Manipura, the third of the seven primary energy centres of the human body is known as the Solar Plexus Chakra. It is located in the upper abdomen, in the stomach area, and is related to personal power, self confidence and the ability to take control of one’s life. The chakra of action, will power and determination is the Manipura. It dictates your sense of self worth, your sense of autonomy and how you interact with the world around you.

The name of this chakra means ‘city of jewels’, and indicates the radiant energy and power associated with it. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra allows you to feel strong, motivated and ready to accomplish what you need to do. But when imbalanced, it can make you feel insecure, out of control and unable to make decisions. By understanding and nurturing the Solar Plexus Chakra you can enable yourself to reach your full potential and become a more confident, successful person.

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The Solar Plexus Chakra

The third energy center in the body’s system of seven major chakras is the Solar Plexus Chakra. It is in the upper abdomen, above the navel and below the chest. The color of the stone is yellow representing the solar burst of the solar rays and fiery energy, and it falls under the fire element to symbolize transformation, action and life.

Regulating the digestive system, metabolism, energy levels, this chakra is an important energy center in the physical and emotional well being. Your ability to trust yourself and to assert your independence is also under the control of the Solar Plexus Chakra.

Function/Benefits of Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra is very much linked to personal empowerment and emotional health. Some of its primary functions include:

a) Self-Esteem and Confidence: Your self esteem, self worth, personal identity is all sourced from the Solar Plexus Chakra. It is the basis for how you would see yourself and what confidence you have in your being. With a balanced Manipura you can be tall in your truth and live your life with confidence.

b) Willpower and Motivation: This chakra governs your inner willpower and your ability to take action. It supplies you with the power to seek after your objectives, beat obstructions and settle on choices that are consistent with your qualities. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra makes you want to take your life into your own hands and direct energy towards your desires.

c) Personal Power and Autonomy: The ‘power center’ is also known as Manipura and governs how you assert yourself and stake your place in the world. This is linked to your ability to act independently and set (and keep) personal boundaries. If this chakra is functioning optimally, you can make empowered choices and you stand firmly in your beliefs.

d) Emotional Regulation: The Solar Plexus Chakra helps control anger and the feelings of anger and frustration. It will help you control your reactions and communicate your emotion in a healthy way. With a balanced Manipura you will have control over your emotions and will respond to situations in a calm and clear manner.

e) Digestive and Metabolic Health: The Solar Plexus Chakra is physically associated to the stomach, liver, pancreas and other digestive organs. Your body uses it in processing food and energy. If you are balanced in this chakra, you have a healthy digestive system and metabolism and your body gets the nutrients and energy it requires to work properly.

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Symptoms of an Imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra.

An imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra will manifest into a number of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Therefore it can make you feel disempowered, insecure and overwhelmed by life’s challenges. On the other hand, an overactive Manipura may express itself as an excessive need for control, arrogance or aggression. Here are some common signs of an imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra:

Physical Symptoms:

a) Bloating, indigestion, constipation or ulcers, digestive problems

b) Fatigue or low energy levels

c) Pain or discomfort in the stomach that persists for many months

d) Problems with the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder

e) Poor metabolism and difficulty managing their weight

Emotional Symptoms:

a) Low self esteem, self doubt or insecurity

b) The lack of confidence in decision making.

c) Feels powerless, or stuck, in life.

d) Anxiety or having fear of failure or the need for validation on all the time.

e) Trouble trusting yourself or setting your boundaries.

Behavioral Symptoms:

a) A need to control and dominate others in situations or in relationships.

b) Perfectionism or overachieving in order to overcompensate for insecurities

c) Procrastination or avoiding taking action because of fear of failure.

d) Minor obstacles or setbacks that make you angry or frustrated

e) Difficulty saying “no” to healthy boundaries with others

How To Balance the Solar Plexus Chakra

A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra will help you feel more worthy, confident, and empowered, to take control of your life. Here are several practices that can help you restore balance to Manipura and awaken its full potential:

1. Yoga and Physical Movement

The Solar Plexus Chakra can be balanced by Yoga. Certain poses, for example those that engage the core muscles, build physical strength, can help activate energy of Manipura. Some beneficial poses include:

a) Boat Pose (Navasana): Helps engage the core and build the body’s physical strength and confidence.

b) Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana): A great standing pose that strengthens and stabilizes the body while simultaneously establishing determination.

c) Plank Pose: Strengthens the core and the willpower and endurance which are essential for climb…

d) Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): It opens the chest, promotes balance and confidence.

These poses assist in stimulating the solar plexus area thereby building physical as well as energetic strength.

2. Confident Affirmations and Empowerment Affirmations

Reprogramming your subconscious mind and bringing balance to the Solar Plexus Chakra is easily done with affirmations. Repeating affirmations builds your confidence, willpower, and self esteem. Here are some powerful affirmations for Manipura:

“I am strong, I am confident, I am capable.“

“I trust what I decide and act with trust.”

I do embrace my personal power and I take control of my life.

“I deserve to be a successful and happy person.”

“I get rid of all the doubts and stand as I’m strong.”

These affirmations have to be repeated every day so that the energy of your personal power and self assuredness aligns with your energy.

3. Meditation and Visualization

Meditation and visualization is a great place to start to reconnect and balance our energies. To meditate for the Solar Plexus Chakra, sit comfortably anywhere and just focus on the area just above your navel. See yourself with a bright radiant yellow sun in your abdomen, radiating warmth, energy and power. When and as you breathe, visualize this energy expanding, clearing any blockages and expanding your sense of self worth and autonomy.

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4. Breathwork and Pranayama

To energize and balance the Solar Plexus Chakra, breathing exercises work. Manipura loves Kapalbhati breathwork, otherwise known as skull shining breath. It is quick forceful exhales followed with passive inhales, stimulating the digestive system and boosting energy. Doing this style of breathwork helps clear mental fog, boosts confidence, and help balance energy in your solar plexus.

5. Do Activities that make you feel confident.

Your Solar Plexus Chakra can also be balanced by doing activities that challenge you and help you grow. Start taking on new projects, speaking in public, setting and achieving small goals or doing something you normally wouldn’t consider. These actions help build self esteem and self confidence in what you can do, increasing your inner power.

6. Healthy Diet and Nutrition

To balance the Solar Plexus Chakra also involves nourishing your body. Foods that are yellow, like bananas, corn, yellow peppers and squash, can help stimulate your Solar Plexus. Moreover, Manipura’s energy can be helped out by incorporating foods that support digestion, like ginger, garlic and whole grains.

7. Setting Healthy boundaries

There’s a reason why these exist. Set boundaries, practice self care, and finally understand that we teach people how to treat us by the way we respond – we can choose who to surround ourselves with.

The energy of the Solar Plexus Chakra is dependent on setting healthy boundaries. Learn to say no when it’s necessary, learn to assert yourself in your relationships and place your well being first. Take time for yourself and honor what you need. Take power and control of yourself and your life, and keep away from people and situations that feed on your energy.

Personal Growth

A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra is the basis of self development. If Manipura is healthy, you have purpose, confidence and clarity to move forward in life. It gives you the power to make decisions, take risks and make yourself heard according to who you actually are.

Also, your ability to be successful is closely attached to the Solar Plexus Chakra. Having a good sense of self and willpower means you’re more likely to go after your dreams, conquer obstacles, and make your goals a reality. When you take ownership of your life, and follow your instincts, you allow yourself to grow into your highest potential.

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Conclusion

The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is a powerful energy center that rules self esteem, willpower, confidence and personal empowerment. It is when you are in balance, that it gives you the strength to take control over your life and make your dreams come true with clarity and purpose. Yoga, affirmations, breathwork, and healthy habits can all help you to restore balance to this chakra (and unleash your inner strength).

The Solar Plexus Chakra is essential for personal growth and emotional well being if it is healthy. When you exercise your personal power, trust your decisions, and have confidence, you’ll live a life of purpose, vitality and success.