All About The Root Chakra

Root Chakra or Muladhara is about foundation. The two words in Sanskrit, Mula meaning root and Adhara interpreted as supportive base, make up our first primary chakra, which is located at the base of the spine.

In the journey of activating and balancing our chakras we first get acquainted with the Root. Why? Because once we move on to the ones above, we’ll have a rock solid foundation to do so. Think of the Root Chakra as a security blanket or even better the foundation of a house we are building. In order to feel safe or secure with progressing, we want to be sure that what’s holding it up isn’t wobbly. 

Though the Root Chakra is often associated with physical safety or forms of stability like money or a home but the root also includes emotional security. If we consider the many patterns/interactions in relationships we can see that the most ideal progression of any relationship (familial, intimate, etc…) requires a level of emotional security to already be there. We need to trust and feel safe interacting with one another in additional to have at least our basic needs met. 

via simplypsychology.org

Now what does it look like to have an unbalanced Root Chakra? Well, we may feel stressed, insecure, anxious, fearful or depressed. This can even lead to suicidal thoughts or resentment. Our physical ties and purpose in this world feels compromised and that alone can cause can shaky foundation. Our bodies can also experience a variety of physical ailments. For men, reproductive issues may appear. Other symptoms include; arthritis, immune system issues, constipation, eating disorders and more. 

So how exactly do we bring our Root Chakra back to its optimal? Well, I’m personally a fan of yoga, meditation and reiki to help ground me. Certain poses like standing forward fold(uttanasana) and easy pose (sukhasana) do wonders to help an imbalanced Root Chakra but feel free to add in other exercise that focus on your lower back and pelvis. If you’re a foodie, like me, red and grounding foods are the way to go; root veggies, proteins, strawberries, beets, or tomatoes. 

There’s a tool for everyone from gem stones (like red jasper), sound healing, essential oils (like sandalwood), psychotherapy or affirmations. Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself a specific method, but feel free to use these as guidelines.

How do you nurture your Root Chakra?