Have you ever wanted to tap into the source of your personal power? Do you know that you are the only person who can empower you to exercise your will, but you worry that you’re leaking energy? Protect your vital energy by learning more about the solar plexus chakra!

by Marisa Lavalette

What is the solar plexus chakra?

In Sanskrit, the third chakra is known as manipura. Manipura means “lustrous gem.” The strength you feel at the core of your being gives off a vibrant golden light.

Where is the solar plexus chakra?

The solar plexus chakra is located in your upper abdominals, below the rib cage and above the navel.

What does the solar plexus represent? How can it affect you?

The third chakra represents your inner will, personal power, and energy reserves.

Cleanse and Strengthen Your Solar Plexus Chakra with Healthy Eating and Awareness of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the mother science of yoga, explains the science of life through the three body types. Which one sounds like you?

Vata types are physically small, light, thin, and are the people who will complain that the room is too cold. When they are balanced, they are mentally creative, but when out of balance, they are prone to anxiety and over-thinking. Warm, sweet foods can be soothing for vata imbalance.

Pitta individuals have a medium physical build and build muscle easily. They tend to complain that the room is too hot. When pitta is balanced, she is driven, hard-working, and mentally sharp. When she’s out of balance, she can lose her temper and give overly critical feedback. Support pitta imbalance with green, cooling foods like avocado and cooked greens.

Kapha can have a curvy body type and gain weight easily. When kapha is balanced, her presence is grounding, nurturing, and calming. When she’s out of balance, her energy drops low and creates stagnation in her life. Kapha gravitates towards foods that are cold and sweet, but they will do better with warming, energizing, and detoxifying foods.

Don’t know your Ayurvedic constitution / body type? That’s OK! A great way to improve digestion is to make sure you’re getting enough fiber. Add cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and kale to your diet to make sure you are getting enough fiber to promote healthy digestion.

Unblock and Balance your Solar Plexus Chakra

Try Marisa’s recipe for Vegan Ginger Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower for digestion that’s feeling sluggish. Cauliflower, turmeric, and ginger can help your sluggish digestion get moving again, while alleviating inflammation at the same time. Win-win!

Vegan Ginger Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Recipe

45 minutes (5 mins prep, 40 mins cook); serves 4

Ingredients:

1 head white cauliflower, leaves and core removed
1/2 cup white onion, diced
2 -4 tbsp coconut oil (depending how dry or oily you want)
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp curry
sea salt and black pepper*
small lemon wedge

*Pro Tip: The piperine in black pepper increases bioavailability of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties. Anytime you’re using turmeric, know that pairing it with black pepper will help your body to absorb it.

Instructions and serving:

Preheat oven to 425 F.
Grease baking dish (I used Le Creuset) with 1 tbsp coconut oil.
Coarsely chop cauliflower, discard tough stems, and scatter in baking dish.
Dollop remaining coconut oil directly on top of cauliflower.
Bake in oven for ten minutes.
Once coconut oil has melted, stir for even coating, and add onions, turmeric, curry, and ginger.
Bake for additional 25-30 mins or until cauliflower is browned to your liking.
Remove from oven. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
Finish with squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Looking to Take a Deeper Dive into the Chakras?

Want to go deeper into understanding the seven chakras and your relationship to them? Then join Marisa LaValette on 3/19 at San Rafael Studio for Attune + Align Chakra Immersion. She can’t wait to guide you on your journey through your chakra system in this holistic half-day workshop. Learn more here.

About Marisa LaValette

Marisa is a Bay Area based vinyasa yoga teacher who teaches awareness of the subtle energy body through the innate roadmap of the chakra system. Her classes are fun, fiery, flowy, and challenging. Her class begins with a sacred moment for breath and intention setting. Learn philosophy, mythology, and astrology through Marisa's passionate storytelling all while you sweat. Wind down with savasana, mantra, and affirmations, and walk away with real time actionable tools to live out your dharma, your highest purpose, off your mat.

Take class with Marisa

Monday and Wednesday 6-7pm Vinyasa Flow at Metta Yoga San Rafael. Book HERE.

Manage Your Energy: Cleanse and Strengthen your Solar Plexus Chakra by Marisa LaValette