. Furthermore, Tiger's Eye aids in grounding one's energy to the Solar Plexus chakra and encourages
reliance on instinct when confronted with conflicts.
Food for Solar Plexus Chakra
Bananas, pineapple, corn, lemons, and yellow curry are all excellent options to support this chakra. (Bonus: The colour yellow naturally uplifts the mood). Additionally, nourish this chakra with complex carbohydrates and whole grains like oats, brown rice, spelt, rye, farro, beans, vegetables, and sprouted grains.
Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmations
Personal affirmations are a powerful way to shift your energy and mindset. By repeating positive affirmations daily, you can transform the way your brain thinks and make more aligned choices in life.
If you find yourself struggling to make decisions due to uncertainty in certain situations, these affirmations can serve as a valuable tool to guide you toward making the right choices for your future.
Here is a complete list of affirmations for the solar plexus chakra:
I confidently express my emotions and ideas without fear of judgment or criticism.
I trust in my personal power. I am courageous, strong, and wise.
I live freely, embracing life without inhibitions, anger, or jealousy.
Repeat these affirmations daily to nurture and balance your solar plexus chakra, empowering yourself with self-confidence and inner strength.
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