Solar Plexus Chakra / Manipura

The Solar Plexus Chakra, or Manipura is located in your stomach area, still aligned with your spinal cord. The term Mani means “gem” and pura means “city”. So it’s often translated as the “city of jewels”, which helps us to metaphorically think of this chakra as our own personal treasure center of power and well-being. It is also believed to have a magnetic effect, attracting prana (life force) from the universe to ourselves. Yogic teachings say that this chakra gives us clear sense of who we are and what our purpose is.

This chakra is associated with the natural element fire, and more broadly to the sun. Therefore, it makes sense that it’s colour is yellow.

Think of this chakra as your body’s energy power-house. This energy center is associated with your self-esteem, sense of purpose, personal identity, individual will, metabolism and digestion (your inner fire). When consciousness moves freely in this center, you are empowered by transformative energy (fire of transformation).

When Manipura is in balance, you will be comfortable with your own inherent power, and also, become empowered. You will have a sense of who you are and why you are here. When you connect with your purpose you gain a deeper understanding of who you as an individual can contribute to the collective in a beneficial way. You will let go of the things - whether it’s your job or bank account - that you depend on to define who you are. Those things may have value, but over-evaluating anything that is subject to change is a quick road to suffering. You have inherent value; take the time through practice to investigate it, and you will be less dependent on external sources of happiness. 

When your third chakra is out of balance, digestive issues can arise. This misalignment can manifest in the physical body in a variety of ways, including improper processing of nutrients, constipation, irritable bowl syndrome, eating disorders, ulcers, diabetes, issues with the pancreas, liver disease and diseases of the colon.

When you work with this chakra, you want to cultivate a willingness to gain insight into your understanding of power, individuality, and identification.

Are there areas of your life where you feel powerless?

How does this manifest?

Some of the mental signs you can have are difficulty of expression, quick to anger, aggressive behavior, neediness, lack of direction, feeling afraid, lack of courage, poor self-esteem and feelings of stagnation.

Color: Yellow

Element: Fire

Organ: Liver