The third of the seven primary chakras, according to Vedic tradition, is the Solar Plexus Chakra. Also called the Manipura, it translates to “lustrous gem” and is associated with self-confidence, identity, and personal power.

Location
The Manipura is located right above the navel or just below the solar plexus. The location is associated with the coeliac or solar plexus, which innervates a sizable portion of the digestive system.

This is why Vedic practitioners focus on the Manipura chakra to encourage better digestive health. They also work this area to aid pancreas, kidney and adrenal function in the body/

Symbol
The Manipura chakra is symbolized by a 10-petaled lotus flower. The petals are dark-blue or black with the Sanskrit letters ḍa, ḍha, ṇa, ta, tha, daṁ, dha, na, pa, and pha inscribed in dark-blue.

In the middle, the Manipura symbol has a downward-pointing red triangle. This signifies the tattva of fire.

Color
The Solar Plexus chakra is associated with the color yellow. It is also associated with the color blue in classic tantra and red in Nath traditions.

Element
The third chakra, Manipura is represented by the tattva of fire. According to Vedic traditions, the digestive function and metabolism near the sacral plexus are the home of Agni. It fires up the digestive system. When the Agni is weakened, it causes digestive issues, source of ama or toxicity and negative thoughts.

A Balanced Solar Plexus Chakra
When the Agni in the solar plexus chakra is fired up and warm and the energies are in harmonious balance, you will feel a strong personal power. This is what you may call “gut feeling”. Your intuition will be much stronger and you’ll feel a sense of wisdom and decisiveness on your decisions.

The third chakra is also called the warrior chakra. This is in reference to the feeling it insinuates or builds up in your body, which is comparable to the rush warriors feel when going into battle.

The one with a balanced Manipura will have the wisdom and decisiveness to fight for their gut feeling.

An Overactive Manipura
When the third chakra is overactive, it physically manifests as digestive issues and imbalances in the adrenal function. Your appendix, liver, kidneys or pancreas may also have some troubles in functioning properly.

Overenergized Manipura can also result in anger issues, compulsion to control and micromanage everything around you. You may also experience greediness or a lack of empathy.

Underactive Manipura
When your Agni is weak, you may feel indecisive and unsure about your decision. Also, your confidence may fluctuate downward, making you doubt your own capabilities and feeling needy and insecure.

Opening up a Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra
Here are some suggestions for reenergizing and opening up a blocked Manipura chakra:

• Use healing stones suitable for the third chakra. This includes yellow crystals and stones such as amber, yellow tourmaline, and citrine.
• Practice yoga and meditation to send love and positivity out into the universe. Focus on a bright yellow light or the burning sun or imagine a clockwise-rotating sphere that warms you up.
• Repeat personal affirmations that support and encourage your self-esteem to believe and have confidence in your capabilities.
• Add more yellow-colored items in your life. Wear yellow stone jewelry, yellow clothing items, have yellow décor around your room, and what the heck, try adding yellow foods to your diet.

If even one of your chakras is out of balance, you may be susceptible to feelings such as anxiety, depression, or lethargy. Regular meditation practices or reiki healing can help keep your chakras balanced and you healthy and well. Contact us to get your chakras aligned today!