Solar Plexus Chakra

Solar Plexus Chakra is one of the major chakras or energy whorls of the subtle body as per the esoteric and spiritual healing beliefs, and methods of Hinduism. A chakra point is believed to be a round energy vortex, similar to a wheel, which is present in and placed on the surface of the etheric body of all human beings. Chakras are the wheels of energy of the subtle body and are aligned along Sushuma, the central nadi (a nadi is an energy channel and are also parts of the subtle body).

These energy centers or chakras are wheels that are imagined to consist of petals (which act like the spokes of a wheel) along their circumferences that must be overcome, as one progresses with the Sadhana or the practice of yoga, to gain entry into and master each chakra. The spokes are believed to branch into numerous other nadis throughout the body.

Each chakra has an associated deity and an individual mantra in the form of a seed syllable for their activation. There are 7 major chakras, 6 minor chakras, and 7 lower chakras. There are believed to be 21 other minor chakras that are reflections of the energy points of the 7 major chakras.

Location, Appearance, and Other Facts

The Solar Plexus energy center is the third major chakra in the human body. The physical solar plexus location, as the name suggests, is the solar or celiac plexus. The celiac plexus is a nerve plexus, which is located at the branching point of the superior mesenteric artery, the celiac trunk, and the renal arteries in the abdomen.

The Sanskrit name for this chakra is Manipura or Manipuraka and it is bright yellow in color with a downward pointing triangle formed by three chords within the circumference. There are ten petals protruding from the circumference and the presiding deity is Braddha Rudra with Lakini as Shakti. The seed syllable mantra is Ram.

This chakra is associated with the digestive system organs, their functions, and overall metabolism. This chakra corresponds with a particular cluster of pancreatic cells that are collectively known as the Islet of Langerhans besides the adrenal cortex and the outer adrenal glands.

In short, it is associated with all those activities, wherein, food matter is converted to energy in order to impart vitality to the body. It also governs various mental aspects and issues such as fear, anxiety, emotional transitions, introversion, and opinion development.

Blockages to this chakra may be caused by any excesses or restrictions of emotions, opinions, lifestyle, and food habits. Such a blockage may lead to ailments, and physical and mental conditions, such as, fatigue, digestion problems, low self-esteem, low confidence, anger, anxiety, stress, stomach ulcers, sleep disorders etc.

Also obsessions, addictions, compulsive behavior, depression, catatonic schizophrenia, adrenal abnormalities, anorexia, multiple sclerosis, premature aging, arthritis, bulimia, muscle cramps, and many more psycho-physical ailments.

Pain may be experienced in the solar plexus region chiefly due to a malfunction of the neural network at the celiac plexus. Cancer or a stomach injury may also trigger the solar plexus pain.

Solar Plexus Chakra healing is a component of Hindu spiritual healing practices and it can restore balance in all the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects that are governed by this chakra.

As such, this chakra deals with survival and transitional issues of life and any imbalance in the form of excesses, deficiencies, or lack of harmony of energies in this chakra may lead to many problems in life. A healthy, well-balanced solar plexus chakra, spells success in relationships and material aspects.

It is directly identifiable with a healthy dose of self-confidence, health and vigor, light-hearted spontaneity, courage of conviction, and an optimistic attitude that believes in celebrating every breath and living life to the fullest.