| Each day, we are required to make decisions and | | | | accompanied by the pursuit of perfection and fear of |
| take steps to implement them. Your ability to decide | | | | rejection. Apathy and resentment towards others are |
| confidently and act resolutely is governed by your | | | | also common. |
| third chakra: the Solar Plexus Chakra. | | | | Physical issues that sometimes manifest due to third |
| The Solar Plexus Chakra is the area of assertiveness | | | | chakra imbalances include digestive problems, food |
| and intuition. As individuals, we each have our own | | | | allergies, diabetes, ulcers, liver problems, jaundice, |
| unique perception of right and wrong. We feel | | | | hepatitis, gallstones, adrenal imbalances and arthritis. |
| strongly about certain issues; others not so much. | | | | Typical addictions are sugar, caffeine, food, and |
| The third chakra is the inner-drive that propels us to | | | | compulsive cleaning. |
| speak up in disagreements; stand up for that in which | | | | Balancing the Solar Plexus Chakra: A balanced Solar |
| we believe; and take risks when our gut tells us it is | | | | Plexus Chakra brings a strong sense of identity and |
| the right thing to do. | | | | healthy self-respect. We have the energy and |
| Solar Plexus Chakra Basis: | | | | confidence to pursue our ideas and follow tasks |
| - Color: golden yellow | | | | through to completion. We don't feel threatened by |
| - Element: fire | | | | opposition; instead, we are calm and receptive, and |
| - Location: abdomen | | | | willing to work towards a solution that benefits all |
| - Associated body parts: stomach, liver, gallbladder, | | | | involved. |
| spleen, adrenal glands | | | | The next time you find yourself in a power conflict, |
| - Basic issues: ego, self-esteem, vitality, forcefulness, | | | | stop for a second and ask yourself "Am I really being |
| perception, insight, will, discipline | | | | threatened?" If the answer is no, ask yourself "Do I |
| - Gemstones and crystals: citrine, jasper, topaz | | | | really care about the outcome?" If the answer is |
| - Flower essences: chamomile, goldenrod, pink yarrow | | | | "Yes" to either of these questions, then this issue is |
| - Essential oils: black pepper, ginger, peppermint | | | | certainly yours to battle and you should do so |
| - Food: complex carbohydrates (e.g., whole grains, | | | | honorably. However, if you are not truly threatened |
| beans) Signs of Unbalanced Third Chakra: Individuals | | | | and don't care about the outcome, expending |
| with Solar Plexus Chakra imbalances exhibit low | | | | negative energy trying to change the outcome would |
| self-esteem and have trouble making decisions. When | | | | not be worthwhile. |
| they do make a decision, action comes slowly or | | | | Other third chakra balancing techniques include: |
| never. This person is hypersensitive to criticism and | | | | - Vigorous exercises including power yoga, aerobics, |
| alternatively overly critical of others. | | | | swimming, power walking, biking; |
| Someone with a reverse imbalance must always be | | | | - Holding or wearing citrine, jasper, topaz gemstones. |
| right and feel dominant in every conflict. They often | | | | - When you feel you need a push or need to stop |
| feel unfairly wronged, which leads to vast amounts | | | | incessant negative chatter in your mind, visualize the |
| of time plotting their self-perceived vindication. A | | | | third chakra and breathe deeply into your solar |
| constant undercurrent of anger is typically | | | | plexus. |