Have you ever had those days where you just feel like you can conquer the world? Like there’s a fiery ball of passion and power surging through you? That's the Solar Plexus Chakra in action. 

The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as the Manipura Chakra, is the third chakra in the 7 chakra system. This energy center governs our ability to be confident, assertive, and make decisions from a place of inner wisdom. It is also the key to unlocking our personal power and building a strong sense of self. 

However, when this chakra is out of balance, we may experience feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and a lack of direction in life. The good news is that with the help of yogic techniques, we can bring our chakra back into balance and tap into our inner power once again.

In this Solar Plexus Chakra guide, you will learn all about the Manipura Chakra, its characteristics, signs and symptoms, and how to heal it with powerful yogic techniques like affirmations, meditation, and yoga poses.

WHAT IS THE SOLAR PLEXUS (MANIPURA CHAKRA)?

The third energy center of the body is the Manipura Chakra, or the Solar Plexus Chakra. The Manipura Chakra spreads the fire element in your body which brings energy, warmth, and light. This is also the energy center of the samana vayu or samana prana, which is the energy of digestion. Intellect, ego, willpower, and aggression are also common qualities of the third chakra.

WHERE IS THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA LOCATED?

The Solar Plexus Chakra location is four fingerbreadths above the navel, just below the rib cage. To be more precise, it's on the line from the end of the sternum to the navel in the solar plexus. 

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA?

‘Mani’ means the shining gem and ‘pura’ means the place, so Manipura literally translates to “place of shining gem”. Fire is the shiniest element of all the five elements, and the Solar Plexus Chakra is the energy center of fire. Therefore, the third chakra is called the place of fire, or Manipura Chakra.

WHAT IS THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA RESPONSIBLE FOR?

The Manipura Chakra is the energy center of the fire element and fire prana (samana). It receives the element from the sun and the food containing heat and samana energy. 

When the third chakra is in balance, you feel confident, self-motivated, and have a sense of purpose. However, when surrounded by negative energy, you can suffer from low self-esteem and have control issues. Imbalances can also cause fatigue, overeating, excessive weight gain, digestive system disorders, hypoglycemia, and diabetes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

• Symbol:

The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as Manipura, is often symbolized by a yellow, ten-petaled lotus with a downward-pointing triangle at its center. The yellow color represents fire, the sun, and energy, while the lotus symbolizes the self and spiritual growth. The ten petals can represent the ten pranas or subtle energies in the body. The downward triangle signifies the flow of energy from the lower chakras upwards, towards the higher chakras. 

• Color: Yellow

The color associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra is yellow. As the chakras get their color from the element which surround them, Manipura Chakra reflects the yellow color of the fire element. This color symbolizes energy, intellect, and the connection you have with the fire and the sun. The yellow chakra also represents youth, new beginnings, and re-birth. Yellow connects us with knowledge and intellect. So, if you are drawn to the color yellow, it could indicate intellectual pursuits.

• Element: Fire

The element of the Solar Plexus Chakra is fire or Agni. We receive fire from the sun in the form of heat. We get it directly from the sunlight but also from the foods which absorb sunlight. Fire activates the prana samana which is the life force required for digestion and metabolism. As a result, the fire energy is very important for our digestion and ability to absorb nutrients.

The element of fire ignites the light of consciousness that motivates us to strive towards success and good health. Spending too much time on the third chakra can cause burn out. However, not developing it can leave you feeling weak, fearful, and inert. The love and happiness that we feel in our hearts actually originate in the third chakra and rise from there to the Heart Chakra.

MANIPURA CHAKRA & EMOTIONS

The fire element is represented in the body as heat or Agni. At the center of the physical and astral body, the Manipura Chakra attracts prana and manages this life energy in order to balance the body and mind. Excessive fire energy here can create impulsive reactions such as anger and aggression, which is a sign of a blocked Solar Plexus Chakra.

The emotions associated with this energy center are excitement, happiness, depression, and anger. Some other qualities include: 

Intellect

Clarity

Willpower

Assertiveness

Discipline

Self-confidence

Aggression

INTELLECT & THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

The Solar Plexus Chakra plays a key role as our intellectual center. It's where our ability to think critically and analyze situations lives. We're all equipped with a hearty dose of intellect, yet without a balanced Solar Plexus Chakra, we might find ourselves struggling to properly think things through.

An imbalance here allows our base instincts, governed by the lower chakras like the Root and Sacral Chakra, to overshadow our rational thoughts. This can lead to overwhelming feelings of fear and insecurity, skewing our perceptions. For instance, if we're feeling insecure and upset, our judgment gets clouded, and we tend to see and hear only what we want, rather than the reality of the situation.

On the flip side, when this chakra is in harmony, we're able to approach life's challenges with clarity and freedom from our ego and desires. This balance allows us to process information and make decisions with a clear mind.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

A shortage of the element and samana prana can cause the chakra to move too fast. The opposite occurs when it does not refresh and over-accumulates. This causes an imbalance in the energy system. 

When the Manipura Chakra is blocked or imbalanced, it can manifest as various physical and emotional issues. As the third chakra is located in the upper abdomen, a blockage or imbalance can often cause digestive issues. The physical symptoms of a Solar Plexus Chakra blockage may include: 

Indigestion

Irritable bowel syndrome

Eating disorders

Excessive weight gain

Ulcers

Diabetes

Issues with the pancreas, liver, and colon 

Heartburn

Sensitive or bleeding gums

A Solar Plexus Chakra blockage or imbalance can also cause emotional problems, such as: 

Over analysis (paralysis by analysis) 

Uncontrolled anger and irritation

Low self-confidence

Doubt and mistrust towards the people in your life

Insecurity and low self-esteem

Need for continuous confirmation and approval from others

Unhealthy attachments to people in your life

Rigid and controlling behavior

Self-victimizing mentality

Lack of direction and motivation 

Difficulty setting boundaries

When this energy center is open and balanced, you feel confident, powerful, and ready to take on any challenge that comes your way. Other signs of a Solar Plexus Chakra opening include:

A strong sense of self-confidence and self-worth

A clear sense of personal identity and purpose

Feeling empowered to take action towards goals and dreams

Good digestion and a healthy metabolism

A sense of inner strength and resilience

Ability to make decisions with ease and trust in oneself

Willingness to take risks and step out of one's comfort zone

Clarity of mind 

Control over emotions

HOW TO UNBLOCK & HEAL THE SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

A healthy and balanced chakra is essential for success in various areas of our life, including health, relationships, and spirituality. An imbalanced chakra will lead to confusion, frustration, and stagnation in life. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to unblock chakras to ensure the healthy functioning of the mind, body, and spirit.

Cleansing and opening the yellow chakra can make you a better leader and help you envision your dream life. Whether learning energy healing techniques on a chakra course, or simply incorporating Solar Plexus Chakra yoga poses into your practice, it’s important to actively align these vital energies to achieve true happiness and balance in your life. Here are a few ways you can clear Solar Plexus Chakra blockages and realign your energy system. 

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA MEDITATION 

Meditation is a powerful tool to balance the three bodies. In Solar Plexus Chakra Meditation, you’ll focus all your energy on the blocked chakra and drive energy to the navel by chanting the seed mantra ‘Rangm' and positioning your hands in the Agni Mudra. Pranayama breathing techniques can also help you sink into a deeper state of focus and concentration.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA AFFIRMATIONS

Repeat Solar Plexus Chakra affirmations about personal power either out loud, in our heads, or by writing them down. By repeating these positive phrases, we can reverse negative thought patterns and replace them with constructive ones.

I feel calm, confident, and powerful.

I feel ready to face challenges.

I feel motivated to pursue my purpose.

I am ambitious and capable.

I forgive myself for past mistakes, and I learn from them.

The only thing I need to control is how I respond to situations.

I can create positive change in my life.

I stand in my personal power.

I honor the power within me. 

I am open to new ideas.

I don’t seek the approval of others.

I am courageous.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA YOGA POSES THAT STIMULATE MANIPURA ENERGY 

As the element of the Manipura Chakra is fire, we harness the sun to heal and balance this energy. Practicing Solar Plexus Chakra yoga poses or Sun Salutations in front of the sun can restore this energy center and help you regain emotional stability. If you cannot go outside, try to visualize the sun and feel its warmth and power light you up inside. You can use these Manipura Chakra yoga poses to reignite your inner fire, clear harmful blockages, and boost your emotional and physical well-being.

• Classical Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana):

• Bow Pose (Dhanurasana):

• Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana):

• Upward Plank Pose (Purvottanasana):

• Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana):