Ever experience that feeling of a knot in your gut or something odd going-on in the pit of your stomach? Ever had the wind knocked out of you? Well, the action’s taking place at the solar plexus, so let’s see what we can see…
But what’s really cool is the third 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.’
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. So what say we take a look at the solar plexus from a creative and healing perspective…
Chakras, Especially the Third
A chakra is believed to be an energy center within our bodies. According to ancient 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 third 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 third chakra includes the muscular system, skin, large intestine, stomach, liver, and more.
But what’s really cool is the third 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 healing target.
Major Woes and Interventions
Okay, let’s chat about the two solar plexus related maladies that got me started on this journey…
- Upper Abdominal Knot: It presents in the midst of difficult and anxious circumstances. However, 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 bipolarity 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 crystals/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.
The healing options are many and varied. Can you come up with more? I mean, surely there have to be alternatives that would be a great fit for you.
A Simple Breathing Technique
If you can’t come up with anything, 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 what it’s holding onto 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 often talk about the liabilities of 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. Those goodies can’t be ignored.
Let’s Wrap It Up
If you’re in the midst of, say, depression, severe panic, any degree of mania, or chronic stress, what’s your take on all of this? Do you see the value in learning about, and exploring, your solar plexus?
Yes, the third chakra: Surely it’s worth a look-see…
All sorts of Chipur mood and anxiety disorder-related articles are here for you. Do those titles.
(Featured image: Wikipedia)
