Chakras are points on the energy system which Eastern philosophy and medicine maintains is flowing within and through us, connecting us to the universe. These chakras can be worked upon through a variety of therapies such as massage, meditation and yoga, in order to free up the energy so it can flow unhindered and also balance out the energies. Balance is important to good physical and mental health. Each of the chakras is responsible for certain parts of the body and certain characteristics.

Where is the Solar Plexus Chakra?

This chakra is located in the middle of the diaphragm, behind your sternum, as so placed right at the centre of the body.

What is the Importance of the Solar Plexus Chakra?

Positioned at the core of the body, this chakra is associated with personal power and growth. It is the third chakra, also known as Manipura or Dashapatra. It is associated element is fire and it is linked to the color yellow. In physical terms, it also controls digestion so imbalances of the solar plexus chakra can be signified by digestion problems.

Another important manifestation of the power of the solar plexus chakra is through mental strength and wellbeing. Stress and anger are common signs of an imbalance in the solar plexus chakra.

Balancing your Solar Plexus Chakra

A good way to balance the energy flow in this chakra is through physical activity such as chakra yoga poses. The best stimulation of the solar plexus chakra is found through definite, straight line movements. These help to concentrate the energy flow through the chakra.

Stress relief through this chakra can be especially effective by using visualization techniques. Visualize you’re the energy in this chakra as a bright sunshine, melting away any barriers that may be getting in your way and thus relieving your stress.

Color Breathing

Color breathing is also a powerful stress reliever which utilizes this chakra. Remember to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, taking deep breaths and concentrating on a bright yellow light ball of energy in your solar plexus. Then give four rapid inhales and exhales. Do this another 3-10 times, visualizing the light being magnified as the power of your chakra’s energy increases.

The solar plexus chakra is a very powerful center. In fact the region of your abdomen called the solar plexus derives its name from this chakra.

Bright yellow coloration and the element of fire are both associated with this chakra point. Many times emotional issues are caused by imbalances here.

Too much energy concentrated in the solar plexus chakra can result in anger issues.

Digestive issues are said to be the result of not enough energy flowing through this chakra.

The majority of martial arts involve breathing and movement exercises that empower this chakra. This again goes back to the fact that your solar plexus is a seat of great power; linear movements and direct, assertive attitudes are characteristic energies of this chakra.

Some schools of thinking teach students to visualize a sun within the center of the body in an effort to activate the solar plexus chakra. The guidance of a professional Reiki master, meditation/Yoga instructor, or martial arts teacher is recommended when going deep into this chakra.

Each major chakra has a color associated with it. The minor chakras may also have colors but I can’t say for sure because I don’t know.

It’s also worth pointing out that traditionalists and modernists have different opinions on the exact colors for the seven major chakras. This is perfectly fine, because true spiritual disciplines recognize the paradox of life:

It is entirely possible for two different realities to occupy the same space and time.

So don’t get hung up on descrepancies you might find while studying the chakra system. Just have fun and empower yourself.

Some healers I have spoken with even say you should let colors come to you intuitively and not worry about any color charts. This too makes a lot of sense.

But for purposes of this article, here is the color system I learned and still use with my chakra meditations:

Base Chakra - Red

Sacral Chakra - Orange

Solar Plexus Chakra - Yellow

Heart Chakra - Green

Throat Chakra - Blue

Third Eye Chakra - Indigo (think of a mixture of blue and purple)

Crown Charka - Purple

Note that different writings and teachers assign different values to each color; i.e. deep red, brilliant yellow, grass green, etc.

But you just need a basic color chart to start working. When you are visualizing your chakras or doing specific breathing/yoga exercises, visualize your body being filled with the appropriately colored energy; some students also imagine their breath is the given color and watch it come in and out with their meditation.

As with any subtle energy channeling, the way you respond to this will be an individual experience. And of course to learn more about the chakras visit our complete chakra system Website.