Solar Plexus Chakra
In my experience with yoga and Ayurvedic medicine, I’ve found that the Solar Plexus Chakra also known as the third chakra or Manipura Chakra is a true seat of personal power. This third energy center of the body is deeply connected to the fire element, representing our ability to stand up, make bold decisions, and take hold of our lives. It’s where our inner fire lives the source of energy that fuels our drive, willpower, and determination. The chakra is traditionally linked to the color yellow, symbolizing light, warmth, and focused energy. It also governs intellect, ego, and even controlled aggression traits that shape how we face challenges every day.
What many overlook is the chakra’s anatomical connection to the celiac plexus, a bundle of nerve fibers located in the abdominal area. These nerves help manage abdominal organs and support digestion, particularly through the forces of samana vayu and samana prana. When this chakra is out of balance, people often feel out of sorts, experience abdominal pain, uncomfortable feeling in the gut, or even go through physical signs like fatigue, weight gain, and digestive issues. I’ve read resources such as StatPearls by John RS, Dixon B, and Shienbaum R (StatPearls Publishing, 2023) which explain how an injury or weakness in this region can become painful, but also how maintaining this chakra can keep us healthy physically, emotionally, and mentally.
What Is the Meaning of the Solar Plexus Chakra?
The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as Manipura, is often referred to as the place of fire. The word Mani means shining gem, and pura means place, so Manipura literally translates to “place of shining gem.” As the energy center of the fire element, it holds the role of being the shiniest element among the five elements. This third chakra is deeply connected to our personal power and energy, making it a vital part of our body’s energy flow.
Where Is the Solar Plexus in the Body?
The Solar Plexus Chakra is located in the upper abdomen, about four fingerbreadths above the navel and just below the rib cage. More specifically, it’s aligned along the line that runs from the end of the sternum to the navel. This area is where a cluster of nerves meets, including both parasympathetic nerves and sympathetic nerves, which work together to control the autonomic innervation of many of the body’s vital organs. The diaphragm, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, spleen, kidneys, small bowel, and the first two thirds of the large bowel are all connected to the Solar Plexus, ensuring proper impulses and energy flow throughout the digestive system.
This nerve center is located just behind the stomach, in front of the aorta, the body’s largest blood vessel. It also sits near the muscle that supports the lungs. The Solar Plexus Chakra is an important part of the body, balancing and controlling not only our digestive processes but also affecting how we feel emotionally and mentally. When this area is in balance, it helps us feel grounded and in control of our body, allowing us to navigate life with confidence and strength.
Why Do I Have Solar Plexus Pain?
Solar plexus pain can happen due to several conditions. Here are the common causes:
Pancreatic Cancer
A tumor in the pancreas can press against nearby nerves and the digestive tract, causing significant pain in the solar plexus area.
Chronic Pancreatitis
This long term condition, affecting the pancreas, can lead to inflammation and pain that radiates through the solar plexus.
Anxiety
Anxiety can trigger the fight or flight response, leading to breathing difficulty. This can increase tension and solar plexus pain as the body responds to stress.
Trauma or Injury
Getting the wind knocked out or receiving a blow to the solar plexus can cause a sudden temporary paralysis of the diaphragm, which results in sharp pain and discomfort.
Pulled Muscle
An intense workout or improper movement can strain or pull abdominal muscles, causing pain in the solar plexus area. This is often a sharp, localized discomfort.
Conditions Affecting the Digestive System
Problems in the digestive tract, such as a blocked or inflamed area, can directly affect the solar plexus and cause pain. This is often linked with pancreatic and other digestive disorders.
These conditions can lead to severe pain, distress, and in some cases, a lower quality of life if left untreated, potentially leading to higher mortality.
Characteristics of the Solar Plexus Chakra
Color: Yellow
The color yellow is linked with the Solar Plexus Chakra. It represents energy, intellect, and a strong connection to the fire and sun. This color symbolizes both youth, new beginnings, and rebirth, connecting us with knowledge and intellect.
Element: Fire
The element of fire is central to the Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as Agni. Fire is received from the sun in the form of heat and also through food that absorbs sunlight. It activates prana samana, the life force responsible for digestion and metabolism. Excessive fire energy may lead to burnout, while a lack of development here can leave us feeling weak and fearful.
Manipura Chakra & Emotions
The fire element, symbolized by Agni, governs the Manipura Chakra, located at the center of the physical and astral body. This chakra influences our emotions, such as excitement, happiness, depression, and anger. Excessive fire energy can cause impulsive reactions like aggression. A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra helps manage our emotional responses effectively.
Intellect & the Solar Plexus Chakra
The Solar Plexus Chakra plays a vital role in our intellectual center. It’s where our ability to think critically and analyze situations is centered. A wellbalanced chakra allows us to approach challenges with clarity, free from fear and insecurity. When imbalanced, base instincts overpower rational thoughts, making it difficult to process information clearly.
Solar Plexus Chakra Signs & Symptoms
When the Solar Plexus Chakra becomes blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to both physical and emotional issues. You may experience
Digestive problems such as indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, eating disorders, ulcers, and heartburn
Excessive weight gain, diabetes, and problems with organs like the pancreas, liver, and colon
Discomfort or sensitivity in the upper abdomen
Issues like sensitive gums or bleeding gums
On an emotional level, an imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra can cause
Low self confidence, insecurity, and low self esteem
Uncontrolled anger, irritation, or doubt
A self victimizing mentality and unhealthy attachments
A lack of direction and lack of motivation
However, when this chakra is open and balanced, you'll feel
Empowered with a strong sense of self worth and personal identity
Clarity of mind and the ability to make decisions with confidence
A readiness to take action toward your goals and dreams
The courage to step out of your comfort zone, supported by inner strength and resilience
Role of Solar Plexus Chakra in Emotional and Mental Health
The Solar Plexus Chakra is key to emotional and mental health, influencing our self confidence, self esteem, and overall identity. When balanced, it helps us assert our needs, set healthy boundaries, and pursue our goals with clarity and conviction. However, an imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra can lead to insecurity, powerlessness, anxiety, and indecision, affecting both our emotions and mental state.
Impact on Emotional Health
A balanced Solar Plexus Chakra helps maintain emotional stability, fostering a positive self image and allowing us to make decisions without fear or low self confidence. When this chakra is out of balance, we may experience issues like fear, anxiety, and self doubt, making it harder to trust ourselves and our decisions.
Impact on Physical Health
An imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra can also manifest physically through diseases like indigestion, heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and even eating disorders. It can negatively affect organs such as the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which play a vital role in digestion. Balancing this chakra helps restore overall health, improving both physical and mental wellbeing.
10 Solar Plexus Chakra Yoga Poses to Energize and Balance
- Warrior Poses (Virabhadrasana I, II, III) – Strengthens the body, boosts confidence, and develops inner power.
- oat Pose (Paripurna Navasana) – Builds core strength and willpower.
- Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar) – Brings heat and energy, activates the Solar Plexus.
- Triangle Pose (Trikonasana) – Strengthens core muscles, enhances stability and balance.
- Twisting Poses (Ardha Matsyendrasana) – Stimulates digestive organs, releases tension in the abdomen.
- Reverse Warrior – Calms the body, provides inner peace.
- Camel Pose – Energizes the Solar Plexus and opens the chest and abdomen.
- Lion's Breath – Energetic breath method that releases stress and provides energy.
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) – Opens the chest, strengthens the spine, boosts self confidence.
- Chair Pose (Utkatasana) – Engages muscles of the legs, builds determination.
These yoga poses are designed to balance and energize the Solar Plexus Chakra, enhancing both emotional and physical wellbeing.
What Is the Meaning of the Solar Plexus Chakra?
The Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as Manipura, is often referred to as the place of fire. The word Mani means shining gem, and pura means place, so Manipura literally translates to “place of shining gem.” As the energy center of the fire element, it holds the role of being the shiniest element among the five elements. This third chakra is deeply connected to our personal power and energy, making it a vital part of our body’s energy flow.
FAQ's
What trauma is stored in the Solar Plexus?
Trauma related to self worth, control, rejection, and personal power is often stored here.
What happens when your Solar Plexus Chakra is blocked?
You may feel insecure, lack confidence, face digestive issues, or struggle with motivation and anger.
What happens when the Solar Plexus Chakra is activated?
You feel confident, empowered, make clear decisions, and take action with purpose.