The Solar Plexus Chakra – The Warrior Within

Understanding the Solar Plexus Chakra- Pump Up Your Personal Power!

The Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) is of great importance in every Reiki session. It lies in the area of your upper tummy, under the chest and above the belly button. And this is a big fat chakra! At its best, it is one of the most beautiful, radiant chakras, spinning away happily in its glorious sunny-colored hues. Its owner is happy, aligned with his or her purpose, fair to everyone including themselves, balanced in every way.

So, as you can guess, I don’t get to see a perfectly balanced Solar Plexus Chakra too often, as we all seem to have problems with ourselves!

The Manipura Chakra also dictates whether you are an active, manic or laid back person and where you sit with yourself and your world.

The Functions of the Solar Plexus Chakra

What Does the Solar Plexus Chakra Control Physically?

Physically, there is loads going on in the Solar Plexus area. You’ve got your stomach, your pancreas, your spleen, your gall bladder, your kidneys, and your liver, all working away in your Solar Plexus digestive factory!

From an energy point of view, the balance of this chakra is very important. It is the seat of your personal power, your ego, your confidence, and contains the keys for transformation.

The Emotions Linked to the Solar Plexus Chakra

Emotionally, the solar plexus chakra governs everything to do about how you feel about yourself:  self-esteem, willpower, decision-making, and inner strength. When balanced, this chakra empowers action, trust in oneself, and manifestation. However, an imbalance can lead to self-doubt, hesitation, laziness, indecisiveness, procrastination, or even an overbearing or narcissistic personality. And frankly, that’s just the start of the list.

This comprehensive Solar Plexus Chakra guide will explore your warrior within, the effects of modern life, some scientific research on gut health, and how to reclaim your personal power and manifest your dreams and desires. As you can imagine, it didn’t take me long to write! In fact, it took me so long, that I had to turn it into 2 blogs!!

The Warrior Within You – The Power of the Solar Plexus Chakra

A true warrior embodies balance. They have the confidence and self-assurance to step up and fight, but only for a cause that truly aligns with their values. A great warrior stands to protect those they love, upholding honor, integrity, and courage while balancing compassion and wisdom. But most of all, they are the ultimate truth of themselves—strong, fully aligned with their own values and purpose in life. They are wise and fair.

The Solar Plexus Chakra fuels this warrior spirit, empowering individuals to stand strong in their convictions, take decisive action, and defend what is right while maintaining a true senses of fairness and empathy. It charges the energy to make things happen. When this chakra is balanced, one acts from wisdom, not ego; from courage, not recklessness, fear or underlying cunningness.

A warrior does not let fear dictate their path. Instead, they acknowledge it, act despite it, and remain centered in the storm. They embody independence and leadership, guiding others with wisdom while maintaining self-discipline. They train mind, body, and energy, ensuring they are prepared for any challenge.

They negotiate fairly in life, knowing when to put others needs first and when to favour their own needs first.  The Solar Plexus Chakra is the core of this fire, and when balanced, it fuels self-belief, rightful action, and resilience.

Go Xena, Warrior Princess!

Modern-Day Warriors: Overcoming Challenges

While warriors of the past fought physical battles (and some still do), most of us modern warriors fight both internal and external battles—overcoming self-doubt, fear, and external pressure. The choices we have in our modern day life are also numerous. It is often a real challenge to achieve the perfect balance between mind, body and spirit. We are also constantly bombarded with new information, choices and decisions to make. It’s actually hardly any wonder that people find it hard to cope!

The Symptoms of an Unbalanced Solar Plexus Chakras- Which One Have You Got?

If you haven’t got an unbalanced Chakra now, give me a call. I’d love to meet you! And if you haven’t got one now, you will have had one at some point in the past. Well done for healing on your journey!

Do you have a tendency to be impatient, anxious, or do you find motivation or manifestation difficult? Discover your Solar Plexus Chakra Type in this next section!

Symptoms of a Blocked Solar Plexus Chakra

When this chakra is underactive (spinning more slowly than it should be) or blocked, energy does not flow freely, leading to:

Emotional Symptoms;

• Low self-esteem and self-doubt

• Lack of motivation, direction, hesitation and/or procrastination.

• Fear of taking risks or standing up for yourself

• Feeling powerless, stuck, or controlled by others

• Struggles with decision-making, excessive worry, or overthinking.

  
  

Physical Symptoms:

• Digestive issues (bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation)

• Chronic fatigue or sluggish metabolism

• Weak immune system

• Overeating/binge eating, a lack of willingness or a feeling of being blocked to lose weight

• Fat accumulation around the stomach, acting as an energetic shield against emotional pain

Symptoms of an Overactive Solar Plexus Chakra

When overactive, a fast spinning Solar Plexus Chakra floods the system with excessive energy, leading to:

Emotional Symptoms:

• Overconfidence, pride, arrogance, paranoia and/or controlling tendencies

• Perfectionism, OCD, pettiness and fear of failure

• Impatience and difficulty delegating tasks

• Excessive competitiveness or a need to dominate conversations

• Short temper, aggression, or an intolerance of opposing viewpoints

• Downright rudeness or inconsideration because “I know best.”

Physical Symptoms:

• Acid reflux, ulcers, and digestive discomfort, loose stools

• Anxiety, skipping meals, Anorexia, Bulemia.

• High blood pressure and stress-related conditions

• Insomnia, need for little sleep and general restlessness

People with a fast spinning Chakra tend to be active people who need lots of exercise to help them keep their Chakra balanced. People with a slow spinning Chakra have to motivate themselves more to do sport, and may go for periods feeling a lack of self satisfaction, going on diets and so forth.

When the Solar Plexus Chakra is out of balance it also frequently points to a lack of self-care or a denial that anything needs to be done or can be done in a given situation. This will often get worse until the person is either forced to face facts and do something about it, or something happens to promote the healing process.

Empaths: Absorbing Other Peoples' Energy

People who are empathic often naturally add to their Solar Plexus problems by taking on energy from the outside world. Empaths can have an underactive or overactive Solar Plexus chakra, and may be particular about the kinds of people/animals or situations they empathise with. However, when they empathise, they effectively take on some of the energy and often the pain of these people/animals/situations and absorb this themselves. This energy then tends to sit in the Solar Plexus Chakra and amplify their own Solar Plexus energy.

If this gets really out of hand, the Empath feels more concern and care about the people/animals/situations then they do about themselves. And this is where Solar Plexus related health problems can really start setting in.

Can You Have a Blocked and a Fast-Spinning Solar Plexus Chakra?

Yes indeed! A Solar Plexus chakra can be both blocked and spinning too fast and this is a dangerous imbalance.  leading to:

• Fluctuating between deep insecurity and moments of extreme confidence (possibly after having consumed alcohol or other substances)

• Emotional burnout, anxiety or panic attacks, nervous system overload

• Adrenal fatigue and exhaustion, deep seated unhappiness

• Overdrive in decision-making, followed by collapse and inability to act.

The Solar Plexus Chakra and Addictions

After that lot, it probably comes as no surprise to learn that the Solar Plexus Chakra is also the Seat of our Addictions.

A few drinks to calm yourself down and make yourself feel better? Another coffee to pep you up? Hooked on Nicotine or worse? You may even be hooked on sport! Addictions are your body's way of grabbing at straws to try and help this Chakra and these fixes do work- temporarily. Addictions are the easy option to follow to begin with essentially because you are not working on healing your Solar plexus Chakra in other ways. 

The initial cause of an addiction may also concern other chakras such as the Root Chakra or Throat Chakra. However our ability to heal our addictions comes purely from the Solar Plexus Chakra and is related to the willpower we have and how much personal power we can muster to overcome a particular addiction.

Scientific Facts and The Solar Plexus Chakra

The basis of Reiki is the healing of the Mind, Body and Spirit. These three elements work in symbiosis with one another. In the work I do, healing trauma and emotional issues is the essence of healing the Mind, the Spirit, and then finally, the Body. It can take a few Reiki sessions to get to the Physical healing because often, the issues began with the emotions and the damage those have caused, which usually need to be healed first.

Now, this Mind Body Spirit combination is interesting for this Chakra, as Science has only in recent years woken up to the fact that our emotions and our digestive system are inextricably linked in multiple ways.

The Solar Plexus Chakra & The Gut-Brain Connection

The gut-brain connection is a scientifically proven link between gut health and emotional well-being. Modern neuroscience now confirms that the gut is home to over 100 million neurons, forming what is often referred to as the “second brain”—the enteric nervous system. This network communicates directly with the brain through the gut-brain axis, influencing mood, emotional resilience, and cognitive function.

Lets also not forget that over 90% of serotonin—the “happiness hormone”—is produced in the gut, not the brain. 

• Studies show that individuals with high stress levels experience more gut-related issues, such as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) acid reflux, food allergies and sensitivities, all  of which are linked to Solar Plexus Chakra imbalances.

  
  

• When the Solar Plexus Chakra is blocked, serotonin production can decrease, leading to anxiety and depression (and I do mean real depression).

  
  

• Likewise, when the Solar Plexus Chakra is overactive, serotonin levels also go awry, leading to a feeling of highs and lows that can be extremely fatiguing and result in burnout.

  
  

• Studies confirm that high cortisol levels (the stress hormone that causes fight or flight response) causes issues with digestion, metabolism, and emotional balance. Cortisol is produced by your adrenal glands which sit on top of your kidneys. Yep, you got it, in your Solar Plexus.

  
  

• We often say “trust your gut” or “follow your gut feeling”. This turns out to be true too, as we can think with our gut neurons! (I want to know how our ancestors knew that, though?)

  
  

• Our second brain ENS system communicates directly with the brain via the gut-brain axis, influencing our moods, decision-making, and stress responses.

Overthinking and Lack of Intuition Disconnects Us From the Gut

In today’s digital age, we spend more time looking at screens than connecting with our gut instincts. The Solar Plexus Chakra, being the seat of intuition, diminishes in strength when people ignore their gut instincts in favor of over-relying on external information, social validation, or logic (brain) based decisions.

Scientific research from Harvard Medical School states that chronic overthinking and decision paralysis increase stress hormones, which negatively affect both the digestive system and emotional well-being.

People who spend excessive time using screens, overanalyzing decisions, and living in their minds rather than their bodies experience weakened gut intelligence.

This is one reason why people are suffering from stress and worry. They are using their brains (the mental) and not their gut! (The inner feelings/intuition).

Latest Research on Gut Health, Depression and Confidence

Studies show that people with depression and anxiety often have an imbalanced gut microbiome, leading to poor serotonin production, increased inflammation, and reduced mental clarity. The fact is though that often Depression is linked to some kind of eating disorder and when you have low self esteem, you often feed yourself with what is bad for you to try and raise your morale. Or skip a meal or two. Or three.

Rather than going into more Solar Plexus related diseases like Diabetes, Allergies and Intolerances, Crohns Disease, IBS, and many others, I will put them into a separate blog and also tell you more about Depression in that one too.

So.  Now, lets talk about….

The Childhood Development of the Solar Plexus Chakra

The Manipura chakra develops between the ages of 18 months to 4 years old when as children, we first begin asserting our independence, express personal preferences, and develop a sense of self.

The development of this Chakra will depend on several factors, including how much a child is molly-coddled, ignored, maltreated or left to their own devices.

If a child is frequently discouraged, criticised, excessively controlled, or made to feel powerless, the Solar Plexus Chakra may develop blockages that result in:

• Low self-esteem and self-doubt in adulthood. Shyness. Addictions.

• A feeling of being maladjusted or out of place. Recklessness.

• Fear of making decisions and second-guessing oneself.

• A tendency to seek approval from others instead of trusting one’s own instincts.

·      

Children who are constantly praised for their achievements (but not necessarily for who they are) may develop an overactive Solar Plexus Chakra, leading to them being a perfectionist, OCD, even becoming a narcissist later in life. This includes parents who keep saying, “Well done, (name of child)," and praising them when they have done normal things that most people would consider do not merit praise.

The same parents might then ignore the child, if they consider they merit some "me time"without the kids. Buying things to shut a child up, constant treats and over-adoration despite clear signs that the child is disfunctional, can also come into this category. If you know a child who is loud, demanding or has temper outbursts when they dont get their own way, they will no dpubt have a fast spinning Solar Plexus Chakra that needs help!

A well-balanced Solar Plexus Chakra in childhood creates strong, confident, and emotionally resilient adults. Blame it partially on the parents!

  

 Symbolism and Color of the Solar Plexus Chakra

The Solar Plexus Chakra is associated with the color yellow, representing energy, intellect, and personal empowerment. Yellow is also linked to happiness and optimism, but when the Solar Plexus Chakra is imbalanced, this color can symbolize fear, and hesitation.

In many cultures, yellow has dual meanings—it can represent a sunny interior, brightness, intelligence, and confidence, but it is also the color of cowardice and uncertainty. This mirrors the duality of an imbalanced Solar Plexus Chakra, which can manifest as either self-empowerment or fear-driven avoidance.

Symbol of the Solar Plexus Chakra

The traditional symbol of the Solar Plexus Chakra is a ten-petaled lotus flower, representing the ten pranas (vital life forces) that govern the body. This concerns the energy from air, sunlight, food and water that we can use to regulate the body. At its center of the symbol is an inverted triangle, which signifies the transformative power of fire, the element associated with Manipura. This fire energy fuels confidence, motivation, and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities.

How to Heal Your Solar Plexus Chakra

Strengthening Your Inner Warrior

As well as eating and drinking well to keep your digestive system healthy, here are some Chakra healing tips for you to heal your Solar Plexus chakra and keep your warrior within beautifully balanced:

1.    Sound Healing & Frequency Therapy

Feeding your Solatr Plexus Chakra with music:

• The mantra “RAM” resonates with this chakra.

• The musical note “E” stimulates balance.

• Instruments such as the violin, guitar, and harmonium can help regulate this chakra.

  
  

2. Color Therapy & Crystal Healing For the Solar Plexus Chakra

• Wear yellow clothing to reinforce your Solar Plexus energy.

• Use yellow and gold-hued crystals such as citrine, amber, tiger’s eye, and yellow topaz to regulate the Chakra.

  
  

3. Fire Element Activation

• Spend time in the sunlight to absorb natural fire energy.

• Light a candle while meditating to activate your inner warrior energy.

  
  

4. Foods to Nourish the Solar Plexus Chakra

• Eat yellow foods such as bananas, pineapples, corn, and turmeric ( unless you are allergic to them!)

• Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut restore gut balance and energy flow. (unless you are sensitive to those too).

• The Solar Plexus Chakra is fed by grains, which is why many people have grain intolerances. For those who are tolerant- whole grain delights this Chakra. For those who are not, I will cover this in a separate blog.

• Mindful eating allows you to absorb high-vibrational energy from your food.

  
  

5. Reiki For Solar Plexus Healing

• Consider Reiki sessions to regulate the chakra, clear blockages, rebalance the emotions and restore balance.

• Visualize a golden sun spinning in your Solar Plexus area during meditation or as you sleep, or simply think of the colour gold.

• Connect to your Chakra by being present in your tummy and listening to your intuition, rather than just being in your mind (Tips for doing so also in this blog)

Final Thoughts: Step Into Your Power, You Warrior, You!

Your Solar Plexus Chakra is the key to confidence, motivation, and personal power. When balanced, you feel strong, decisive, and ready to create your destiny. However, an imbalance can lead to fear and hesitation, making it essential to nurture this chakra through awareness, nutrition, and energy healing.

For those struggling with stress-related health conditions, low self-esteem, or digestive disorders, Reiki healing can really help regulate these areas and help you heal.

Simply Book a Reiki energy healing session with me to clear your Solar Plexus blockages, restore balance, make you feel uplifted, happier and feel better fast!

I’ve had enough of this blog now. I’m off to eat some bananas and wholemeal bread! 💙

Your Solar Plexus Chakra- So important for your well being!