How to Unblock the Solar Plexus Chakra

Co-authored by Emily Christensen and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: December 19, 2022 References

Feeling anxious, lethargic, or down about yourself? The cause might just be a blocked solar plexus chakra. This pool of energy is located along your spine near your navel and gives you a sense of personal power, confidence, and self-worth. Don’t panic if you’re feeling blocked—there are a ton of remedies you can incorporate into your everyday life. You’ll know you’ve balanced this chakra when you feel confident in your personal power, trust your intuition, and don’t need validation from other people. If you’re ready to feel confident and awesome, read on for a complete list of ways to unblock your solar plexus chakra.

1

Look at fire.

The solar plexus chakra is related to the natural element fire. Looking at fire or feeling its warmth helps activate this chakra and revitalize your confidence and self-esteem. Try lighting a candle in your home or spending time in the sun on a bright day.^{[1]
X
Research source}. You may want to recite a mantra while you watch the fire. Spiritual Advisor Emily Christensen shares, "one of the most beneficial beginner ways [to use mantras] would be to work through he chakras from the Root chakra all the way to the Crown chakra. The Root Chakra is LOM, then it goes VOM, then the solar plexus is ROM, heart is YOM, throat is HOM. Third Eye is SHOM, and then your crown is OM." She emphasizes that it's important to work your way through all the chakras at first "because our energy is like a pyramid—you need a strong foundation to be able to receive information through [higher chakras]."^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Emily Christensen
Spiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow Raaja
Expert Interview. 11 March 2022.} However, pairing the mantras with exposure to fire will help give your solar plexus a little extra emphasis. You can also try:
- Lighting a fire in a fireplace of fire pit
- Cooking something over an open flame or gas stove
- Watching a fireworks display

2

Surround yourself with the colors yellow and gold.

Seeing or touching yellow things re-energizes the solar plexus chakra. It’s represented by the color yellow and you’ll feel it opening as soon as you interact with some yellow or gold items. Fill your home with yellow decor and art, wear yellow clothes and accessories, or just bask in some bright sunlight.^{[3]
X
Research source} Also try:
- Looking at yellow flowers or plants (outside or potted in your home)
- Wearing gold jewelry like rings or earrings
- Replacing harsh white lights with softer, yellower bulbs

3

Repeat positive affirmations.

Empowering phrases about confidence and personal power clear this chakra. Repeat your affirmations out loud daily as mantras, journal about how they make you feel, or focus on them while you meditate.^{[4]
X
Research source} You can create your own personal mantras, or try some of these options:
- “I make decisions with confidence and conviction.”
- “I have the courage to create positive change in my life.”
- “I have much to offer the world”

4

Take deep breaths.

Your diaphragm muscle massages this chakra when you fill your lungs. Send your breath and energy to your solar plexus chakra, near your stomach. Close your eyes and relax your muscles as you feel your lungs expand and fill your abdomen. Exhale slowly and release your insecurities.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Deep breathing is a great way to prepare your body and mind for other chakra remedies like meditation, Reiki, or yoga.
- Deep breathing can be done virtually anywhere, anytime. Practice it at home in private to begin. As your concentration improves, you can do it elsewhere anytime you feel your chakra is blocked.

5

Try meditation.

Meditation lets you release the negative thoughts and feelings blocking your chakra. Get comfortable in a quiet place where you can sit or lay down with your back straight, close your eyes, and focus your energy on the solar plexus chakra until you feel calm and confident. According to Spiritual Advisor Emily Christensen, one meditation option is to "visualize the sun." Ideally, you'll be able to "control the size of the sun and place it on the [solar plexus] section of your body, which is in your torso." ^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Emily Christensen
Spiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow Raaja
Expert Interview. 11 March 2022.} Try holding a crystal in your hand or lap during your session. Lit candles, incense, or oil diffusers also help create a meditative environment.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Imagine a swirling yellow ball or disc of energy over your stomach as you meditate. Visions like sunshine or yellow flowers are also helpful to focus on.
- You can meditate on one of your affirmations or speak them softly out loud. Soft instrumental background music can also help you focus.
- Try chanting the word “ram” (pronounced like “rah-mmm”) out loud while you exhale or in your head. Really taper the “mmm” sound at the end of the word.

6

Work with yellow crystals.

Wear or hold a yellow crystal to tap into its chakra-balancing power. Crystals interact positively with your chakra’s natural energy and aid with meditation. Spiritual Advisor Emily Christensen recommends, "Citrine is really good for your solar plexus. Pyrite's [also] really good for your solar plexus. [Look for] these motivational stones, stones that are really invigorating, [because] they're going to help you feel a lot of drive in your life."^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Emily Christensen
Spiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow Raaja
Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.} Wear your crystal in a ring or necklace, hold it in your hand or lap while you meditate, or place it directly over your chakra.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Other gemstones to look for include yellow calcite or quartz, or tiger’s eye.
- A clear quartz crystal works for all of your chakras, including the solar plexus.
- Your crystal doesn’t have to be large or expensive (your intent is more important than the quality).
- Spiritual Advisor Emily Christensen advises, "crystals, like humans, are unique, and they "speak" when you listen. A crystal will vibrate, pulse, or change temperature when it can be of use. It takes practice!"^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emily Christensen
  Spiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow Raaja
  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}

7

Use aromatherapy.

Scented candles, incense, and essential oils open up blocked chakras. They activate your sense of smell, which grounds you and connects you to the physical world. Use a candle or diffuser to spread solar plexus-opening scents like lemon, ginger, peppermint, or sandalwood throughout your home.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Rub a few drops of a diluted essential oil into your palms before meditation or Reiki to activate your palms and sense of touch, too.
- Dilute your essential oil with water or a carrier oil to avoid burns, irritation, or rashes on your skin.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- A soothing scent can also aid your meditation, deep breathing, or yoga practice.

8

Open the chakra with yoga.

Practicing yoga puts you in touch with your body and physically soothes blocked chakras. Poses and movements that strengthen your core and digestive muscles work wonders for the solar plexus chakra (and are a great workout, too). Try deep breathing, chanting an affirmation, or lighting a bright candle during your session.^{[13]
X
Research source} Work on poses like:
- Warrior pose
- Boat pose
- Sun salutations (this will connect you with the sun’s fiery energy, too!)

9

Add yellow produce to your diet.

A diet centered on fruits and vegetables is great for your body and chakras. Eat less processed or frozen foods, excess sugar or artificial sweeteners, meat, and alcohol. Instead, mix in more yellow produce like corn, bananas, pineapples, yellow bell peppers, or apricots.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- Other semi-natural yellow foods like cheese or halwa (an Indian dessert) are also effective.
- Processed yellow foods like french fries or Twinkies are not as helpful, but if they bring you joy, go for it (in moderation)!

10

Make decisive choices that fill you with confidence.

This chakra opens up when you feel your personal power and authenticity. Your decisions can be as small as choosing what to wear today, or something major like moving or changing jobs. Anything that makes you feel confident and assured in yourself will work!^{[15]
X
Research source} Here are some other things to try:
- Choose to quit a nervous habit like nail biting (even if it’s only for a day)
- Step out of your comfort zone and try something new like a hobby or game, or travel to a new place
- Decide to reinvest in your personal relationships

11

Shake up your routine.

The solar plexus chakra thrives on variety and new experiences. If you’re feeling the drudge of your daily routine, change things up to make each day more interesting. Try a new recipe, take a different route to work, or try brushing your teeth with your opposite hand. Anything new will work!^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Try a different exercise move or workout to get your body moving
- Make spontaneous dinner or happy hour plans with friends and coworkers
- Take a day off and let your curiosity find new things to do

12

Try a Reiki healing session.

Reiki is a healing practice that uses your body’s natural restorative energy. It’s usually performed by a trained healer. When finding a healer, Spiritual Advisor Emily Christensen highlights that, "respecting boundaries and not passing judgements are key qualities of a disciplined and experienced healer. Reiki Therapists should be excited about using Reiki for themselves and their clients each day." Further, if you feel that the roots and traditions that Reiki came from are important to you, find a Traditional Usui Practitioner. They will have experience in the core practices as well as modern adaptations. ^{[17]
X
Expert Source

Emily Christensen
Spiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow Raaja
Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}
- You can perform reiki on yourself at home too. Place your palms over your solar plexus while meditating or relaxing and imagine a river of healing energy flowing into your chakra.^{[18]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Cleveland Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
- Let the weight and warmth of your hands relax your muscles and deepen your concentration.
- Make sure you’re in a comfortable position (sitting or lying down) with your spine straight and elongated.
- Try crystals, deep breathing, essential oils and aromas, or soft background music to help you focus.
- You can also evaluate Reiki practitioners and teachers through the experience of a healing session. Every session and every practitioner will be different, with some being more powerful, effective, or beneficial than others.^{[19]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Emily Christensen
  Spiritual Advisor & Founder of Rainbow Raaja
  Expert Interview. 8 July 2020.}

13

Heal from past traumas.

People with unresolved conflicts or emotions have trouble opening this chakra. Work on letting go of negative feelings and forgiving others (and yourself for past mistakes). Realize that you have the power to change your emotional wellbeing for the better.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- Try journaling about your feelings or talking them out with trusted friends and family members.
- Therapy or counseling can work wonders for understanding past wounds and building up your coping skills.
- Dealing with your past is easier said than done. Do whatever feels right and comfortable for you and your circumstances.