The Solar Plexus Chakra and Digestion

The chakras help us understand the spiritual and mental cause of our physical ailments, but also help us learn about how to heal them naturally

When I began to understand the chakra system, it really helped me better understand how to approach physical pain and mental blockages in new ways.

This holistic model represents the major energy centers of the physical and energetic body. When we observe our bodies holistically, we can approach any form of ailment with a new lens that allows us to connect one problem in one area with a problem in another.

For example, every chakra, or energetic area of the body, represents specific organs and space in the body. The 7 chakras start at the crown of the head, and continue all the way down to our groin area. In Ayurvedic medicine, these areas are connected to emotions and are believed to represent a level of developmental progression of consciousness in a person’s life as he or she follows the path toward enlightenment.

The chakra I will be highlighting today is called Manipura or the Solar Plexus.

What is the Solar Plexus Chakra?

Solar plexus chakra is the third energy center in the body. It resides around the stomach, liver, and intestines.

Considering it surrounds the liver, it coincides with the name itself: “live”-er. This particular organ has so much to do with the functioning of our entire living existence.

Life has so much to do with light, and in yoga we always use the phrases “harnessing your light” or “breathe in the healing light.”

The Solar Plexus is the chakra that has the most to do with light and the Sun. It’s symbol resembles a sun and the color associated with this chakra is yellow.

On the other side, it also resembles the element of fire. When performing a particular breathing exercise in yoga, the idea is to visualize breathing from the root and carrying the breath up where it is cleansed by the fire of the Manipura.

Activating the fire within moderate body temperature helps in food digestion. You could think of the fire as the stomach acid that breaks down our food particles in order for our body to receive the nutrients and dispel of the waste.

Manipura means gem or jewel in English and this jewel quality is associated with strengthening the digestive system and diaphragm.

This fire energy also has to do with your power and self-confidence.

When the Solar Plexus Chakra is in balance, a person experiences confidence is self-motivated and has a sense of purpose.

Signs the Solar Plexus Chakra is Blocked:

A blocked solar plexus usually presents itself as a digestive issue. When we are not digesting food correctly it can lead to misalignments throughout the body caused by, leaky gut syndrome, improper nutrient absorption, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome

Imbalances of the Solar Plexus can also cause fatigue, overeating, excessive weight gain, especially around the stomach, hypoglycemia, and diabetes.

When we experience excessive fire, excessive energy in the Solar Plexus Chakra can also create severe emotional problems.

These include impulsive reactions such as anger and aggression, doubt and mistrust towards people, and low self-esteem that presents itself as an obsession with what others think about you.

Sometimes a blocked chakra causes a person to exhibit controlling behavior, neediness, or constant victim mentality.

How to Resolve a Blocked Chakra:

Holistic self-care practices can help guide you back into alignment with this chakra and aid in healing any of the physical ailments that resulted from the blockage.

Positive Transformation through inner work:

Starting a journal or listening to positive affirmations daily can help guide a person back to feeling grateful. Gratitude can help drive out the negative emotions associated with a blocked chakra as well as help guide you towards your purpose in life. When we can connect with a deep understanding, we begin to feel empowered.

Using a journal to write down and visually see what makes you happy, where you can improve, and what your goals are, can keep you focused on the positive aspects of your journey and garner self-worth.

Meditation:

A cluttered mind cannot breed success. Meditation allows us to experience a great pause from the hustle of life. It is within this pause that we can more effectively plan and achieve success. When we have too many thoughts, the ones that are the most beneficial to us end up getting lost in the clutter. being able to cultivate peace allows us to think clearer.

Food:

Eating a healthy, plant-based diet will help resolve issues of the digestive system and the Solar Plexus. The best foods to eat to support this particular chakra include:

• Bananas

• Squash

• Yellow bell pepper

• ginger and turmeric

• yellow split peas

• pineapple and mango

Affirmations:

Listen to or read positive affirmations daily that are geared towards personal power. Build yourself up, and allow the prana or energy of life be cleansed by a healthy solar plexus chakra.

·         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.

Try reading a few of these out loud to yourself so your body can connect to the frequency of your voice saying positive things about you.