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Manipura Chakra - Solar Plexus Chakra

September 3, 2020

Last updated : July 11, 2024

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

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

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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.

1. Classical Forward Bend (Paschimottanasana)

Seated Forward Bend -Paschimotthasana

Classical Forward Bend, or Paschimottanasana in Sanskrit, is one of the most beneficial yoga poses for digestion. The forward bending movement boasts numerous benefits, helping improve blood circulation and restore the functional capacity of the liver, spleen, pancreas, and intestines. Practicing this yoga pose for the Solar Plexus Chakra can also eliminate toxins, prevent constipation, and improve the body's ability to absorb nutrients.

  1. Sit on your yoga mat with your legs extended, either together or hip-width apart. 
  2. Reach up tall so that you are sitting high up on your sitting bones.
  3. As you inhale, raise both arms up toward the ceiling until they are in line with your ears.
  4. Exhale and bend forward, reaching with your hands toward your toes. 
  5. Bring your nose to your knees, or if you feel too much discomfort, hold your ankles, shins, or knees. 

2. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

Bow Pose - Dhanurasana

Dhanurasana, also known as Bow Pose, is a yoga inversion that provides an intra-abdominal massage to the various organs of the digestive system, particularly the liver and pancreas. The stimulation of the Solar Plexus in this pose contributes to digestive efficiency and the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. Bow Pose is also beneficial for thyroid issues. The extension of the neck promotes the healthy secretions of hormones, improving metabolism and body weight management.

  1. Lie down on your abdomen, with your forehead on the floor, knees shoulder-width apart.
  2. Bend your knees and hold the ankles from the outside, with elbows straight.
  3. Breathe in, push your feet into your hands, lift your chest and knees, and look diagonally upward.

3. Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

Half Spinal Twist - Ardha Matsyendrasana

Ardha Matsyendrasana, or Half Spinal Twist, is a gentle yoga twist that stimulates the digestive system, liver, and gall bladder. Regular practice of this Solar Plexus Chakra yoga pose promotes detoxification in the body and improves overall digestion.

  1. Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you.
  2. Bend your right leg, bring the heel to your left hip, and make sure both hips are on the floor.
  3. Cross your left foot over your right knee and place it on the floor.
  4. Place your left hand behind your spine, palm flat on the floor (if possible).
  5. Reach up with your right hand, bringing your right elbow to the outside of your left knee. If flexibility allows, you can hold on to your left ankle.
  6. Twist gently toward your left, looking over your shoulder.

4. Upward Plank Pose (Purvottanasana)

Upward Plank Pose - Purvottanasana

Upward Plank Pose, also called Inclined Plane Pose, is an effective backbend for strengthening the shoulders, arms, wrists and hips. If you practice this Solar Plexus Chakra pose in a balanced yoga asana program, it can also help stimulate the Manipura Chakra and regulate the functions of your gallbladder, liver, spleen, and pancreas. 

  1. In a comfortable seated position, extend your legs straight in front of you.
  2. Position your hands next to your hips with your fingers pointing toward your feet.
  3. Lift your shoulders toward your ears, arch your chest, and lean backward until your hands rest on the ground.
  4. Inhale deeply as you point your feet, raise your hips, and expand your chest while gently tilting your head back.
  5. Continue to lift your pelvis upward and press your feet into the ground while allowing your shoulders to roll back and your chest to open.

5. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) 

Cobra Pose - Bhujangasana

Cobra Pose creates a gentle bow shape with your spine, which increases the flexibility and strength of your lower back. Incorporating this pose into your practice is an effective way to promote Solar Plexus Chakra healing, balancing the functions of your stomach, gallbladder, liver, spleen, and pancreas. 

  1. Start by lying face down with your legs and feet close together, and your forehead resting on the ground.
  2. Place your palms on the floor next to your chest.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your body and pointing upward.
  4. Inhale deeply while pressing your belly button into the floor, lifting your head and chest off the ground.
  5. Hold the pose and breathe comfortably and naturally.

Conclusion

The Manipura Chakra is the center of fire or Agni. The fire element burns the negative to manifest and sustain the positive. A balanced energy center contributes to the physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Practicing meditation, yoga poses, and affirmations for the Solar Plexus Chakra helps to balance the energy system and promotes success and longevity.

About the author

Ram Jain

Born into a Jain family where yoga has been the way of life for five generations, my formal yoga journey began at age of eight at a Vedic school in India. There I received a solid foundation in ancient scriptures, including Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga Sutras (to name a few).

In 2009, I founded Arhanta Yoga Ashrams. I see yoga as a way to master the five senses, so I named our ashrams 'Arhanta Yoga,' the yoga to master the five senses!

In 2017, I also founded Arhanta Yoga Online Academy so that people who can not visit our ashrams can follow our courses remotely.

At Arhanta, we don't just teach yoga. We teach you how to reach your potential, deepen your knowledge, build your confidence, and take charge of your life.

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