Energy is found in everyone and everything. Harnessing it from mother earth is integral to the health of mind, body, and spirit. Cultivating it is not only fun but truly palpable. Anyone that performs Reiki, as well as anyone on the receiving end of the experience, can testify to this. The Manipura chakra is the third chakra and is located right behind the navel, therefore this energy area is also called our navel center, or solar plexus.
“Each side of the solar plexus symbol’s triangle has a T-shaped arm stemming from the middle. This is a variation of the Hindu swastika, which is an ancient holy symbol that represents the sun. The red triangle is located in the center of a yellow circle surrounded by 10 darker petals, which calls to mind the lotus flower.” [1].
Every chakra comes with it areas of focus and strength, and when we are out of balance they also come with feelings of lack and imbalance. Let’s see what those might look like.
In balance, the solar plexus charka brings clarity and centers on self. Self-confidence, self-assurance, self-care, and self-worth. Some others might say this chakra is connected to the spirit when in balance, and ego when out of balance. Out of balance may also bring feelings of being a victim of life, where you think life is happening to you, not for you. In the more tangible aspects of health, the sacral chakra focuses on our digestion, so it governs our digestive organs and our pancreas. So if really out of sorts here, the possibilities are digestive issues, which can vary in severity, and trouble balancing blood sugar. This is an issue that would warrant immediate attention.
Now, on the flip side, a very strong sacral chakra is integral for health. It is our seat of power. Energy flowing freely here brings us brilliant vitality.
When we look at how the energy of the body, our thoughts, and our imbalances ultimately affect our overall health, we can begin to see how placing focus solely in one area is not ideal for our overall well-being.
I performed a practice in school that I like to revisit to this day called the ‘Wheel of Life’. There are varying wheels online, but I am going to share what I used, from the book Business Mastery by Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe [3].
I have attached the wheel as a printable PDF so that you can see where you may need to place focus, and for future use as well.
Its purpose is helping you to evaluate where you might need focus in your life to help bring about more balance. The center of the wheel is the least desired point to be, and the outside of the circle is the most desired point. Honestly evaluate each area and place a point on the line of where you are currently, not where you wish to be. Now, connect the dots. The idea is to have as close to a symmetrical circle as possible, not a starburst of sorts. The object is to now work in your life to bring more balance to the wheel. I usually do this practice every six months or so. It is a great tool to assist in our balance of the sacral chakra, and harmony overall.
Crystals and Stones
Quartz is a great choice for the energy channels of the body, specifically smoky quartz for the sacral chakra [4]. Utilizing quartz while meditating is quite effective.
Tiger’s eye is my second recommendation. Utilize this mineral when seeking clarity. Melody states that tiger’s eye contains solar energy, which can be beneficial to enhancing our intuition [5].
Essential Oils
There are a number of essential oils that can help bring about balance and clarity when addressing our navel center.
Plant Therapy has a blend that not only smells amazing but also it focuses energy right on our solar plexus [6]. The blend includes Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardomomum), Davana (Artemisia pallens), and Grapefruit Pink (Citrus paradisi). It is called Self-Manifestation.
Other essential oils that provide support include Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), and Rosemary (all varieties). (Not all inclusive)
The Chakra Series: Our Navel Center/Manipura
Affirmations
Affirmations can be said during a tough time, placed on Post-it® notes around the home or in your car, or spoken right before bed or upon awakening. A few affirmations that suit the solar plexus are:
-I make my voice heard with clarity and authenticity.
-I am always free to express myself in healthy, positive ways.
-I can achieve my goals with courage and confidence.
-Personal power is mine. I take action and accomplish all things in good time.
This is a good start to get you on your way to balancing the solar plexus chakra. Take some time every day to visualize the chakra spinning freely in all its glory to support you on your path to feeling secure, and well on your way to greatness. <3
****ATTENTION****
Photo credit: Just Breathe Aromatherapie
A fellow friend and colleague who owns Just Breathe Aromatherapie, has created beautiful chakra cards and essential oil blends to correspond to each chakra.You can find the information here. If you are just looking for the cards and would like to do your own blending, you can do that as well..find that here.
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
References
[1] The solar plexus chakra symbol. Retrieved from http://www.chakras.info/solar-plexus-chakra-symbol/
[2] Lotus flower symbolism. Retrieved from https://www.lotusflowermeaning.net/symbolism.php
[3] Sohnen-Moe, C. (2016). Business mastery: A guide for creating a fulfilling, thriving practice, and keeping it successful. Tucson, AZ: Sohnen-Moe Associates.
[4] [5] M. (1995). A kaleidoscope of crystals::update: The reference book describing the metaphysical properties of the mineral kingdom. Wheat Ridge, Co.: Earth-Love Pub. House.
[6] Plant Therapy’s Self Manifestation Blend. https://www.planttherapy.com/self-manifestation-solar-plexus-chakra-essential-oil
