Solar Plexus – Manipura
The third of our 7 primary energy centres is the Solar Plexus. Also known as the Navel chakra, our Solar Plexus chakra is located between the navel and the base of the sternum, just a couple of fingers above the belly button. It’s best to visualise this chakra as a spinning wheel of energy in the centre of the body, rather than just at the front.
Not sure what a ‘chakra’ or energy centre is? Read this post first.
Manipura, the Sanskrit word for the Solar Plexus chakra translates to “city of jewels”. Together with the first chakra (Root /Muladhara) and second (Sacral / Swadhisthana), these 3 energy centres make up the lower triangle. These lower chakra energies tend to be easier for us to understand. Read about your root and sacral chakra or an explanation of chakras in previous blogs.
The solar plexus chakra has a masculine energy and is symbolised by the colour yellow. Its symbol is a downward-pointing triangle within a flower of ten petals.
This chakra is highly connected to our willpower, our purpose and our determination. It governs personality, ego, and identity, as well as integrity and authenticity. It is often regarded as the centre of our personal power.
Free flowing energy in the third chakra means we live with a strong sense of our identity, purpose. We feel confident and motivated. With our solar plexus in alignment, we can be our most authentic selves in all we do and in every choice we make.
The Manipura chakra is also all about being able to deal with things, it’s how you ‘digest’ your life. In balance, you know where you’re going and how to get there. You feel confident, motivated, purposeful, reliable, responsible.
The solar plexus chakra is associated with the element of Fire (and of course the sun.). Fire energy is all about action and transformation. Its mantra is “I can.” So manifestating our dreams and ideas is connected strongly to this chakra.
Our digestive system and its respective organs and glands such as the gall bladder, pancreas, adrenals and liver are linked to Manipura chakra. It governs our digestivefire or agni and our gut – our emotional brain.
What is Solar Plexus Out of balance?
When the energy of the solar plexus chakra is out of alignment, you might suffer with stomach or digestion issues such as such as fatigue, overeating, excessive weight around the stomach, upset stomach, heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, ulcers. More serious conditions might include like diabetes, hypoglycemia or even eating disorders.
At an emotional level, excessive Manipura energy might result in behaviours such as irresponsibility, over domineering and an excessive need for control. In contrast, if blocked it can lead to a victim mentality, feelings of helplessness, anxiety and insecurity.
How to balance Manipura
Asanas that target this chakra include Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Navasana (Boat pose), Tadasana (Mountain pose), Parvrtta Trikonasana (Revolved triangle) and twist. Any poses that strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Movement in general can be effective in balancing this chakra, as exercise can help to create an sense of strength, growth, power. The warrior poses build confidence. Sun salutations warm up the body and connect with the fiery energy of the sun.
Try Hakini Mudra. Sit in an easy cross-legged position and sit up tall. Bring your hands to the height of your solar plexus, palms facing each other. Now touch the fingertips of both hands together and leave space in between the palms. The thumbs are pointing to your solar plexus and the rest of the fingers are radiating out, middle finger straightforward.
Yellow is the colour for this solar plexus chakra. Use it in during your relaxation or meditation. A nice and powerful visualisation is making your centre radiate like the sun.
The seed syllable – bija – “ram” targets the solar plexus chakra so chanting this sound (just as you would om) can help bring it back into alignment.
Manipura Off the Mat
Cultivate your personal power – make small choices that create feelings of personal power and authenticity! Eating yellow foods can also help cleanse and align the energy of the solar plexus chakra, and using strong spices such as ginger, saffron, cinnamon.
Some affirmations for the solar plexus chakra might include:
- I am enough.
- I have purpose.
- I know who I am and I live true to myself.
- I am confident and authentic.
- I am strong, capable, and powerful
- As I take on new challenges, I feel calm, confident, and powerful.
- I feel motivated to pursue my purpose.
- The only thing I need to control is how I respond to situations.
- I have the courage to create positive change in my life.
- I stand in my personal power.
