Your solar plexus is a cluster of intertwining nerves that cross paths in a central location just below the sternum (breastbone) and above the diaphragm in the upper abdominal (stomach) area.
"Solar plexus" and "celiac plexus" refer to the same thing and can be used interchangeably. In the Ayurveda healing system and yoga practices, the solar plexus chakra is called Manipura, or the third chakra. The Manipura chakra is associated with fire, personal power, and the sun's yellow energy.
This article explains what you need to know about solar plexus anatomy, how it performs different bodily functions, what causes solar plexus pain, and how to "unblock" your solar plexus using yoga poses or breathing techniques that promote emotional health.
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Solar Plexus Anatomy
The solar plexus is located in the center of the torso along the body's midline at the T12/L2 vertebral level of the thoracic spine. It sits in the upper abdomen near the pancreas and wraps around the roots of the abdominal aorta.
The solar plexus is part of the autonomic nervous system, meaning it is involved in automatic bodily functions like breathing and regulating blood pressure. The solar plexus is a nerve center hub that sends signals between the gut and brain.
Nerves from thesolar plexus are connected with abdominal organs and glands, such as the:
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Gallbladder
- Kidneys
- Spleen
- Stomach
- Intestines
Solar Plexus Function and Spiritual Interpretation
The solar plexus's ability to communicate between the gut and brain is key to survival. Nerve signals from the solar plexus control peristalsis (wave-like contractions that push digestive material through the intestines), which affects how the gastrointestinal (GI) tract digests food. Many digestion-related issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux have links to the solar plexus.
When the body's stress response kicks into fight-or-flight mode, sympathetic branches of the solar plexus inhibit peristalsis and redirect blood flow to skeletal muscles, which disrupts digestion in preparation for running or confronting something threatening. Conversely, the solar plexus's parasympathetic nerves activate whenthe body feels safe and calm. These "rest and digest" nerve fibers promote peristalsis and healthy digestion.
There are ways to hack into the solar plexus and override some of its involuntary responses. For instance, taking a deep diaphragmatic breath followed by a long, slow exhale through pursed lips (as if blowing out lots of candles on a birthday cake) activates the vagus nerve and can soothe a "nervous stomach" via the solar plexus.
If you're feeling unmotivated or lacking gusto, taking quick, shallow breaths with short, forceful exhalations that emulate hyperventilation can trick your sympathetic nervous system into gear and put a "fire in your belly" by activating the sympathetic nerves emanating from the celiac plexus.
Solar Plexus Chakra in the Ayurveda Belief System
In Ayurvedic medicine, the solar plexus chakra is the third chakra in the body's seven-chakra system. It's located below the fourth (heart) chakra. In Sanskrit, the third chakra is called Manipura, which means "city of jewels" or "lustrous gem" because it's associated with the element of fire and the sun's sparkly yellow hue.
What Is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is an ancient system of natural medicine that started in India many millennia ago. In Sanskrit, ayur means "life," and veda means "knowledge." Hence, the direct translation of Ayurveda is "life knowledge" or "science of life."
Prana is a broad term used to describe life-force energy and vital strength that circulates throughout the body. Optimizing prana is key to Ayurveda. All of the chakras are conduits for prana energy. The third chakra is the center of another vital energy called Samana vaya, which facilitates digestion and metabolism.
Solar Plexus Physical Pain Symptoms
In Ayurvedic medicine and yogic practices, "unblocking the solar plexus" or third chakra is a good thing. In this context, removing a solar plexus "block" opens up the body's central energy channel called Sushumna nadi, which allows life-force energy to flow freely through all seven chakras from the spine's base to the head's crown.
According to the Ayurveda belief system, physical pain symptoms of a solar plexus chakra "blockage" can include:
- Indigestion
- IBS
- Heartburn
- Ulcers
- Pancreas issues
- Liver problems
- Colon inflammation (colitis)
Accurately using the words "block" or "unblock" in reference to the solar plexus and pain symptoms varies depending on the context. In Western medicine, a "celiac plexus block" is a medical procedure that deadens nerves in the solar plexus that send pain signals up to the brain from the stomach area and is used to manage chronic upper abdominal pain that doesn't respond to other treatments.
Sometimes, "Blocking" the Solar Plexus Is Good
A celiac plexus block (CPB) can provide pain relief and offset the use of opioids for pain management in people with pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and Crohn's disease.
Managing and Treating Solar Plexus Pain
Treatments will vary depending on the cause of solar plexus pain. For example, if solar plexus pain is caused by blunt force trauma, such as getting the wind knocked out of you during an athletic event, self-care techniques such as icing the affected area, anti-inflammatory medication, and rest can provide relief and promote healing.
More serious medical conditions that cause solar plexus pain, such as pancreatic cancer, are often treated with a celiac plexus block and neurolysis, which help manage and treat upper abdominal pain associated with the solar plexus.
Solar Plexus and Emotional Health
According to Ayurveda belief systems, there's a connection between the solar plexus and emotional health. Anxiety and stress—as well as low self-esteem and feeling powerless—can create solar plexus chakra imbalances that perpetuate these emotions if the third chakra stays blocked.
Breathing exercises are a simple way to balance and heal the solar plexus chakra while also hacking the parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system in this plexus.
If the solar plexus is underactive and you're in a gloomy mood, take short, quick breaths to awaken prana energy, enhance feelings of self-worth, and cultivate an "eye of the tiger" go-getter attitude by activating sympathetic nerves. Ideally, you want to use breathwork to create an energized but not overexcited state of mind by balancing the push-pull mechanisms within your nervous system.
When solar plexus nerves are overactive, and you feel stressed out, take slower breaths with a deep inhale and a longer exhale. Diaphragmatic "belly breathing" activates parasympathetic nerves and calms the nervous system, which triggers the relaxation response and promotes emotional health.
Yoga Poses for a Blocked Solar Plexus
Below are some yoga poses that can activate and balance the solar plexus by opening or "unblocking" the third chakra, which boosts confidence and can help improve overall well-being.
Reverse Plank Pose (Purvottanasana)
Sit on a yoga mat with both legs extended in front of you, your torso erect, and palms on the floor by your hips. Inhale as you lift your upper abdomen and pelvis towards the ceiling while keeping your legs straight and pointing your toes. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths.
Warrior 2 Pose (Virabhadrasana 2)
Stand with feet wide apart and bend one leg until the bent leg’s knee is above its ankle. Twist your torso and extend both arms outwards while looking forward, keeping the other leg straight. Hold for 3 to 5 breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Boat Pose (Navasana)
Lay flat facing upwards, then lift your legs and chest simultaneously to form a “V” shape. Extend both arms forward, keeping them parallel to the ground. Feel the muscles in your core and abdominal area contract. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
Dolphin Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
From a plank position with knees/shins and elbows/forearms touching the matt, bring the hips up towards the ceiling while straightening the legs to form an “A” shape. Hold for 5-10 breaths.
Sun Mudra (Surya Mudra)
Sit cross-legged with your torso erect, elbows on your knees, and palms facing upwards. Fold your ring finger towards your palms and hold it in place with your thumbs while breathing deeply. This mudra pose awakens kundalini energy and the solar plexus’s "inner fire."
Summary
The solar plexus is a bundle of nerve fibers in the upper stomach area that shoot out from a central hub like sun rays. These nerves send signals back and forth between the brain and the gut. The solar plexus is called the third chakra in spiritual and yoga practices. When this chakra is blocked, it makes people feel less confident and lose their self-esteem. Yoga poses that activate the solar plexus can unblock this chakra and boost feelings of personal power. Quick, shallow "fire breathing" also unblocks this chakra and awakens vital life-force energy.
