Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)

We move now from water to fire. The Solar Plexus Chakra — Manipura, meaning 'city of jewels' — lives in the upper abdomen, just below the sternum, and it is the seat of our personal power, our will, and our sense of self. Where the root asks 'Am I safe?' and the sacral asks 'Am I allowed to feel?', the solar plexus asks a deeper question still: 'Am I allowed to be who I am?' This is the centre of identity, confidence and authentic action in the world.

When the Solar Plexus Chakra is blocked

A blocked solar plexus is, in my experience, one of the most quietly devastating imbalances — because it strikes at a person's fundamental sense of their own worth and capacity. When the fire here is dimmed, life can feel like something that happens to you rather than something you participate in shaping.

Physically, this often manifests in the digestive system — IBS, bloating, ulcers, liver or gallbladder issues, chronic fatigue. The body's capacity to transform and metabolise is impaired. Emotionally, there is low self-esteem, helplessness, difficulty making decisions, and a tendency to give power away to others. Spiritually, the soul's unique gifts remain unexpressed — the person has not yet given themselves permission to be fully who they are.

My approach as a Reiki Master & Teacher

With a blocked solar plexus, my hands rest at the upper abdomen and I immediately attune to the quality of the energy here — often flat, contracted, almost apologetic. I visualise symbols to begin awakening the centre, then hold the intention of warm, bright, golden fire gradually igniting.

I work here longer than at most centres, as the solar plexus often needs sustained, consistent attention before it begins to open. I visualise a small flame growing steadier and brighter, filling the abdomen with warmth and golden light. I may visualise additional symbols to address patterns held across time — as the dimming of personal power often has deep roots.

When the Solar Plexus Chakra is balanced

A balanced solar plexus is one of the most quietly impressive things I encounter in my practice. The person knows who they are. They act from genuine inner authority rather than the need for approval. They can hold their ground without becoming a wall. They can be moved without being swept away.

Physically, digestion and metabolism are strong, energy is consistent, and the body transforms experiences efficiently. Emotionally, there is healthy self-esteem, clear decision-making, and the ability to set boundaries from a place of care rather than defence. Spiritually, personal will and higher purpose are in alignment — the person's unique gifts are not only known but being offered.

My approach as a Reiki Master & Teacher

A balanced solar plexus radiates warmth under my hands — a steady, golden heat like late afternoon sun. The energy flows evenly and the symbols drawn here expand smoothly and confidently outward.

In maintenance work, I affirm the healthy fire here and then begin working it upward toward the heart, encouraging the personal will to be offered in service of love — the beautiful progression from power to compassion.

When the Solar Plexus Chakra is too open

An overactive solar plexus burns too hot and too wide. Power is present but untempored by wisdom or compassion. This can manifest as arrogance, perfectionism, controlling behaviour, and an inability to let others simply be.

Physically, the body runs hot — hyperacidity, inflammation, adrenal overactivation, and a tendency to push through exhaustion rather than rest. Emotionally, there is aggression, competitiveness that has become joyless, and a deep difficulty with vulnerability. Spiritually, the ego has mistaken itself for the soul — personal will has overridden the capacity for surrender and grace.

My approach as a Reiki Master & Teacher

With an overactive solar plexus, the priority is cooling and softening. I place hands here and feel the excess heat, then work gently but deliberately to draw the energy upward — into the heart, where power meets love and becomes something more useful.

I visualise symbols once more, addressing the emotional roots of the need for control. The intention I hold throughout: 'Your power is real. You can afford to soften.'

Today's affirmation: I trust myself. My power serves love.

A practice for this week

This week, I invite you to notice one moment each day where you choose yourself — where you act from your own values rather than external expectation. It needn't be dramatic. A quiet 'no', a preference honestly expressed, a few minutes doing exactly what you love with no justification needed. The solar plexus grows stronger one small act of authentic selfhood at a time.

Previous Casework

A new sense of direction and purpose was part of the outcome for a previous client. Whereby they had felt 'lost', underappreciated, invalidated and overlooked they had now taken their power back, aided by daily affirmations and self-appreciation.