Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra--one of the seven primary chakras--is associated with the color yellow. This is the area of our bodies which defines our self-esteem. The personality that develops during puberty is housed in this chakra; otherwise known as the "Ego."

Anyone who is experiencing dysfunction of the third chakra will have difficulty obtaining or maintaining her own "personal power."

This chakra is our instinctual center, it is where our gut instincts come into play. The gut signals us when something is amiss, urging us to take action, or the opposite, not to move forward. Strong self-esteem is a required for developing intuitive skills. Learning how to interpret the quiet rumblings, as well as blatant outcries, that emit from the solar plexus area of our body is an important lesson.

Chakra Three: Associations

• Color: yellow
• Sanskrit name: manipura
• Physical location: solar plexus
• Purposes: mental understanding of emotional life 
• Spiritual lesson: acceptance of your place in the lifestream (self-love)
• Physical Dysfunctions: stomach ulcers, intestinal tumors, diabetes, pancreatitis, indigestion, anorexia/bulimia, hepatitis, cirrhosis, adrenal imbalances, arthritis, colon diseases 
• Mental/Emotional Issues: self-esteem, fear of rejection, oversensitivity to criticism, self-image fears, fears of our secrets being found out, indecisiveness
• Information Stored in Solar Plexus Chakra: personal power, personality, consciousness of self within the universe (sense of belonging), knowing
• Area of Body Governed: upper abdomen, umbilicus to rib cage, liver, gallbladder, middle spine, spleen, kidney, adrenals, small intestines, stomach
• Crystals/Gemstones: yellow jasper, golden topaz, yellow tourmaline
• Flower Essences: chamomile, golden yarrow, peppermint
• Foods That Nourish the Solar Plexus Chakra: pastas, breads, cereal, rices, flax seed, sunflower seeds, milk, cheeses, yogurt. ginger, peppermint, melissa, chamomile, turmeric, cumin, fennel 

Solar Plexus Chakra Meditation - Focusing on the Sun

Sit back, relax, and take in an easy, deep breath. Release your muscles. You do not have to exert any effort to sit or lie there. Allow yourself to be fully supported by the chair or floor. Take in another gentle, deep breath and release as you exhale. Now turn your attention to your solar plexus. This is the area of your body between your chest and abdomen. Picture a vibrant, glowing sun in your solar plexus. Feel its warmth and energy. Focus on this sun for a moment. You may never have paid attention to this area of your body before. This sun represents your inner strength, your intuition, and all your inner resources. Allow your sun to glow brighter and stronger each time you pay attention to it.

Bibliography: Anatomy of the Spirit  by Caroline Myss, Flower Essence Repertory by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz, Hands of Light by Barbara Ann Brennan, Love is in the Earth by Melody, Solar Plexus Chakra Meditation from The Sensitive Person's Survival Guide

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen.