How To Open Your Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra, also called Manipura, is center of strength and balance, both physical and emotional. When this chakra is open and the energy flows unhindered, it is responsible for a balanced self-esteem, willpower, and a strong sense of self. Opening the solar plexus chakra can take time and work, but there are some easy ways to get started and speed the process along.

Use Healing Stones To Open Your Solar Plexus Chakra

The chakras are each tied to certain stones, and bringing those stones into your life can help heal them. Chakra healing stones can be worn as jewelry, held during meditation or carried in a pocket. Some people place them on their work desk or under their pillows at night.

The solar plexus chakra is associated with the color yellow, and with yellow gemstones. These include:

• citrine
• amber
• sunstone
• yellow jasper
• golden tiger eye
• yellow jade
• golden calcite
• yellow topaz

Opening the Solar Plexus Chakra With Healing Foods

Certain foods can be used to heal the solar plexus chakra. Adding these to your diet or increasing the amount you eat can help activate your chakra. The following foods are associated with Manipura:

• squash
• sweet potatoes
• pumpkins
• lentils
• yellow and orange peppers
• lemons
• corn
• yellow pears
• golden apples
• brown rice
• oats
• spelt

Healing The Third Chakra with Daily Affirmations

Affirmations are a simple, useful tool that can open up your solar plexus chakra. These can be said at a certain time every day, or at various times throughout the day. Many people write them down and put them in noticeable places to remind themselves. Starting the day with affirmations can put you in the right frame of mind without having to spend a lot of time on meditation exercises.

Since the solar plexus chakra is closely tied with strength and a healthy sense of self, affirmations that focus on self-acceptance and boundaries are most useful. Some sample affirmations include:

• I love and accept myself.
• I respect and honor myself.
• I can achieve anything I desire.
• I believe in myself.
• I deserve to be loved and respected by those around me.

How to Open the Solar Plexus Chakra with Essential Oils

Essential oils are an easy, subtle way to open your solar plexus chakra. They can be worn as perfume if diluted properly, or used in oil diffusers. A few drops in a hot bath can provide a relaxing location for meditation.

The essential oils associated with Manipura are generally warm and a bit spicy. They include:

• chamomile
• lemon
• ginger
• black pepper
• cinnamon
• clove

Simple Meditation Exercises for Healing The Third Chakra

Meditation is one of the most effective ways to activate your chakras. Short, simple meditation exercises can work well, especially for those who struggle with longer meditation. Since the goal is to have an opened and activated solar plexus chakra, try imagining a bright yellow flower opening above your navel. A glowing golden ball of light or a burning flame are also good meditations for opening Manipura. Imagine those for a few minutes at a time throughout the day while taking deep, calming breaths.

People with an unbalanced solar plexus chakra may be unable to set boundaries, be unable to accept criticism and fear rejection. Learn more about how to heal your third chakra.

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