How to Unblock Your Solar Plexus Chakra
Third of the chakras, in sanskrit manipura. Translated means City of Jewels. Does inside our belly look like jewels? Well the organs are reddish/pink due to oxygenated blood flow and shiny looking too.
Tell me about the solar plexus chakra?
The solar plexus chakra is associated with self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and personal identity. It encompasses metabolism and digestion. When this chakra is in balance, you feel empowered and are motivated. You will have a sense of who you are and why you are here. If you're experiencing chakra imbalance, you can suffer from low self-esteem, have difficulty making decisions, and may have anger or control issues.
Where is the solar plexus chakra?
The solar plexus chakra is located behind the naval.
Imbalance
With chakra imbalance, you may notice;
Difficulty in expressing yourself
Aggressive, rigid or controlling behaviour
Angering quickly
Being a victim
Neediness
Lacking direction or focus
Feeling afraid
Poor self-esteem
Feeling stuck
When Manipura is out of whack, digestive problems can arise. These can show up as improper processing of nutrients, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome. Imbalances in this energy center are also associated with eating disorders, ulcers, diabetes, and issues with the pancreas, liver, and colon.
What to do for Imbalance
Meditate
If you are stuck with a decision or are at a crossroads and aren’t sure which way to go, consider looking to your solar plexus chakra for guidance. To cultivate your gut feeling, sit comfortably and meditate;
Close your eyes, and put your hand over the area slightly above your belly button.
Bring to mind the problem or dilemma.
Notice how your third chakra feels when you give it choices. A sinking or nauseated feeling may tell you that the decision is wrong.
If you present your solar plexus with the right choice, you may feel lightness in your belly or feel like you can breathe more easily.
2. Yoga
Any yoga pose that brings heat to the area of the solar plexus is good for stimulating a sluggish third chakra.
These poses include
3. Cultivate some digestive fire
To help the Manipura chakra remain open and aligned, keep your digestive fire (called agni in Ayurvedic medicine) healthy. Here are some Ayurvedic tips.
Drink beverages at room temperature or slightly warmed; avoid adding ice.
Eat about two cupped handfuls of food at every meal to avoid overeating.
Stay away from spicy foods if you are a Pitta type.
Take small sips of water while eating, and avoid soda, alcohol, and fruit juice. Drinking lots while eating tends to dilute the digestive acids. Drinking alcohol can give you excess acid.
Let your stomach rest between meals. Grazing and frequent snacking don’t give your body time to replenish its digestive fire.
4. Chanting
Chanting or toning sounds can also help bring you back in balance. Sounds create vibrations in the body. The mantra sound that corresponds to the root chakra is RAM. You can also chant om.
5. Positive Affirmations
As you work with this chakra, cultivate a willingness to gain insight into your understanding of power, individuality, and identification. Are there areas of your life where you feel powerless? How does this manifest?
Find an affirmation that resonates and repeat while meditating and say throughout the day
I will be my authentic self
I use my power for good
I accept myself unconditionally
I forgive myself for past mistakes and I grow from them
I release the need to control
I am confident and powerful
Everything I need, I have within
I will be my best self
6. Breath Work
Ignite the fire in your solar plexus chakra with Kaphalabhati or skull-shining breath.
Sit and close your eyes.
Touch the forefinger and thumb together on each hand.
Inhale through your nose
Quickly exhale through your nose as you draw your belly back toward your spine.
The inhale is passive, and the exhale is sharp and quick. You can go fast or slow. Try both and see which you find more beneficial.