Root Chakra: The Foundation Of All Chakras

Human body has seven major energy centers, called chakras, which correspond to flow of energy throughout our body. They are: 

1. Root chakra / Muladhara chakra
2. Sacral chakra / Svadhishthana chakra
3. Solar plexus chakra / Manipura chakra
4. Heart chakra / Anahata chakra
5. Throat chakra / Vishuddha chakra
6. Third eye chakra / Ajna chakra
7. Crown chakra / Sahasrara chakra

Each chakra has unique features.

In this blog post we will explain characteristics of first chakra - Muladhara, and how to balance it.

Sanskrit word "mula" means root and "adhara" support. It supports our entire foundation.

Nothing can be build without a strong grounded foundation so all the other chakras depend on this one. Balancing the root creates the solid foundation for opening the chakras above.

In the male body Muladhara is located in the perineum – midway between the scrotum and anus.

In the female body it is located on the posterior side of cervix. This chakra is often represented as a cone of energy starting at the base of the spine and going downward and then slight bent up.

Characteristics of the root chakra:

Photo by Anja Osenberg

- It connects us to the earth and nature.

- It controls our survival instincts, security, fears.

- It is the root from which we receive the nourishment for our spiritual development.

- It connects us to the physical earthly world.

- It is associated with the earth element and our sense of smell.

- It is linked to the unconscious mind, where our actions and experiences from past lives are stored.

- Red color of Muladhara symbolizes strength, power and vitality.

- The associated animal is the elephant.

- The mantra sound that corresponds to the root chakra is LAM.

Muladhara is closely associated with Prana Vata and Apana Vata - sub doshas of Vata dosha.

It is the seat of primal energy, kundalini Shakti. Muladhara is said to be the base from which the three main psychic channels or nadis emerge: the Ida, Pingala and Sushumna.

An unbalanced root chakra may cause several physical and emotional problems.

1. Physical problems: issues with legs, feet, circulation, lower back, joints, colon, prostate and bladder, cold extremities, anemia, obesity, constipation, sexual dysfunction, low energy levels, incontinence, sciatica, immune disorders, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, menstrual cramps. 

2. Emotional and psychological problems: insecurity, fear, loneliness, lack of support, restlessness, greed, anger, egoism, lethargy, eating disorders, laziness, poor decision making, nightmares, cynicism, paranoia, trust issues, hypochondria, lack of confidence, panic attacks, short tempered, lack of concentration. 
You may also find that you feel dizzy or spacey or that you're constantly preoccupied with worries.

When balanced, one has a solid sense of security, healthy feet, legs, colon, bones, joints, teeth, adrenal glands and muscles.

It is the most common chakra to experience blockage. Anything that shakes your sense of security can block the root. Flying in an airplane and changing time zones can disturb Muladhara chakra.

How to balance the root chakra:

Photo by Silvia and Frank

Foods that can help balance your root chakra: 

1. Red food - red apples, beets, tomatoes, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb, cherries, blood oranges, cranberries, red grapes, red grapefruit, watermelon, red peppers, red cabbage, radishes, radicchio, red onions. 

2. Root vegetables and plants that grow beneath the ground like sweet potatoes, carrot, turnips, ginger, turmeric, ashwagandha and cannabis root.

Crystals that can help balance your root chakra: 

Garnet, red jasper, red tiger's eye, ruby, rhodochrosite, blood stone, red agate, red aventurine. 

You can place the gemstones on the area of the root chakra while lying down to help open and align it.

Essential oils and herbs that can balance your root chakra: 

Angelica root, cedar wood, patchouli, myrrh, vetiver, ylang ylang, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, cayenne. 

The essential oils should be mixed with coconut, olive, sesame, sunflower oil or any other carrier oil and applied to the soles of your feet.

- Spend time in nature

- Plant some herbs and take care of them

- Touch soil or sand

- Take a bath in the sea, river or lake

- Get wet in the rain

- Breathe fresh air

- Hug a tree

- Go to hike or long walks

- Observe the clouds, the birds, the wind, the leaves

- Start cooking healthy 

- Give thanks to Mother Earth and all that she provides

- Wear color red and surround yourself with red and earthy colors or objects. Red is known to help retain positive energy of the body and it is believed that it has the capability to keep you strong, healthy and positive throughout the day.

- Dance and feel sensation of movement

- Walk outside barefoot to absorb earth's free flowing electrons from it's surface through the soles of your feet 

- Connect with the nature, plants and animals 

- Drink a grounding warm tea made of root chakra cleansing herbs

- Practice kegel exercises, stretching and yoga. Yoga asanas that stimulate the energy in Muladhara are: the tree pose, malasana, downward dog, sun salutations, nosetip gazing and many more.

Image source: TeenyTinyOm

All the tips mentioned in he text above can help clean and balance Muladhara. 

When this chakra is activated you feel connected to the earth, safe, grounded and in control.

Once blocks have been removed from the Muladhara you will notice signs such as increased courage, taking actions that lead to more stable lifestyle, leaving an unhealthy relationship, and making more grounded decisions in life. When the root chakra is in alignment you will feel stable, calm, relaxed, secure and comfortable with your life. You will not be afraid to explore and try new things and you will be able to take care of yourself.

Photo by rawpixel

Stay balanced and grounded! 






Author: Ayurveda Tutorials

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muladhara  
https://www.doyouyoga.com/yoga-poses-to-balance-your-root-chakra-42374/  
http://www.chakras.info/root-chakra/

Related articles: 

Secrets Of Sacral Chakra 

Solar Plexus Chakra - Activate Your Inner Power 

Heart Chakra - Center Of Emotional Empowerment