The Solar Plexus Chakra, known as Manipura in Sanskrit, is the third of the seven primary chakras. It is located in the upper abdomen, around the area of the diaphragm just below the ribcage. A yellow ten-petaled lotus flower often symbolizes it.

The Solar Plexus is also known as the Celiac Plexus in the medical community. It’s a complex network of nerves and ganglia. The Solar Plexus is part of the sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for many bodily functions, including regulating the abdominal organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, and mediating the body’s stress response.

Functions: The Sacral Chakra is associated with self-esteem, confidence, and motivation. When balanced, we find ourselves with healthy determination and the ability to achieve our goals. When overactive, we may become aggressive domineering, struggle with perfectionism, or have an excessive need for control. When underactive, we might have low self-esteem, lack confidence, or have difficulty with assertiveness or making decisions.

Health and Wellness: Physically, this chakra is associated with the digestive system and our ability to metabolize and process food.

Yoga Poses That Affect The Solar Plexus Chakra

Yoga poses that engage the core and build strength effectively balance and energize the solar plexus chakra. Here are some yoga poses that target these areas:

Boat Pose (Navsana)

This powerful pose strengthens the core muscles, including the rectus abdominus, transverse abdominous, obliques, hip flexors, and erector spine. It also builds stability and balance.

Plank Pose (Phalakasana)

Plank poses have all sorts of fun and challenging variations. They all work to build
overall core strength and stability help foster a sense of power and determination.

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana)

This backbend opens the front of the body and strengthens the core, enhancing energy and confidence. To really target your back-body core muscles, try a variation where your hands float instead of grabbing your ankles.

Half Lord of the Fishes Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana)

This beginner’s friendly twist stimulates the abdominal organs, builds flexibility in the spine, and energizes the solar plexus.

Biblical Parallels to the Focus of the Solar Plexus Chakra

The Bible doesn’t talk much about self-confidence; instead, it exhorts us to put our confidence in the Lord. It emphasizes that true confidence and strength come from God rather than oneself. Through this ultimate confidence in him, we will have an outpouring of confidence and motivation to handle our days and responsibilities. Self-worth and strength are derived from our relationship with God rather than self-reliance or pride.

Scriptures

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. Jeremiah 17:7

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Suggested Breath Prayer

Inhale: Lord, I humble myself before you
Exhale: Let your will be done today

Suggested Affirmations

• God is with me wherever I go
• The Lord is my strength
• I am more than a conqueror through God, who loves me
• The Holy Spirit is transforming me to look more and more like Jesus
• I trust in the Lord
• I have nothing to fear with God by my side
• I can do all things through Christ
• I am God’s handiwork

Journaling and Prayer Prompts for the Solar Plexus Chakra

• Reflect on a time when I trusted God to get me through a challenging situation.
• How do I understand my identity as a child of God?
• What areas in my life do I need to surrender to the Lord?
• How do I demonstrate humility daily?
• When I look at my life, do I find myself conforming to the world, or am I being transformed by the renewing of my mind?

The Solar Plexus plays a vital role in our physical well-being and emotional and spiritual health. By understanding its functions and imbalances and engaging in yoga and prayer practices, we can nurture confidence and courage, all rooted in our faith. When assessing these areas of our lives in light of scripture, we are reminded that true strength and confidence come from a deep connection with God.

If you’re interested in trying Christian Yoga try my free beginners series on my YouTube channel.