Quick Answer: The solar plexus chakra is your power center, governing confidence, self-esteem, willpower, and personal identity. Heal it through core strengthening exercises, setting boundaries, accomplishing goals, sun exposure, working with yellow crystals like citrine, and challenging situations that build authentic self-trust. A balanced solar plexus enables you to stand in your power without dominating others.
The solar plexus chakra radiates like an inner sun. When healthy, you feel confident, capable, and clear about who you are. You can set boundaries, make decisions, and take action toward your goals. When blocked, self-doubt, shame, and powerlessness take over.
This is your power center. Healing it transforms not just how you feel about yourself but how you move through the world.
Understanding the Solar Plexus Chakra
Basic Attributes
Sanskrit Name: Manipura (lustrous gem)
Location: Upper abdomen, stomach area
Color: Yellow
Element: Fire
Sound: RAM
Glands: Pancreas, adrenals
Body Areas: Digestive system, liver, gallbladder, stomach, pancreas
What the Solar Plexus Governs
Personal Power: Your sense of agency and ability to affect your life
Self-Esteem: How you value and regard yourself
Confidence: Trust in your abilities and judgment
Willpower: Ability to commit to and follow through on decisions
Identity: Clear sense of who you are
Boundaries: Ability to protect your energy and say no
Wisdom Integration: The Inner Fire
Fire has symbolized transformation, will, and divine power across traditions. Prometheus brought fire to humanity, enabling civilization. The Zoroastrian sacred flame represents truth. The yogic agni (digestive fire) transforms food and experience into energy. Your solar plexus chakra is your inner fire, the furnace of personal will that transforms intention into action and potential into manifestation.
Signs of Solar Plexus Imbalance
Underactive Solar Plexus
Low self-esteem and self-worth
Difficulty making decisions
Feeling powerless or victimized
Excessive need for approval
Inability to set boundaries
Passive or submissive behavior
Shame about self
Overactive Solar Plexus
Controlling or dominating behavior
Excessive need for power over others
Arrogance and inflated ego
Workaholism and perfectionism
Anger and aggression
Inability to relax or surrender
Digestive issues from stress
Physical Signs
Digestive problems
Stomach ulcers
Eating disorders
Diabetes or blood sugar issues
Liver problems
Chronic fatigue
Solar Plexus Healing Practices
Core Strengthening
The physical core corresponds to the solar plexus. Building core strength builds energetic power:
Planks: Hold plank position, engaging core
Boat Pose: Classic yoga core strengthener
Breath of Fire: Rapid belly pumping breath energizes the solar plexus
Ab exercises: Any core work feeds this chakra
Sun Connection
The solar plexus is your inner sun. Connect with the outer sun to feed it:
Sunbathing: Safe sun exposure on the belly area
Sun Salutations: Yoga sequence honoring the sun
Morning Sunlight: Early sun on your face and body
Visualization: Imagine golden sunlight filling your solar plexus
Personal Power Practices
Set and Achieve Goals: Accomplishment builds authentic confidence
Practice Saying No: Each boundary builds solar plexus strength
Make Decisions: Practice deciding and following through
Take Healthy Risks: Step outside comfort zones intentionally
Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge your accomplishments
Practice: Solar Plexus Activation
Stand with feet hip-width apart. Place hands on your upper belly. Take a deep breath and on exhale, pull belly strongly toward spine while saying "HA" forcefully. Release and repeat 10 times. Then visualize golden light filling your solar plexus, expanding with each breath. Feel yourself standing taller, more confident. Affirm: "I am powerful. I trust myself. I am worthy." This quick practice energizes the solar plexus immediately.
Crystals for Solar Plexus
Citrine: The primary solar plexus stone. Brings confidence, abundance, and personal power.
Yellow Tiger's Eye: Builds willpower and helps follow through on decisions.
Pyrite: Strengthens confidence and protects against energy drains.
Golden Topaz: Enhances personal power and manifestation ability.
Amber: Warm energy that heals the solar plexus gently.
Affirmations for Solar Plexus
"I am confident and capable."
"I trust myself and my decisions."
"I am worthy of respect."
"I stand in my power."
"I honor my boundaries."
"I create my life with intention."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the solar plexus chakra?
The solar plexus chakra, or manipura, is the third chakra located above the navel in the upper abdomen. It governs personal power, self-esteem, confidence, willpower, and identity. Its element is fire and its color is yellow.
What does a blocked solar plexus feel like?
A blocked solar plexus manifests as low self-esteem, difficulty making decisions, feeling powerless or victimized, digestive issues, excessive need for control, shame about self, and inability to assert boundaries.
How do I strengthen my solar plexus?
Strengthen your solar plexus through core exercises, setting and achieving goals, saying no when appropriate, sun exposure, working with yellow crystals like citrine, and practices that build healthy self-esteem.
Empower Your Energy
Explore tools and resources for solar plexus and full chakra system healing.
Explore Chakra CollectionSources
- Judith, Anodea. "Wheels of Life" (1987)
- Myss, Caroline. "Anatomy of the Spirit" (1996)
- Traditional yogic teachings on manipura chakra