Nestled in the upper abdomen, just below the ribcage, the solar plexus chakra, also known as Manipura in Sanskrit, radiates energy that governs our self-esteem, willpower, and sense of purpose.
The solar plexus chakra is associated with the colour yellow and is linked to the fire element. It is the energetic powerhouse that fuels our confidence, motivation, and ability to make decisions.
When in balance, this chakra allows us to express our unique personalities with authenticity and assertiveness. However, various factors can contribute to an imbalance or blockage of the solar plexus chakra, hindering its optimal functioning.
Symptoms of a Blocked or Unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra:
- Low Self-Esteem: A diminished sense of self-worth and confidence may indicate an imbalance in the solar plexus chakra.
- Indecisiveness: Difficulty in making decisions and a constant state of uncertainty.
- Digestive Issues: The solar plexus chakra is closely linked to the digestive system; therefore, imbalances can manifest as digestive problems, such as stomach ulcers, indigestion, constipation or diahorrea.
- Lack of Motivation: A feeling of lethargy or apathy towards life goals and ambitions.
- Inability to Set Boundaries: Difficulty in asserting oneself and establishing healthy personal boundaries.
What causes an unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra?
The sacral chakra may become imbalanced for many reasons including, but not exclusively:
- Negative Experiences: Past experiences, especially those involving criticism, rejection, or disempowerment, can create blockages in the solar plexus chakra.
- Fear and Anxiety: Constant worry and fear about the future can disrupt the flow of energy in the solar plexus, leading to imbalances.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and inadequate self-care can negatively impact the solar plexus chakra.
- Suppressed Emotions: Avoiding or suppressing emotions, such as anger or frustration, can contribute to the blockage of the solar plexus chakra.
Using gemstones to heal the Solar Plexus chakra:
When looking for gemstones which work with the sacral chakra, you are generally looking for ones which are yellow in colour. For example:
- Citrine: Helping to open up this chakra and allowing greater access to one’s inner strength, citrine helps to increase confidence and self-esteem, as well as provide clarity in decision-making. Citrine is a real power-house of energy and, for me, a must in your gemstone collection.
- Yellow Calcite is a vibrant crystal known for its powerful cleansing, amplifying, and emotionally balancing properties. Boosting confidence, enhancing creativity, and promoting mental clarity, Yellow Calcite helps release negative emotions and supports personal growth.
- Tiger's Eye: Promoting empowerment, intuition, strategy, and wisdom, Tiger’s Eye also acts as a protective shield, channeling visions of past lives and promoting courage and confidence.
Others include:
Amber, Labradorite, Golden Healer, Sunstone...
How to use the gemstones:
- Meditate on them. You can place the stone on your sacral chakra. This will help in focusing the energy of the crystal and offer an improved healing experience. Or you can even simply hold the stone while you are meditating.
- Place crystals in your pocket or purse; or under your pillow while you sleep.
- If you wish to keep the energies of your sacral chakra stones in your auric field all the time, wear them as a piece of jewellery. For pieces that would work with the solar plexus chakra click/shop HERE
Use of Essential Oils:
There are a number of ways to use essential oils for chakra healing:
- Diffuse in the air by use of an essential oil diffuser, or burn a candle which has been infused with grounding essential oils
- Apply to the body. Essential oils can be applied neat to the souls of the feet, or dilute in an appropriate carrier oil and apply to the body. A good blend to help stimulate your solar plexus chakra is 11 drops lemon, 8 drops frankincense, 4 drops cardamom and 3 drops black pepper in 10ml of carrier oil.
- For an instant "hit" simply inhale direct from the bottle
- Put a few drops of your chosen oil on your pillow at night.
Oils that work well with the solar plexus chakra include:
Lemon, Ginger, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Wild Orange, Vetiver...
Other Ways to Open and Heal Your Solar Plexus Chakra
- Meditate/visualisation Try this simple meditation:
- Sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine. Relax your muscles, then close your eyes and take a deep breath. Inhale through your nose and exhale through the mouth.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
- Bring your attention to your Solar Plexus Chakra. This chakra is located just above your navel, in the center of your abdomen.
- Visualize a warm, yellow light emanating from your Solar Plexus Chakra. This light is healing and balancing this chakra.
- Imagine the light growing brighter and brighter until it fills your entire body.
- Take a few deep breaths and feel the warmth of the light spreading through your body.
- Hold this visualization for as long as you like. When you’re finished, take a few deep breaths and slowly open your eyes.
- Affirmations - Repeating positive affirmations can help balance the Solar Plexus Chakra. Examples include: "I am worthy and confident", "I am strong, I am courageous", "I lead with balanced power", "Money is coming to me quickly and easily"...
- The solar plexus chakra is highly influenced by the element of fire. Consuming hot foods and beverages can activate the fire element within you. Meditate with a candle or visualize fire in your mind’s eye. Sun bath - spend time in sunlight to absorb solar energy (ensure that you protect your skin with an appropriate cream to prevent skin damage/burning). Observe fire - build a campfire or simply sit comfortably near a fire. Observe it's flames and connect with the energy.
- Physical Activity, in particular yoga which works on balancing all the chakras. Engage in yoga poses that specifically target the solar plexus, such as boat pose or warrior III. Regular exercise helps to release pent-up energy and encourages a healthy flow of chi through the chakras.
- Journaling: Writing about your emotions, fears and desires can help to release pent-up feelings and work through your emotions.
- Therapy: Counselling/therapy can help to address past traumas and emotional issues thus removing blockages
IN SUMMARY
Embarking on a journey to heal and balance the solar plexus chakra is a powerful step towards reclaiming your personal power and living authentically. By incorporating gemstones, essential oils, and various energy healing methods into your daily routine, you can nurture this vital energy centre and unlock a renewed sense of confidence, purpose, and self-worth..
A good way of assessing the state of your chakras is by dowsing. Download your FREE dowsing template and guide HERE