How To Open Your Solar Plexus Chakra & 17 Signs It’s Blocked

The seven chakras makeup a powerful system that energetically connects our inner being to our physical body. When the seven chakras are all open and flowing correctly, we feel a deep sense of harmony and well-being. Each chakra has a special role in our lives and when we pay close attention, they give us clues about our spiritual health. Let’s take a deeper look at the third chakra in the system, the solar plexus chakra.

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What is the solar plexus chakra?

Solar plexus chakra location

Solar plexus chakra color

Solar plexus chakra symbol

Blocked solar plexus chakra symptoms

Physical symptoms of a blocked solar plexus chakra

Emotional symptoms of a blocked solar plexus chakra

How to unblock the solar plexus chakra

Solar plexus chakra affirmations

Symptoms of solar plexus chakra opening

Physical symptoms of solar plexus chakra opening

Emotional symptoms of solar plexus chakra opening

What is the solar plexus chakra?

The solar plexus chakra, also called the manipura or navel chakra, is the third energy center in the body’s system of seven chakras.

The solar plexus chakra is associated with the element of fire. Like the fire element, which is one of the most vibrant and powerful forces on earth, the solar plexus chakra acts as our personal power house. When it is in balance, energy flows freely and we feel confident and energetic. When the third chakra is out of balance and the fire is snuffed out, our personal identity suffers and our energy stops flowing freely.

Solar plexus chakra location

The solar plexus chakra is located above the belly button and below the rib cage, in the centerline of your body. It is the third of seven in the chakra system. First is the root chakra located at the base of your spine, followed by the sacral chakra, the solar plexus chakra, the heart chakra, the throat chakra, the third eye chakra and finally the crown chakra at the top of the head.

Solar plexus chakra color

The solar plexus is associated with the color yellow. Each of the seven chakras has been assigned its corresponding color in the rainbow. The first chakra, the root chakra, is associated with the first color of the rainbow, red, and so on.

Yellow is a bright color with a high vibration. Since the solar plexus chakra controls the body’s flow of energy and has the potential to lead to a strong sense of identity and vitality, yellow seems like an appropriate color for the chakra.

Solar plexus chakra symbol

The solar plexus chakra symbol consists of a ten-petaled lotus flower, a downward facing triangle, and the seed mantra symbol “RAM” in the center.

Blocked solar plexus chakra symptoms

A blocked or unbalanced solar plexus chakra can result in a variety of symptoms, both physical and emotional. It’s important to remember that while aligning and balancing your chakra system is an excellent way to boost your physical health and wellbeing, there is always a time and a place for medical attention. The information in this article is not intended as a medical diagnosis or medical advice.

With that being said, our bodies are intricate energetic systems and when that energy balance is disrupted, we can experience a wide range of signs and symptoms that may point to the disruption. Here are some of the most common physical and emotional/mental symptoms that may result from a blocked solar plexus chakra.

Physical Symptoms of a Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra

Digestive Issues

A blocked solar plexus chakra can manifest in the physical body as digestive issues including constipation, gassiness, stomach pains, etc. 

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

IBS might be a symptom of a blocked solar plexus chakra which interferes with the energy in your belly and pelvic area. 

Heart Burn

Some people may experience heart burn as a physical symptom of a blocked solar plexus chakra do to the imbalance of the stomach and digestive tract that may occur.

Weight Gain

Unexplained and unmanageable weight gain may be a sign of an unbalanced solar plexus chakra which interferes with your metabolism.

Pancreas, Liver, or Colon Issues

The pancreas, liver, and colon, all in the immediate surrounding area of the solar plexus chakra may exhibit symptoms of distress when the solar plexus chakra is blocked. 

Eating Disorder

Since an unbalanced solar plexus chakra interferes with digestion and metabolism, it may lead to a less intuitive relationship with food – possibly resulting in an eating disorder.

Diabetes

Diabetes, an imbalance in the way that the body processes sugar, could be an indication of a blocked solar plexus chakra.

Constipation

Another symptom of digestive issues, constipation may be a sign that you have a blocked solar plexus chakra.

Fatigue

The solar plexus chakra is responsible for providing intrinsic motivation and willpower, when it is blocked, you may experience extreme fatigue and lethargy.

Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers are an extreme example of a possible manifestation of a blocked manipura chakra – occurring due to the lack of energy flow in the abdominal area. 

Emotional Symptoms of a Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra

Low Self-Esteem

The solar plexus chakra is largely responsible for our sense of identity and inner strength, when it is blocked, we may feel insecure and experience low self esteem.

Aggression

Aggression is a symptom often associated with an imbalanced solar plexus chakra. Anger and aggression are often signs of insecurity and a lack of a strong sense of self – two feelings that may result form a third chakra imbalance.

Neediness

When we are disconnected from our inner power and sense of control, we feel the need to latch on to other people for a sense of safety. This can lead to neediness when the manipura chakra is blocked.

Control Issues

Feeling out of control due to a blocked solar plexus chakra can lead to looking for a sense of control in odd places since it’s not coming naturally from within. This may result in new control issues manifesting when the third chakra is unbalanced.

Victim Mentality

A victim mentality means that one is quick to believe the world is out to get them and that they always get the short end of the stick. This is more likely to happen when we lost our internal sense of control which can happen when the manipura chakra is blocked.

Lack of Identity

If you feel detached from any sense of identity about who you are now and who you want to become in the future, it could be a sign that your solar plexus chakra is blocked – disconnecting you from your inner self. 

Perfectionism

Perfectionism is often a symptom of feeling insecure or out of control – two very possible side effects of a blocked manipura chakra.

How to unblock The solar plexus chakra

To unblock your solar plexus chakra, you may consider using meditation, yoga, certain foods, essential oils, affirmations, and crystals.If you recognize some or all of the symptoms of a blocked solar plexus chakra, it may be time to do some chakra therapy. There are lots of effective ways to open a blocked solar plexus chakra. Some of the most powerful tools are things you can even adopt into your daily life.

Meditation

Meditation is one of the best ways to balance a blocked chakra. Meditation allows us to go within our own bodies and release energy blockages wherever they are happening.

To enter a chakra meditation, you may consider listening to soothing sounds like a sound bath, meditation bowls, or soft melodic music. Notices what each of your senses is experiencing then gently bring your attention to flow of your breath, in and out of your body. When you’re ready, bring your attention to the inside of your body and scan gently over your body with love and interest. Remember not to try to bully your body into healing. With patience, you will eventually be able to bring your attention to the location of any chakra, in this case the solar plexus chakra, and encourage the energy there to begin moving and flowing in its natural state.

Some people like to imagine a light, the color of the chakra, in this case yellow, expanding in the space of the chakra. As the light glows bigger and brighter, feel your internal energy begin to expand and flow with it.

Yoga Poses

Practicing yoga asanas, or poses, is a great way to release any stuck energy in your body and encourage your chakra system to flow freely. Some yoga asanas that are specifically thought to help unblock the solar plexus chakra include boat pose, warrior pose, and sun salutations. Practicing these yoga poses regularly can help you feel more grounded and confident.

Boat Pose

Warrior Pose

Sun Salutations

Solar Plexus Chakra Foods

Foods that may help to unblock the solar plexus chakra include sunflower seeds, whole grains, black pepper, and yellow foods like yellow peppers, yellow lentils, corn, bananas, and pineapples. Since the solar plexus chakra is considered the “yellow chakra,” foods that are the same color vibrate at the same frequency of this chakra. Food is a powerful tool in supporting your body and energy – after all, we are what we eat!

Each of the chakras is associated with its own color of the rainbow. “Eating the rainbow” as they call eating a variety of colors in your diet, is a great way to support the health of all seven chakras.

Essential Oils

Essential oils can be a great ally in connecting with your body and your higher self. A few essential oils that may be helpful in opening the solar plexus chakra include sandalwood, black pepper, and lemongrass. Each of these essential oils has unique properties that can help align your third energy center.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is traditionally used to help treat digestive and urinary issues – both of which are housed in the domain of the solar plexus chakra. Sandalwood is commonly thought to have a grounding affect, helping to heal disrupted energy of the third chakra.

Black Pepper

​A blocked solar plexus chakra can leave us feeling fatigued and unmotivated. Black pepper essential oil has the power to energize the mind and give us the boost we need to tap back into our intrinsic energy.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass has traditionally been used to help treat gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and nausea. It’s also thought to help relieve anxiety. Lemongrass essential oil may be able to resonate with the natural energy of the solar plexus chakra and help relieve an energetic blockage.

Solar Plexus Chakra Mantra

The “rung” or “ram” mantra is associated with the solar plexus chakra and chanting this mantra may help connect with the natural flow of this energy center.

Crystals

Again, being the yellow chakra, it stands to reason that yellow crystals my make for powerful solar plexus chakra stones. A few crystals that may help open the solar plexus chakra are citrine, amber, and tiger’s eye. These yellow gemstones resonate with the natural energy of the navel chakra.

Citrine

Citrine is such a gorgeous, lustrous gem that captures the essence of sunshine within it. Citrine is thought to help banish negativity and improve confidence. 

Amber

Amber is created in the womb of the earth by resin, the blood of trees, and sunshine. It’s no wonder that this stone carries ancient wisdom and grounding powers. Amber represents the potential energy of your solar plexus chakra.

Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s Eye gets its name from a proud and powerful creature: the tiger. The energy of this stone can help you harness your own personal power and confidence – balancing the raw potential of your solar plexus chakra.

Breathing Exercises

Practicing basic breathing exercises is a great way to relax your nervous system and allow your body to return to a sense of safety and well-being. From this sense of security and flowing energy, it’s easier to open your solar plexus chakra.

One of my favorite breathing exercises is the simple Box Breathing Technique. With this technique, you simply take a deep breath in for four beats, hold for four beats, exhale for four beats, hold for four beats, and repeat. 

As you do the Box breathing Technique and you begin to feel more relaxed, you may begin to visualize the energy in your solar plexus area becoming more vibrant and free-flowing. With time, this practice can help to unblock the third chakra. Us this technique as necessary.

Tap Into Your Creativity

Creativity is often thought of as a direct line to our higher selves. To restore your solar plexus chakra to its natural bright, sunshiny yellow energy, you may consider spending a little time doing something creative. Whether it’s cooking, painting, dancing, writing, etc, you may be able to restore some of your confidence and self-esteem through creative endeavors. 

Solar Plexus Chakra Affirmations

Positive affirmations are a great way to tap into your subconscious mind and make lasting change to your well-being. A good solar plexus affirmation is one that grounds you in your sense of self and reminds you that you are capable and powerful. For a longer list of powerful solar plexus chakra affirmations and a guide to create your own, check out this article: 25 Affirmations Proven To Unblock Your Solar Plexus Chakra.

Here are a six of my favorite solar plexus chakra affirmations.

1. I am becoming more of who I’m mean to be every day.

2. I am capable and worthy of achieving my dreams.

3. I am proud of what makes me unique.

4. I am supported by the universe in becoming who I’m meant to be.

5. I have an endless supply of energy to draw from in pursuit of my dreams.

6. My purpose is becoming more clear to me every day.

Symptoms of solar plexus chakra opening

Physical Symptoms of Solar Plexus Chakra Opening

Getting the shakes (at first)

Feeling nauseous (at first)

More energy throughout the day

Healthy digestive system

Appropriate hunger and satiety

Emotional Symptoms of Solar Plexus Chakra Opening

Strong Sense of Personal Identity

The solar plexus chakra is our source of personal identity and intrinsic power. When it is open, you will likely feel a strong sense of personal identity.

Improved Confidence

When your solar plexus chakra opens are you feel a sense of personal power and control over your life, you will likely feel much more confidence and sure of yourself.

Healthy Boundaries

An improved sense of confidence and personal power make it much easier to know your boundaries and to maintain them rather than succumbing to someone else’s desires.

Feeling Self-Sufficient

The opposite of the neediness that comes from a blocked solar plexus chakra is a feeling of self-sufficiency and confidence in your abilities.

Balanced Mood

A feeling of lack of control can lead to drastic mood swings as you navigate the world. An open solar plexus chakra allows for a more balanced mood and temper since you don’t feel desperate to regain control in your life.

A Sense of Purpose and Direction

Since the solar plexus chakra is the seat of identity and purpose, when it is open and balanced, you will likely feel a strong sense of purpose and direction in your life.

Motivation

Motivation has to come from within. When your solar plexus chakra is open and you’ve regained an internal rather than an external locus of control, you’ll likely notice that you have more energy and motivation to move towards your goals.