Solar Plexus Chakra

What the solar plexus chakra governs

About two fingers above the navel, at the centre of the body, this chakra is associated with digestive complaints such as ulcers, inflammation, eating disorders and difficulty digesting. Because it stands for the strength of our personality, it is linked to self-confidence and self-respect. It sits where the navel is and is linked to the fire element; it is connected to the eyes. Hunger, thirst and torpor are represented by fire. The fire element's qualities are anger and aggression and its nature is heat; it brings out the will to succeed and the capacity for hard work. It vibrates in yellow. This chakra is linked to the planet Mars and to the signs Aries and Scorpio; its yantra is a triangle and the principle it stands for is combustion. It is the centre of self-confidence, dynamism and will. A person at this level works to gain personal power and recognition; through this centre they find their own social identity.

Signs it is out of balance

Vitality goes out like a spent ember; you become listless, low on motivation and easily discouraged. Physically the classic complaints are: lack of energy, indecision, anger, frustration or a sense of being wronged.

Working with it

The traditional approach combines posture work, breathing, meditation and stones: bloodstone and turquoise are the crystals most often used for the solar plexus chakra. None of this replaces medical treatment - it sits alongside it.