Connected to digestive function, the solar plexus, or celiac, can be the seat of tension, or even localized pain. Where is the solar plexus? How to take care of it on a daily basis? The point with Youri Bertucchi, an osteopath in Toulouse.

The plexus: definition

Made up of a grouping of nerve fibers, plexuses, which in Latin mean 'interlacing' are, by definition, networks of nerves found in both the peripheral and autonomic nervous systems. "In anatomy, different plexuses participate in the formation of the nervous network that runs through the body from head to toe," says Youri Bertucchi, an osteopath in Toulouse. The sacral plexus forms the sciatic nerve for the legs. A little higher in the body, the lumbar plexus starts from the lower back to the thighs and knees. The celiac (or solar) plexus corresponds to the area between the navel and the sternum in the abdomen, it is in the center of the body. In the upper limbs, the brachial plexus corresponds to the meeting of the anterior branches of the last four cervical nerves and the first thoracic nerve, which corresponds to the shoulders, arms, forearms, and hands. Finally, the cervical plexus is connected to the shoulders, head, and neck.

The solar plexus, a network of nerves

The solar plexus is made up of several ganglia, nerves from the brain that pass mainly through the spine and are the starting point for the organs of the belly: the diaphragm (the muscle of respiration), the stomach, the liver, the small intestine. They then travel through the kidneys and even the gonads (ovaries and testicles). Each nerve includes interoceptors whose role is to transmit information, such as the feeling of satiety or bloating for example, to the viscera. The solar plexus includes several pairs of ganglia: celiac ganglia, sometimes called semi-lunar because of their shape suggestive of a crescent moon, and superior mesenteric and aortic renal ganglia. "This plexus is part of the autonomic nervous system, in its sympathetic subdivision. It intervenes in the function of digestion by sending information to all digestive organs, "adds the osteopath.

From an energetic point of view, the solar plexus is also intertwined, which allows the different flows of energy to flow and radiate throughout the body. In Hinduism, the solar plexus is one of the 7 chakras, located at the level of the sternum. Named simply in English 'solar plexus chakras' (its original name being Manipura), it is the third chakra starting from the Root chakra, and the center of energy and serenity.

Issues related to the solar plexus

The celiac plexus is an area particularly sensitive to stress. It is therefore not uncommon for disorders such as tension, a feeling of oppression, heaviness, or even pain related to stress to lodge in this area. "This is not a problem that will set up overnight. Rather, it reflects a situation of chronic stress, emotional problems that persist and that literally end up weighing on this area," explains Youri Bertucchi.

In addition, long-term use of certain medications (such as anti-inflammatories, for example) can also cause stomach pain in this area. As this plexus is related to digestion, gastric problems can cause various problems at this level, such as pain, burning, or gastroesophageal reflux. "People who drink a lot of coffee, and soft drinks, or those who eat too fast often feel localized pain in the celiac plexus," adds the specialist.

Projected pain, at the level of the shoulder blades, is also possible. More rarely, there is the pain located at the base of the neck, shoulders, or even arms. It is sometimes difficult to relieve and understand the exact origin of these pains since stress often intervenes, thus promoting a vicious circle of pain and fatigue. "The therapeutic solution is then to break this loop by working in a personalized way with each patient according to his symptomatology, his lifestyle, and his personal history to relieve the pain," advises the osteopath.

Personalized care

However, intervening directly in this area, especially if it is tense or painful, is not always advisable. "It is possible to act directly on the plexus, but it is not always the most effective approach to relieve tension. It is sometimes more useful to work first on other areas such as the pelvis, diaphragm, or even the head or neck," explains the therapist. If the area is sensitive, the approach should be gentle and delicate. Indeed, the treatment can temporarily generate excitement in the sympathetic system or, conversely, a vagal reflex that can result in a nauseating state, a feeling of coldness, and fatigue ... This goes against the desired role. In all cases, both the practitioner and the patient must remain attentive to their feelings in order to best guide the therapeutic approach to pain.

Taking care of the solar plexus on a daily basis

Pamper your solar plexus, and goes through a daily routine:

On a daily basis, taking care of your celiac plexus involves adopting a healthy lifestyle: chewing food slowly, reducing your consumption of stimulants, and acidic but also sweet foods, avoiding snacking, and staying hydrated;
It is also very important to take the time to walk and ensure that sleep is restorative;
In case of tension or pain in this area, self-massage can help, provided that the touch is soft and adapted. "It is better to avoid pressing directly on the plexus, with your fingertips," advises Youri Bertucchi;
Finally, since this plexus is close to the diaphragm, adapted breathing exercises can help relax this area. Do not hesitate to consult a health professional.