Solar plexus: what it is, characteristics, functions and associated pathologies.

These are the characteristics of the solar plexus, a part of the nervous system.

The solar plexus is a nerve network composed of several nerve fibers and ganglia composed of several nerve fibers and ganglia that connects to multiple organs in the abdominal cavity.

This structure is related to the sensation of pain in various viscera according to scientific medicine, while alternative medicine considers that it may be behind problems at the psychological level.

Let's see below this important structure and how it has been of importance to Eastern beliefs.

The solar plexus: what is it and where is it located?

The solar plexus, also known as the celiac plexus, is a nerve network composed of a cluster of nerve fibers and interconnected ganglia, which belong to the ganglia of the prevertebral group or prevertebral abdominal plexus. or abdominal prevertebral plexus.

This structure with nerves is known as "solar" due to the fact that its shape resembles that of a sun, since the nerve fibers emerge from it radially.

The ganglions of the solar plexus are located anterior to the abdominal aortic artery, just where they emerge from the abdominal aorta.The solar plexus ganglia are located anterior to the abdominal aorta, just at the point where the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk emerge at the level of the seventh dorsal vertebra, immediately below the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm, behind the stomach. This structure surrounds the abdominal aorta, the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries, in addition, it is related to other structures:

• Above: with the pillars of the diaphragm muscle.
• Behind: with the vertebral bodies of the thoracic vertebra TXII and lumbar vertebra LI and with the pillars of the diaphragm muscle.
• Laterally: with the adrenal glands.
• Anteriorly: the pancreas.

Parts and connections of the solar plexus

The celiac plexus is a nerve structure made up of afferent nerve cell bodies, efferent nerve cell bodies and interconnected neuronal axons. In this plexus, nerve fibers from the sympathetic autonomic nervous system and the parasympathetic autonomic nervous system are combined..

The number of ganglia can vary, with generally one to five interconnected ganglia, although two large, easily distinguishable celiac ganglia are the norm. The diameter of these ganglia is also variable, ranging from 0.5 to 4.5 cm.

The ganglia that make up the solar plexus receive:

• Preganglionic sympathetic fibers of the lower thoracic splanchnic nerves (mator splanchnic nerve, lesser splanchnic nerve and inferior splanchnic nerve).
• Parasympathetic fibers of the vagus nerve.

On the other hand, many other secondary plexuses are connected to the celiac plexus.. From all of them come a great part of the autonomic innervation of the abdominal viscera, including the kidneys and adrenal glands, as well as the innervation of the Blood vessels that irrigate them. Specifically, these subplexes are:

• Hepatic plexus: liver and gallbladder.
• Gastric plexus: stomach
• Splenic plexus: spleen
• Pancreatic plexus: pancreas.

Its role in pain and medical implications

The solar plexus is known to be is involved in the transmission of nociceptive information, i.e. the sensation of pain.. In this case, this structure interprets as pain sensations the nociceptive signals that it can receive from various organs, especially those of the abdominal cavity.

Among them we find mainly those of the upper abdomen, including the liver, pancreas, biliary tract, spleen and intestine up to the first part of the transverse colon.

As a consequence of the organs from which it receives signals, one of the most common conditions of the solar plexus is abdominal pain, caused by a hypersensitivity to nociceptive stimuli from this structure. of this structure. Added to this, its position halfway between the xiphoid process of the sternum and the navel also influences in feeling a sharp pain in the abdomen when this cluster of nerves has a medical problem.

The solar plexus is one of the sites of intervention in patients with abdominal and pancreatic cancer.. One of the therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing the pain that the patient may feel is to block the innervation of the solar plexus so that the patient does not notice so intensely the discomfort and pain that their diseased organs can produce.

The solar plexus and the third chakra

The solar plexus is not only known in the field of medicine, but also in the more para-scientific and pseudo-scientific New Age character.. According to Hindu and Buddhist mythology, this structure is the residence of the third chakra.

The solar plexus chakra is called "Manipura" in Sanskrit and is also known as the navel, stomach, liver or spleen chakra. It is the third charka of the seven that Hindus believe the body possesses, the color of this particular chakra being yellow or deep gold.

The manipura chakra is also related to the small intestine, the gall bladder and the center of the spine. Its element is fire, its symbol the ram and it is believed to be in charge of emotional energy and the center of the personality. Naturally, all this lacks scientific evidence, being more a matter of mysticism and spirituality, but it is quite curious what it is associated with and what problems could cause the alteration of this chakra according to Eastern beliefs.

The solar plexus chakra is the one that governs the way in which we relate to the world and other people.. It is here, according to Hinduism and Buddhism, where social identity is found and which governs our self-control, will and sense of coordination. It is responsible for our sympathies and antipathies and for our capacity to establish more or less lasting sentimental bonds.

According to its form, the star to which it is associated is the Sun and its archetype is the worker or the warrior. According to Hindu mythology, the energy given off by this chakra helps us to reach emotional maturity, making us responsible for our actions and the quality of the relationships we establish with others. It is the chakra manipura a decisive one in the question of whether we are going to submit to other people or, on the contrary, we are going to exercise power, perhaps in an abusive way.

Its relationship to the Buddhist and Hindu religions

According to Buddhist and Hindu medicine, both pseudo-therapies without scientific rigor, having the solar plexus blocked at a spiritual level entails a series of problems and, also, it warns us in the form of signs of both physiological health and personality. Among the symptoms of having the solar plexus chakra blocked we would find personality, mood and medical problems.

Personality problems:

• Excessive shyness
• Procrastination
• Megalomaniacal cravings
• Inconsistency and little effort
• Individualism and rebelliousness
• Jealousy and envy
• Hypersensitivity to criticism
• Desire to dominate or be subjugated

Mood and psychological problems:

• Constant anger
• Stress
• Depression, apathy and irritability
• Permanent fatigue
• Stage fright
• Problems in decision making
• Concentration problems

Medical problems:

• Stomach ulcers
• Diabetes
• Indigestion and intestinal tract complications
• Hypertension