Hello again! We are excited to talk about the third chakra, the Solar Plexus, this week.  As we explore it, pay attention to how this information resonates with your body as well as with how this energy may be showing up (or not showing up) in the world around you.

If you missed last week’s chakra, the Sacral Chakra, you can read about it here.  Let’s do a quick review of the chakras and then we’ll take a look at the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Chakras (Quick Review)

Chakras (Sanskrit for wheel or cycle) are energetic centers that are located in the mid-line of the body along the spinal column.  These energy centers are derived from eastern philosophies such as Hinduism and Buddhism.  They govern the subtle body which is affected by the mind, intellect, and ego.  The body will thrive emotionally, physically, and spiritually when the Chakras are energetically balanced.  Specific negative life experiences, emotions or thoughts can throw off the subtle body and chakras may become blocked or imbalanced.

According to this eastern philosophy, blockages can have a negative effect on the physical or emotional body and can cause physical/emotional ailments or dis-ease.  These ailments may arise when specific chakras become blocked or imbalanced.  Each chakra is associated with a specific color, area of the body or specific organs, as well as specific feelings/emotions.  Learning about each chakra will help gain a deeper understanding of the unique energies and how they affect the health of your body!

Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

 

The solar plexus chakra is also known as Manipura which is derived from two Sanskrit words: mani meaning ‘jewel’ and pura meaning ‘city’.  The energy of this chakra is so powerful it literally translates to ‘the city of jewels’.  It is located in the center of the body right above the navel within ‘the core’ of the body.   In yoga or Pilates each pose is strengthened or lead by ‘the core’.  The core means the muscles in the center of your body around your stomach and back but it can also mean the core chakra– the Solar Plexus.  This is the chakra where personal power and energy is harnessed and expressed.

The energy of this chakra helps build self worth and develop courage.  This is where we find and cultivate our own personal identity away from the identity that may have been imposed on us during adolescence.  When this chakra is balanced you can experience confidence in yourself and a strong sense of direction.  Making decisions are easy and every challenge that comes your way is supported with an inner knowing that ‘this too shall pass’ attitude.  You are able to sense and follow your ‘gut instincts’–which is another property of this chakra.  Most of the organs associated with this chakra are responsible for proper digestion and utilization of energy from food.  Therefore, when this chakra is balanced, your digestion will thrive and so will the health of your whole body!

When the Solar Plexus is out of balance or blocked a person may experience self doubt, worry, or even anxiety.  It can also produce a feeling of lack of personal control or a feeling that others are controlling your life.  Poor digestion may be experienced and can throw off the health of your entire body.

When the solar plexus chakra has excessive energy a person may be judgemental, a workaholic, a perfectionist, overly intellectual, demanding, resentful of authority, a need for drugs to relax, and have a superiority complex.

Solar Plexus Characteristics

Color Association: Yellow

Action: Do something you know you are good at, spend time with friends and family that accept you as you are, smile for no reason, set attainable or realistic goals within reach to cultivate courage and confidence.

Mantra: I can do anything I put my mind to.  I trust myself and my gut instincts.

Foods: Yellow foods such as Lemons, yellow peppers, bananas, pineapples.  Any foods that support the digestive system such as fermented foods (sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha), and Apple Cider Vinegar.

Organs Associated with the Solar Plexus: Abdomen, stomach, upper intestines, liver, gallbladder, kidney, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, middle spine behind the solar plexus.

Health Affects: Arthritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, colon/intestinal problems, pancreatitis/diabetes, chronic or acute indigestion, anorexia, bulimia, liver dysfunctions, adrenal dysfunction.

Issues: Trust, fear, intimidation, self esteem, self-confidence, self-respect, ambition, courage, ability to handle crisis, care of yourself and others, sensitivity to criticism, personal honor, fear of rejection and looking foolish, physical appearance anxieties, strength of character.

Supplements:

Buddha Teas Solar Plexus Chakra Tea – This tea is made up of digestion supporting herbs specifically geared to balance the area of the Solar Plexus Chakra.  These herbs include rosemary, lemongrass, ginger root, orange peel, and marshmallow leaf.

Vitamin D – The Solar Plexus is associated with fire and can be associated with the color and energy of the Sun.  Therefore, Vitamin D or ‘the sunshine vitamin’ can support this chakra fabulously because it can help support the digestion, hormones, and immune system!

Probiotics – This is one of the best supplements to support gut health  which will also support the energy/area of the Solar Plexus. Probiotics will help fine tune that gut instinct and boost your immune system to help you regain your personal power back!

Other Solar Plexus supporting supplements – Liver supporting herbs such as dandelion or milk thistle.  Ginger can be HIGHLY beneficial for this chakra because of its warming affects.  Cayenne is also great because of its ability to FIRE up the body especially the Solar Plexus.

 

Conclusion

As you can see, this chakra has the ability to provide supportive and VITAL energy and health to the whole body and to all of the chakras.   If you are feeling a lack of self control, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed try supporting the Solar Plexus chakra by listening to a guided meditation like this one.  The world seems to be right in between the energy of the Root Chakra (security/foundation) and the Sacral Chakra (creativity).  We are in a state of re-creating the foundation for security and assurance. This is an inside job/process first and then we can begin to work on reflecting this in our world around us.

Tap into the energy of the Solar Plexus for confidence and re-assurance that all is possible to get through this chaotic process of growth and expansion.  If you don’t know where to start, try praying!  Prayer can create a space where you can simply ask questions and be open to receive direction as to where to start.  This will set us up for the energy of the heart chakra which we will talk about next week!  Until then, happy energy balancing!

As always, do what you feel is best for YOUR body — if you aren’t sure, ask your doctor.  We are health ENTHUSIASTS not licensed practitioners.