What is the Solar Plexus Chakra? What are its effects?

What is the Solar Plexus?

The solar plexus is a cluster of nerves that is located in front of the diaphragm, where the rib cage meets together. It is also known as the third Chakra.

In addition to the reflex points related to the organs of the body, the foot is also divided into four parts corresponding to the elements (more about the elements here: ELEMENTS):

1. Air (toes)

2. Fire (ball of the foot)

3. Water (arch)

4. Earth (heel).

On the foot, the solar plexus is located between the elements of fire and water (indicated by a star in the picture below).

The picture above is taken from Covid-19, Our Children, & Reflexology blog

Where is the Solar Plexus located on my foot? How can I find it?

It is located on the line located below the “fire” area (see picture below), just below the ball of your foot and right above the arch. You can either push the toes backward or squeeze the ball of your foot together. The hollow space that forms under the ball of your foot is the solar plexus. It is usually located in line with zone 2/3 (to learn more about the zones, click here).

How do I work on the solar plexus?

It is actually very simple! I work on this point in various situations:

1. At times, I like to start the treatment with the solar plexus. I will give you an example. Let's say that your client comes rushing in. They were stuck in traffic, running late, they got held up at work, the possibilities are endless living in our rushed world... As much as you determine to have a relaxing clinic, sometimes the atmosphere does not have any effect on the client. Their heart is pounding, their blood pressure has risen, and they just can't seem to calm down or catch their breath. That relaxing music or calming essential oils is just not going to cut it today! After reassuring them that everything is okay, I tell them to lay down on the massage table and ask if they are ready to begin. When they are settled in a comfortable position and after I began the initial part of the treatment, I find the solar plexus point. I carefully watch the client's breath (you can watch their stomach rise and fall). As the client takes a breath in, I push into the point. As they release their breath, I release a little bit (but I do not fully remove my finger from the point). I repeat this three times and at each breath in, I press a little bit deeper. You will find that you can stabilize and balance the client's breathing. And don't forget to take deep breaths yourself.

2. When I work on the respiratory system, I always end with the solar plexus. It has a calming effect that balances the breathing.

3. I use the same technique mentioned above for states of stress, anxiety, digestive issues, and/or low energy levels.

4. I always end my treatments with the solar plexus point. I feel it is good to end the treatment with balanced breathing, good energy, and low-stress levels.

5. The solar plexus is a cluster of nerves and is associated with the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, I include it when I work on the nervous system.

Causes of solar plexus pain:

Our bodies speak to us constantly, we just choose to listen or ignore it. For every ache and pain, discomfort, or out of the ordinary sensation you should always consult your doctor. Solar plexus pain can result from both emotional and physical trauma. Whether the emotional trauma causes the physical pain or the physical trauma causes emotional pain, we as reflexologists (as well as doctors, other complementary practitioners, therapists, etc)

Benefits of working the solar plexus include:

• Balances your breathing

• Decreases stress & anxiety levels

• Increases energy levels

• Affects digestive system