"Manipura," in Sanskrit, is the third of the seven primary chakras in the body's energy system, and its name translates to "lustrous gem of the city,”. It is also known as the Solar plexus, and can be represented by the colour yellow, and is linked to the elemental energy of fire. This chakra is associated with personal power, self-esteem, and the ability to manifest one's desires and achieve goals. When the solar plexus chakra is blocked or imbalanced, it can manifest as a range of mental and emotional symptoms that can impact various aspects of our lives.

When the Solar Plexus is Blocked

Low Self-Esteem 

When the solar plexus is blocked, you may struggle with low self-esteem and a lack of self-worth. You might constantly doubt your abilities and question your value.

Insecurity

An imbalanced solar plexus can lead to feelings of insecurity and an inability to assert oneself. This can result in difficulties in standing up for one's beliefs and needs.

Indecisive

Those with a blocked solar plexus often find it challenging to make decisions. You may fear making the wrong choices and, as a result, become indecisive.

Procrastination

Blocked energy in this area can lead to procrastination and an inability to take action. People might have big dreams and ideas but struggle to turn them into reality.

Lack of Confidence

A lack of confidence is a common sign of a blocked solar plexus. This can manifest as hesitancy to take on new challenges or a fear of failure.

Control Issues

Some individuals with a blocked solar plexus may develop control issues. They may become overly controlling in an attempt to compensate for their own feelings of powerlessness.

Digestive Problems and Diet

The solar plexus is closely linked to the digestive system. Imbalances in this chakra can lead to digestive issues, which can further contribute to mental and emotional discomfort. There are foods that nourish the Solar plexus to help bring in balance. These are foods that are yellow and include bananas, lemons, pineapples, corn, and yellow capsicum.

How to Balance the Solar Plexus

Balancing the solar plexus chakra involves various practices and techniques, including meditation, yoga (see video below), deep breathing exercises, energy healing, and mindfulness. Incorporating yellow-coloured foods and gemstones such as citrine or yellow topaz into your life can help stimulate and balance this chakra.

Affirmations

Repeating daily affirmations can help to build inner strength. These may include:

“I am in control of my life”

“I am safe”

“I trust myself and my decisions”

“I embrace my purpose”

Practices for Self-care

Sunlight: the solar plexus is associated with Fire, so sunlight can energise the Solar plexus.

Creativity: What creative practices do you love doing? Spend time doing them! Empower the Solar plexus and build your confidence.

Essential oils - Aromatherapy

There are essential oils to support the Solar Plexus. These include lemon, ginger, bergamot, and cedarwood. Dilute in a carrier oil and either apply to the skin (do a skin patch test first), or add a few drops to the bath, and immerse yourself in the scent of the oil.

Energy Healing Point Cook, Melbourne

In Spinal Energetics we work with the chakras to balance and enable flow where there may be stagnation and blockage. We use touch, and no touch to work with the nervous system, spine, chakras and energetic field, to open and allow energetic flow in the body. Release and let go. Switch the nervous system out of fight/flight into rest/repair.

Sessions can be calm and restorative, or about opening and letting go.

A yoga sequence to nourish the Solar Plexus