As we move through the chakras, we reach Manipura – our solar plexus chakra.
The solar plexus sits above your navel, and is home to a network of sympathetic nerves in your abdomen. The solar plexus is historically associated with the sun, and when we open our solar plexus chakra we are able to absorb sunlight to increase our energy.
Manipura is all about our personal power – the word translates to ‘city of jewels’ and is deeply connected to the element of fire. The color associated is a bold yellow, Your solar plexus serves to ignite your own personal fire and to unleash your potential and power. The words confidence, strength and determination are linked to your solar plexus chakra and it is our center of vitality. It’s also connected with our digestive system and our core and balance.
Because of the digestive connection, eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is very important to our solar plexus chakra and the strength and good health we can achieve when that chakra is engaged and active. And it’s actually recommended to eat a lot of yellow foods – fruits like bananas, pineapple, lemon and mango, vegetables like corn and yellow peppers, as well as seeds and spices that are yellow (like sunflower seeds and turmeric and ginger).
But there are also yoga positions that can help strengthen your solar plexus chakra and core. They include:
Seated Twist (ardha matsyendrasana) – This is particularly good for strengthening your lower back and core, as well as relieving pressure from digestive issues. This seated position is sometimes known as ‘Half Lord of the Fishes’ and combines both a gentle twist as well as a hip opener.
Cobra Pose (bhujangasana) – This heart-opening backbend helps lead into more assertive backbends, while strengthening your core and your shoulders. This is a particularly great pose for anyone needing to improve their posture.
Plank (phalakasana) – Plank improves your foundation, while strengthening your arm and shoulder muscles. This is all about achieving balance and self-control, greatly enhancing your resilience on the mat and beyond.
Upward-Facing Dog (urdhya mukha svanasana) – Upward-Facing Dog is generally part of Sun Salutations, and transitional in nature. But this pose is also wonderful for strengthening your spine, posture and alignment. Anyone with a traditional desk job will greatly benefit from a regular Upward-Facing Dog yoga practice. But it’s also fantastic at enhancing the inner strength and confidence that we all need.
Your solar plexus is much more than just a belly button. It is your core, your strength, and your sense of personal power. Open that solar plexus chakra to release unnecessary fears, and let the light in!