The Root Chakra or Muladhara links you to the physical world. It keeps life vibrant and sustainable and defines our concepts of “being” and “accepting”. It also serves as the foundation that helps build our personalities. The Root Chakra incorporates all the qualities we need to maintain life in an orderly fashion and embraces aspects like our energy levels, self expression, ambition, consistency and the desire for survival of ourselves and species.
Location: The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and opens downwards to draw up the Earth’s energy.
Associated Body Parts: This chakra is associated with the adrenal glands; the solid parts of the body (spine, bones, teeth, nails, legs, feet); large intestines; prostate; bladder; blood; circulatory system and tailbone.
Essential Oils: Sandalwood, cinnamon, cedar, clove, cypress, marjoram, myrhh
Colour: Red; Gemstones: Agate, Bloodstone, Garnet, Ruby, Smoky Quartz, Hematite
Symbol: 4-Petaled Lotus; Element: Earth
Mantra: LAM; Tone: C; Instrument: Drums
Associated Zodiac and Planets: Capricorn, Aries, Taurus, Scorpio; Earth, Mars, Saturn
The main function of the Root Chakra is to support and sustain our life. If unstable, we become unsure of our right to what we want and are unable to handle change. Security keeps us focused and grounded and when we do not feel secure, we loose our energy. Growing deep sense of inner security will help keep the Root Chakra functioning during times of change. The Root Chakra also controls our fight-or-flight instinct that triggers the adrenal cortex, stimulating the flow of adrenaline into our bloodstream. When we are under attack, the adrenaline will put us in survival mode.
When we are positive and hopeful about our lives, the Root Chakra is anchored to Earth’s energies. We should remain open to possibilities to strengthen this chakra so it can aid in stability and inner strength. The more inner strength we can create the more grounded we become and more we are able to cope with change. The Root Chakra is also affected by war, famine, chaos and other hardships of life and what our ancestors endured is genetically carried forward to us. Whenever we are stressed or threatened we go back to that place where we fear the worst and/or doubt our chances of survival. Because of this genetic memory and our own struggles, our Root Chakra can almost always use some TLC.
Physical problems related to the Root Chakra can include, issues with feet, knees and hips, arthritis, kidney stones, osteoporosis, other bone problems, autoimmune deficiency conditions, weight loss/gain or IBS. We can also experience feelings of lightheadedness, being “disconnected” or “spaced out”, lack appetite or interest in exercising and experience fatigue and physical exhaustion or depression. Traumas that can result in Root Chakra imbalances are physical abuse, violence, malnourishment, neglect, abandonment, birth traumas or being a victim of war.
People who have an under functioning Root Chakra may lack self esteem, procrastinate, have a low sex drive, feel disconnected or feel insecure. People with an over-functioning Root Chakra may be egotistical, self centred, materialistic, quick to anger or dominating. When the Root Chakra is balanced you will have good physical energy, body awareness and a feeling of security.
So, how do you work with your Root Chakra? There are many things you can do that will begin to bring balance and harmony to your Chakras. In our modern society, so many things work against us on a daily basis. Fast-paced lifestyles, fast food, hectic schedules, computers … we even spend less time outdoors. An excellent exercise for your Root Chakra is getting outside! Walk around your yard in bare feet; sit by a body of water with your back against a tree or just sit on a park bench and observe nature. Feel nature and feel the energy. All of these things will help ground you to Earth’s energies and help balance your Root Chakra. Finding a drumming circle in your community will also do wonders. Wearing red and focusing on this chakra will bring awareness and balance to it. Imagine a red lotus flower or slowly spinning wheel of light at the base of your spine.
You can also incorporate essential oils and gemstones into your chakra healing. With essential oils, you can diffuse, inhale or wear any of the oils listed above to help bring balance. Including gemstones can be as easy as carrying one in your pocket (from the list above). You can also find jewellery made of one or several of the stones to wear, or place them on your desk or by your bed. If you are using gemstones, remember that they should be cleansed frequently, especially if you are using them in times of stress or change. Placing them in the earth is a pretty easy way to cleanse most crystals, but there is a wealth of knowledge on the internet about caring for and cleansing crystals if you’re looking for more information on that topic.
Finally, using a mantra once or twice per day will help stabilize and balance your Root Chakra. Good mantras for this would be something like: “I affirm my right to live the life I choose” or simply “I love life”. I find that mantras are most effective if you are looking at yourself in front of a mirror. There is something about looking at yourself that helps bring the mantra home, like you are acknowledging that you hear and believe what you are saying.
Reiki is an excellent modality that can assist in balancing chakras as well. Please feel free to read more about
and contact me if you’re interested in setting up sessions or learning more about energy healing.
Up next will be a post on the Sacral Chakra. The Sacral Chakra focuses on our health and wellbeing and knowing that everything we do is good enough.
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