The solar plexus chakra helps control your fight or flight response to stress and is a part of the sympathetic nervous system. The location of this chakra is above the navel and below the chest. Some of the functions are digestive processes, metabolism, and emotions. The nervous system body response that can be activated is essential for our survival. When this response is chronically activated due to stress, anxiety, or trauma, it can have negative consequences for our physical, mental, and emotional health. By focusing on regulation and balancing this chakra, you can regain a few emotional aspects such as calm, inner peace, resilience, and personal power through affirmations. Our emotional regulation is linked to various aspects of psychological well-being, including reduced anxiety, depression, and stress. This inherently can improve interpersonal relationships.

The solar plexus chakra governs the adrenal glands which produce adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol. This can increase experiences with digestive tract, liver, gallbladder, blood pressure, stress responses, and the pancreas. Your diet and metabolism can be monitored through a nutritionist as a proactive measure to eat healthier foods for the digestive system. If blood pressure rises or a stress response is produced, this can attribute to blood sugar level changes. In my previous article on PTSD and CPTSD, adrenaline and cortisol can drastically change your brain’s chemistry during a stress response. Management of the solar plexus chakra is important for your physical and mental well-being.

Several practices support the opening and balancing of the solar plexus chakra. Here are some exercises that bring balance to and heal the third chakra:

Burning incense and oils: Aromatherapy is effective in opening and healing the chakra energy system. Musk, lemon, lavender, sandalwood, ginger, saffron, and cinnamon are incense and oils that correspond with the solar plexus.

Yoga: Boat pose, bow pose, warrior pose, seated spinal twist, breath of fire, bridge pose, camel pose, and tiger pose.

Chanting or Meditation: Focus on deep breathing and increasing self-awareness and promoting relaxation.

Diet: A healthy diet rich in whole foods and essential nutrients can also provide support for adrenal health. Incorporate foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds into your diet. Avoid caffeine, sugar, and processed foods, as these can cause stress on your adrenals.

Sunlight/Outdoors: Spend time outdoors and allow the sunlight to bring energy into your body.

Affirmations: Supportive and positive thought patterns to experience a strong sense of power. Writing or stating affirmations out loud. For example: I am capable, I am courageous, I forgive myself for past mistakes and I will learn from them. I am free of fear and anxiety.

Emotional Expression: Journaling, art therapy, support groups, or therapy.

References
The Chakras And The Nervous System — Creative Soul Therapies
The Ultimate Guide to The Navel Chakra: Everything You Need (uluyoga.com)
Your Power House – The Solar Plexus Chakra – Let It Go With Reiki
Reiki and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | Reiki
Understanding The Role Of Chakras And Glands In The Human Body
Everything You Need to Know About the Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura, the Third Chakra) – The Yoga Nomads
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura) – Balance and Heal the Third Chakra (anahana.com)
A Complete Guide to the Chakras and Their Effects on the Mind, Body and Spirit
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION OF YOGA CHAKRA EXPRESSION – Maxwell – 2009 – Zygon® – Wiley Online Library
Meridians, Chakras and Psycho-Neuro-Immunology: The Dematerializing Body and the Domestication of Alternative Medicine – Judith Fadlon, 2004
The Geometry of Emotions: Using Chakra Acupuncture and 5-Phase Theory to Describe Personality Archetypes for Clinical Use
The Chakra System and Ancient Wisdom Traditions Worldwide
Chakras: Energy Centers of Transformation
Adrenal Energy: The Chakra Governing the Adrenal Glands (chakraseeker.com)