Ever experience a “knot” in your gut? How ’bout an unusual feeling in the “pit of your stomach?” Ever have the “wind knocked-out of you?” Well, the scene of all the action is the solar plexus – aka the celiac plexus.
Simply put, the solar plexus is a thick cluster of nerves and supporting tissue behind the stomach, just below the diaphragm. Being the largest autonomic nerve center in the abdominal cavity, it manages numerous vital functions – adrenal secretion and intestinal contraction being two.
I became interested in the goings-on of the solar plexus after experiencing the sensation of a chronic knot in between the bottom of my sternum and naval, as well as some poor breathing habits.
Well, let’s have a look at the solar plexus from a very creative and interesting perspective…
In a newsletter several weeks ago, I mentioned something known as a chakra, as I discussed color and emotions.
In review, a chakra (from the Sanskrit – the classical language of India) is an energy center within our bodies. According to tradition, it’s through chakras that life energy flows into, and out of, our auras. So chakras are all about our emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical beings. It’s said we have seven of them.
Well, wouldn’t you just know it, the 3rd chakra is centered at the solar plexus. In Sanskrit, it’s known as Manipura, and its associated color is yellow – its elements, fire and the sun. In addition to the solar plexus, the 3rd chakra includes the muscular system, skin, large intestine, stomach, liver, and others.
But what’s really cool is the 3rd chakra is thought to be involved with power, control, freedom, the ease with which we can be ourselves, self-esteem, personality, ego, and the “mental body.”
And it’s linked with a few things we’re all too familiar with – worry, anxiety, fear, and excitement.
Bingo! We have a connection – and a relief target.
Okay, let’s chat about the two solar plexus related maladies I mentioned early on…
Upper Abdominal Knot – I read it’s referred to as The Knot of I; and, “knot” surprisingly, presents in the midst of difficult and anxious circumstances. For some, it’s there all the time. The knot is thought to be based in self-contraction – a separateness from self and the outside world, as well as an acute sense of fear. This is a phenomenon of what’s called the “body mind.”
Poor Breathing Habits – Those enduring depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder often breathe incorrectly – the diaphragm contracting on inhale and expanding on exhale. This not only robs us of oxygen, but the ability to feel, as well.
Those who are into healing by focusing upon chakras would propose numerous relief techniques. These may include the application of color, light and gemstones to specific areas and acupoints on the body. Also used are candles, wands, prisms, colored fabrics, bath and soap treatments, and colored glasses or lenses. Hydrotherapy and aromatherapy are frequently added to a healing regimen.
But if those don’t grab you, how ’bout this simple breathing technique…
Sitting in a comfortable and centered position, visualize energy being pulled up from below you. Sense it entering your spine and being channeled throughout your body. Now, visualize a beam of healing energy flowing down your head; again, being channeled throughout your body.
Once you’ve accomplished this, visualize yourself stretched out in the sun in a setting that’s comforting to you. You can very much feel the sun pouring its healing rays down upon you. Take yourself to your solar plexus area and visualize it absorbing golden balls of sunlight – providing great and comforting warmth. At the same time, explore a little bit. That’s right, ask your solar plexus area what it’s holding on to and what needs resolution – and silently listen to its response.
And while you’re at it, practice your breathing – gently placing the palm of your hand on your diaphragm, feeling it slowly and surely extending outward as you inhale.
You know, I so often talk about living “neck-up.” Simply, it means doing all one can to stay in their mind in either a conscious or unconscious effort to avoid any sense of living down in their body. And the mission is simple – to avoid the solar plexus, and its wealth of feelings and self-opinions.
So what do you think about all of this, chipur readers? Anything potentially helpful? Maybe you’ve been into this philosophy and method of healing? Why not share?
image courtesy of heart-of-fire-illuminators.com
Hi! I’m Bill White, founder and producer of chipur – and a licensed counselor. Are you looking for one? The miles are irrelevant. Visit my Distance Counseling page. Join the chipur crowd on my free biweekly newsletter emailing list.
