Curious About The Solar Plexus Chakra? Here's What It Is, Signs Of An Imbalance, How To Unblock It & More

Chakras are the primary energy centers of our body, and when they're flowing freely, we tend to feel light and well. When one is blocked, however, we can feel off in a range ways, depending on which chakra isn't flowing.

The solar plexus chakra (aka manipura) is the third chakra, located in the upper abdomen. It's related to themes like self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem and develops between the ages of 15 and 21.

When this chakra is balanced and flowing, you feel confident, empowered, and a general sense of freedom. When it's blocked, you may feel shame, self-doubt, or hopelessness. Or, as world-renowned integrative medicine and spirituality expert Deepak Chopra puts it, "When this center is open and flowing, you are capable of translating your intentions and desires into manifestation. When it is blocked, you feel frustrated and ineffectual."

According to naturopathic doctor and nurse practitioner Erica Matluck, N.D., N.P., we often run into problems with our solar plexus when we're carrying a wound of shame, so "we must move from judgment to worthiness." Self-acceptance is about "identifying all the things we judge ourselves harshly for and welcoming them back in," she says, adding that all the things we judge others for are reflections of the parts of ourselves in hiding, as well.

When your solar plexus chakra is lacking energy or flow, you may be holding yourself back. According to Matluck, shame is alive somewhere in your unconscious, "and it's obstructing your unlimited potential." But when you heal this wound, she says, your limiting belief systems dissolve and you realize that your vulnerabilities and imperfections are the things that draw people and opportunities toward you.

Have no fear if your solar plexus chakra seems to be imbalanced—you absolutely can bring it back into equilibrium. As Matluck previously wrote for mindbodygreen, "The healing path involves identifying and addressing the solar plexus wound so we can transcend it and move into the "gift frequency" of the chakra."

And to do so, she says, it takes a lot of self-acceptance. "It's really a re-evaluation of who you are. Instead of thinking of these parts of ourselves as limitations, can we make them our gifts?" she explains, noting that the more you accept yourself, the more worthy you become. "You cannot create anything in your life that you do not believe you are worthy of, so this path is essential to growth," Matluck adds.

Pranayama, or breath control, is a way of breathing in a specific pattern for a specific purpose. One pranayama, called breath of fire is a kundalini yoga practice that is powered by the solar plexus, making it a great choice for solar plexus work.

Different crystals and stones have vibratory qualities that resonate with each of the chakras, making them an excellent tool to work with if you're looking to unblock or balance a particular chakra(s).

Another way to work with the solar plexus chakra is to take a healing ritual bath, according to crystal expert Deborah Haugen. She recommends this ritual bath specifically for the solar plexus: