What are Chakras?

Chakras, by definition, are energy centers within the human body that help to
regulate all its processes, from organ function to to the immune system and
emotions. We can commonly count 7 chakras positioned throughout your body,
from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own
vibrational frequency, that is depicted through a specific chakra color, and governs
specific functions that help make you, well, human.

Introducing The 7 Major Chakras

Let’s start with a brief definition. What is a chakra? A chakra (pronounced
“cha”-“kra” with a resounding “ch”) is a center of energy. Originating from Sanskrit,
it literally means “wheel” by association with its function as a vortex of spinning
energy interacting with various physiological and neurological systems in the body.

3 Keys to Chakra Healing

1. Chakra Balancing
Wondering what healthy chakras feel like? The foundation to a healthy system
consists in opening and balancing the chakras in order to create a sustainable,
harmonious flow of energy.
2. Opening Your Chakras
A number of practices aim at opening the chakras. They often originate from
traditional schools of thoughts associated with Eastern spirituality, as well as
modern healing modalities often derived from these practices.
3. Chakra Healing Techniques
Today’s chakra healing techniques are created by people coming from a broad
range of fields from energy healing and holistic medicine, to fitness and
psychology.
What Is The Root Chakra?
The root chakra is the first chakra. Its energy is based on the earth element. It’s
associated with the feeling of safety and grounding. It’s at the base of the chakra
system and lays the foundation for expansion in your life.

Where is the Root Chakra?

The first chakra or root chakra is located at the base of the spine. The
corresponding body locations are the perineum, along the first three vertebrae, at
the pelvic plexus. This chakra is often represented as a cone of energy stating at
the base of the spine and going downward and then slight bent up.

What’s in the Muladhara or root

chakra name?
The first chakra is referred to as:

•Root chakra
•Muladhara
•Adhara
Its sanscrit name is ”muladhara” can signify “base”, ‘foundation”, “root support”.

The first chakra is associated with the Earth element.

Chakra colors: The red chakra
The typical color used to represent the root chakra is a rich vermilion red. This is
the color used on its symbol to fill its petals. Traditionally, it is also associated with
the color yellow or gold (this is the color of its element as opposed to its petals). In
the spectrum of chakra colors, red symbolizes strength, vitality, and stimulates our
instinctual tendencies.

Root chakra symbol

The symbol of the root chakra is composed of a four-petaled lotus flower, often
stylized as a circle with four petals with a downward-pointing triangle.
The downward-pointing triangle is a symbol of spirit connecting with matter,
grounding on the earth and our earthly existence, in our bodies. It’s seen as the
center of our vital life force and is the seat where kundalini stays coiled, dormant,
until is wakes up to distribute its energy through all the other chakras.

Key characteristics of the root chakra

The first chakra is associated with the following functions or behavioral
characteristics:
Security, safety
•Survival
•Basic needs (food, sleep, shelter, self-preservation, etc.)
•Physicality, physical identity and aspects of self
•Grounding
•Support and foundation for living our lives

The root chakra provides the foundation on which we build our life. It supports us in
growing and feeling safe into exploring all the aspects of life. It is related to our
feeling of safety and security, whether it’s physical or regarding our bodily needs or
metaphorical regarding housing and financial safety. To sum it up, the first chakra
questions are around the idea of survival and safety. The root chakra is where we
ground ourselves into the earth and anchor our energy into the manifest world.

What happens when the first chakra is

imbalanced
 At the emotional level, the deficiencies or imbalance in the first chakra are related
to:

•Eating disorders
•Greed, avarice
•Illusion
•Excessive feeling of insecurity, living on survival mode constantly
•Excessive negativity, cynicism

For a person who has imbalance in the first chakra, it might be hard to feel safe in
the world and everything looks like a potential risk. The desire for security
dominates and can translate into concerns over the job situation, physical safety,
shelter, health. A blocked root chakra may turn into behaviors ruled mainly by fear.

On the same line, when the root chakra is overactive, fear might turn into greed
and paranoia, which are extreme forms of manifestation of imbalance in the first
chakra. Issues with control over food intake and diet are related to it.

Opening the root chakra

There are many ways to open your root chakra. For example, you can engage
more in grounding and earth-related activities (for example, connection with nature,
gardening, cooking healthy, hiking).
The main idea is to work at growing your ”roots” in a safe and comfortable
environment (i.e., surround yourself with earth colors, objects reminding you of
nature, stability; or on the contrary, if you wish to feel less stuck, do the opposite).

Yoga for the root chakra can be a more physical way to bridge the body and mind
and restore a more balanced energy flow.
What To Do When Your
Root Chakra Is Blocked
When your root chakra is blocked you don’t feel at home… anywhere. As the base
chakra, it significantly impacts your sense
of security in life. When this energy center is open and balanced you feel at home,
stable, and able to take on life’s challenges. You have clear focus, a sense of
purpose, and are always “present” in the moment. However, if this chakra is
blocked, the security gives way to doubt, fear, and your emotional and physical
well-being suffers.

Symptoms of Blockage in the Root

Chakra
A blocked root chakra not only creates an imbalance in energy flow throughout the
body, but it can also instigate feelings of restlessness. You may feel like you’re
constantly searching for an elusive something that you can’t even identify.

Individuals with a blocked root chakra find it difficult to “settle down” with anything,
including where they want to live and work. Even their personal relationships are
impacted.

Characteristics common to those with a blocked root chakra are:

•lack of focus
•co-dependency
•restlessness
•feeling abandoned
In addition to the vagabond-like mentality a blocked root chakra creates is the issue
of the physical and emotional toll the blockage takes.

Common physical signs of blockage involve the lower parts of the body, especially
legs and genital area. The root chakra primarily governs the reproductive organs
and lower extremities, including the lower spine, legs, and feet. The chakra
blockage will often replicate itself manifesting as constipation, kidney stones,
circulatory issues, and leg weakness. Additional physical signs can include:

•sciatica
•hypertension
•impotence
•colitis
•eating disorders
•prostate issues in men

Common non-physical signs of blockage include:

•depression
•anxiety
•fearfulness
•guilt
•resentment
Overactive Root Chakra
When your root chakra is in overdrive, the one thing you abhor is change. The key
is to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of an overactive first chakra.
Once you recognize what is amiss, the next step is learning about root chakra
healing techniques to restore balance and foster your overall well-being.

Risks of Excess of Energy in the Root

Chakra
As the chakra located at the base of the spine, your first energy center is home to
the raw, static energy of life. Raising and channeling this energy not only boosts
your overall health, but plays a pivotal role in spiritual awakening.

As the chakra of grounding, the first chakra governs your inner sense of security
and place in this world. An overactive root chakra can trigger extreme feelings of
insecurity. In an effort to rekindle the security you once felt within the core of your
being, you now cling to outside influences to compensate or fill the void.

The color red is associated with the first chakra for more than one reason. Yes, red
is the color of energy, love, and power. However, it is also associated with
negativity, which can come out in full force when the root chakra is overactive.

Signs of Overactivity in the Root

Chakra
Symptoms of an overactive root chakra can adversely affect your physical,
emotional, and spiritual well-being. When the root chakra is balanced you are
grounded, in control, and at ease. When the chakra is imbalanced, it is not
uncommon to become easily annoyed with people and situations, lash out at
others, or become materialistic.
If this chakra is overly open, excessive attachments may develop and lead to
rigidity in our body and behavior. “We may be obsessed with money and
possessions or our health, unable to allow change or to let go, and as a result we
get stuck in the same routines, same old job, same old patterns” (Anodea Judith
on excess in the root chakra).

Physical symptoms of over-activity can include bladder problems, constipation,

fatigue, and anemia.
Among the most common non-physical signs the root chakra is too active include:
•anger
•short temper
•greediness
•belligerence
•impatience
•feeling stuck

Cleansing and Balancing an

Overactive Root Chakra
If your first energy center is over-active, chakra healing for the root chakra can help
alleviate issues and restore energy balance.
Depending on the severity of the chakra imbalance, simply adjusting your diet,
getting enough exercise, and incorporating meditation into your routine can restore
chakra balance. Yoga benefits the root chakra and its overall balance, especially
when dealing with an overly active center. Calming and low impact exercise tends
to counter-balance the excess of energy. Energy healing, such as Reiki, sound
therapy or using chakra stones, can also help the process along.

What Others Say About Having An

Excessive Root Chakra
Abandonment during the formative years often results in an excessive first chakra
— one that overcompensates by clinging to security, food, loved ones, or routines.

Source: Judith, Anodea (2011-03-16). Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology

and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self.

There may be a hardness about the person’s character. He likes routine, security,
and possessions, and may be driven toward financial achievement. He may appear
cynical about spiritual subjects, preferring the concrete. His appearance may be
meticulous, well-dressed, and well-groomed. Movements, when they occur, may be
repetitive or compulsive. His boundaries are overformed, more like brick walls. He
complains about being stuck.

Judith, Anodea (2011-03-16). Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the
Chakra System As a Path to the Self
How to open your root
chakra
The root chakra or Muladhara is home to your primal energy. Located at the base
of the spine, it is associated with your most basic survival needs.
The first chakra governs the bladder, kidneys, lower extremities, and spine. When
there is an imbalance, you can experience physical symptoms that include:
•constipation
•weight issues
•fatigue
•back pain

Emotionally speaking, when the first chakra is in need of healing, you may find
you’re short-tempered and unusually aggressive. Other signs you need to open up
the root chakra are:

•poor decision making

•anxiety
•detachment
•insecurity

Symbolized by the color red, the root chakra fosters confidence and security when
it is opened and balanced. However, when it is in need of healing, there are several
simple exercises and steps you can take to restore balance.
Stand
When you’re feeling less than grounded stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
and relax your upper body. Let your arms rest comfortably at your sides and allow
your hips to rest slightly forward. Breathe deeply and with each exhale feel your
connection to the earth deepen.

Rinse Off
Simply taking a shower can help cleanse and balance the root chakra. Be aware of
your physical body as you bathe, Mindful awareness is a tremendous tool for
healing the first chakra.
Get Moving
Everyday physical movement, from running to completing chores around the
house, is a great way to heal your root chakra. The key is to be aware of your body
and feel the sensation of movement. Awareness is crucial to healing.

Mindful Walking
Whether you are walking out in nature or down a crowded city street, be aware of
every step you take. Concentrate on your breath and every footfall. With every step
take note of the sensation you feel each time your foot touches the ground.
Mindfulness of something as mundane as walking can activate the root chakra and
ground you to the earth.

Visualize Red
Wearing the color red or incorporating it into the decor of your home environment
or workspace is a gentle reminder to be aware of the primal, core energy of your
root chakra. You can even take this one step further by visualizing, or meditating
on, the color red. For instance, take a few seconds or even a few minutes to
visualize a radiant, red ball of energy at the base of your spine. See it brighten and
radiate downward as it illuminates your lower extremities and grounds you.

Strike a Pose
Dancing is a great way to open up your root chakra. Whether you dance in public
or behind closed doors, the key is to let the rhythm guide you. Allowing the body to
be free to move uninhibited will dispel negativity, open and balance the first chakra.
Stretch and Don’t Forget to Breathe
Adopting a regular yoga routine is another great tool to open up, heal, and balance
the root chakra. Introducing simple forward bends and standing positions can help
stretch your legs, back and spine giving you a strong foundation. To ground
yourself and activate your root chakra, try these poses to foster balance and focus:

•Eagle (Garudasana)
•Mountain (Tadasana)
•Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
•Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana)
•Tree (Vrksasana)
Yoga for the Root Chakra
The root chakra, positioned at the base of your spine, houses the raw, static life
force energy known as Kundalini. Also known as the 1st chakra or Muladhara in
Sanskrit, it governs your “survival instincts” and is associated with red — the color
of vitality and energy. When the first chakra is open and balanced, you feel
grounded and at ease with the world around you.
Yoga for the Root Chakra, Yoga for
All
Incorporating yoga into your daily routine is a great way to open and balance your
body’s chakras. Although a series of yoga poses are intended for individual
chakras, the asanas (or poses) ultimately benefit the entire body. It is impossible to
energize one energy center without affecting the rest of the system.

Basic Asanas to support the first

chakra
In practice, yoga poses are referred to as asanas. These postures are intended to
improve your overall physical, spiritual, and emotional health when practiced
regularly. Adapted from the word asanam, which is Sanskrit for “seated posture,”
basic asanas for the root chakra not only ground you, but also bolster your primal
nature. By strengthening your core and lower extremities, you also increase
stamina.

To open and balance your first chakra, introduce forward bends and standing poses
to strengthen your core, legs, and feet. Unsure where to begin? Start with these:
Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana) — By stretching the legs and hips, standing
forward bend strengthens the knees and thighs which allows for stable grounding
and opening of the root chakra.
•Garland (Malasana) — Frequently used to lead into standing forward bend,
garland pose strengthens the ankles and lower back to help activate the first
chakra.
•Head-to-knee Forward Bend (Janu Sirsasana) — Benefiting the spine, hamstrings,
and groin muscles, this pose stimulates kidney and liver function and increases
energy flow through the first chakra.
•Reclining Bound Angle (Supta Baddha Konasana) — As you stretch your inner
thighs, knees, and groin muscle, reclining bound angle pose also stimulates organ
function in the bladder, kidneys and reproductive organs which helps balance
chakra energy.
•Wide-Legged Forward Bend (Prasarita Padottanasana) — An asana similar to the
standing forward bend, this position helps stretch and strengthen the legs and
spine, which helps open and activate the root chakra.
•Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) — This pose helps strengthen and stretch the legs
and ankles while nurturing a strong core. Mastering this pose will increase your
stamina which is key to maintaining a balanced first chakra.
6 Simple Root Chakra
Healing Techniques
Root chakra healing fosters proper energy flow throughout the body giving the
chakra system a firm foundation on which the other energy centers may function.
When the first chakra is blocked or somehow off balance, it is not uncommon to
exhibit uncharacteristic behaviors, like paranoia, being short-tempered or
aggressive. Healing your root chakra empowers you to confidently face whatever
life may bring.

Understanding The Root Chakra

The root chakra is sometimes referred to as the Muladhara chakra — for its
feminine energy. Known as the seat for raw energy, known as Kundalini, the
Muladhara chakra is the first of seven chakras located at the base of the spine.
It governs the functioning of the lower part of the body, including the bladder,
kidneys, lower spine and back. Psychologically, it governs confidence and survival
instincts, like “fight or flight.”

Red is the widely accepted chakra color associated with the root chakra. According
to energy healers, the root chakra may also be associated with the colors brown,
black, and gray.

Why Healing The Root Chakra?

When the root chakra is functioning optimally, you feel grounded, secure, and at
ease with the world. But when it is imbalanced or blocked several signs can
manifest, from constipation to back pain and fatigue.
Additional physical and psychological signs can include:

Feelings of insecurity
•Aggressiveness
•Sexual dysfunction
•Anger
•Restlessness
•Eating disorders
Common Symptoms Addressed By
Root Chakra Healing
1. Being constantly challenged in getting your primary needs met
Having enough money to get food or pay this month’s bills, having stable housing…
If getting these basic needs met is a constant struggle for you, chances are that
your root chakra will benefit from healing work. Root chakra healing focuses on
getting you out of the detrimental cycle of behaviors and beliefs dominated by lack
and scarcity.

2. Looming feelings of insecurity

If your first chakra is out of balance, you will notice that it is hard for you to feel safe
in the world. This feeling of insecurity can manifest through constant worries about
finances, health, where the world is going. You might even feel paranoid about
every little thing.

We’re not talking about transitory concerns associated with circumstances that
deserve your immediate attention, so you can address the issue at hand effectively.
First chakra concerns are more deeply rooted in your psyche and tend to persist
over time, acting as a lingering feeling of insecurity.

Root chakra healing consists in remedying these fears by allowing more supportive
energy to come into your life and providing a solid foundation on which you can
rest.

3. Fear is your main motivating factor

If you notice that your life is based on fear, root chakra healing could help. It aims
at bringing a more balanced perspective, so your decision-making is more well-
rounded and not based exclusively on survival instinct or “fight or flight” responses.

First chakra preoccupations regarding survival can often spin out of control when
your support system and resources are not strong enough. By working at
reinforcing your foundations and rooting yourself in stronger perceptions of safety,
your can gain a greater awareness of your real needs and aspirations, and what
needs to be done in order to fulfill them.
Key steps for in-depth healing of
the root chakra
1. Anchoring yourself in your environment

Root chakra preoccupations relate to feeling safe in the world. Developing a

harmonious relationship with your environment is key in fostering safety. How you
feel in your immediate surroundings, from your home to your neighborhood and
region matters in supporting the first chakra balance.

2. Connecting intimately with the earth

In order to heal root chakra imbalance, it’s important to connect directly to the
earth. Go outside and walk on unpaved paths, dig your hands in the earth, plant
seeds… These are all examples of personal connections with the earth element
that will support the opening of the root chakra to a more grounded, sustainable
energy flow.
If you do not have access to garden, walking outside to a park and pay attention to
every step you make, feeling the contact of your feet to the ground. Make it a daily
practice. The presence of plants in your immediate surrounding can also be helpful
to bring the earth closer to you. Another way to connect with this elemental energy
is to imagine grounding yourself deep into the earth by visualizing a grounding cord
made a burgundy red light, uniting your root chakra to the center of the earth.

3. Physical activity promotes root chakra health

Let’s face it, the root chakra governs the quality of our physical presence and
feeling of aliveness in our body. Physical activity, no matter big or small, supports
root chakra healing. Any movement involving your feet and legs will be particularly
helpful. When you feel your vital force, you connect with the strength of root chakra
energy and grounded in your life.

4. Overcoming feelings of insecurity by learning self-reliance

To counter the tendency to worry about safety and well-being, an element
characteristic of first chakra imbalance, long-lasting healing consists in reinforcing
your belief that you’re OK in this world and can get what you need when you need
it. Working on self-reliance, confidence, perceptions about resourcefulness in your
life are key in healing the root chakra.

5. Discovering your true needs and aspirations

To heal the first chakra, you need to know what your true needs and aspirations
are. This generally helps guide your course of action and decisions with regards to
the place you want to live in, the work you want to do, and the people you want to
surround yourself with. Without this awareness, you have more chances to be
swayed by others’ opinions or circumstances, and miss the opportunity to meet
your deepest needs.

Introspection and clarity are therefore keys to healing the root chakra. This is no
small task, but with some time given to personal reflection and friendly advice, you
will get in the right direction. Pay attention to limiting beliefs about yourself, and
trust possibilities towards a better life.

6. Going from a psychology of scarcity to personal abundance

Remember that a psychology of lack and scarcity tends to self-perpetuate and
reinforces limiting beliefs about your chances of success. Healing your root chakra
aims at restoring confidence in your ability to provide for yourself and meet your
basic needs easily.

An important step in healing root chakra concerns is to re-center the notion of

material abundance on inner and non-material abundance. For instance, instead of
assessing your level of wealth just base on your bank account, consider all the
other types of riches you have in your life, from friendships to enjoyment of
everyday pleasures. In the process, you will like have to reconsider personal beliefs
about money and physical safety.

7. The root chakra and embodying the energy of manifestation

When healing the root chakra, it’s important to remember that the outer world is
often a reflection of what is happening inside you. Your notion about what it means
to be abundant in the material world is affected and affects your notion of inner
balance and resourcefulness. In other words, your state of being translates into
your ability to manifest in the material world.

How To Heal Your Root Chakra

Several steps may be taken to heal an imbalance or blockage in the root chakra.
Depending on the severity of the blockage, you may opt to use chakra healing
meditation, yoga poses, or even a variety of forms of energy healing, from reiki to
acupuncture and sound therapy — such as the use of chakra tuning forks.

Aromatherapy For The First Chakra

Aromatherapy is another useful tool for first chakra balancing. To heal the root
chakra, consider using flowering, earthy-scented essential oils to ground and
balance, including;
•ylang-ylang
•rosemary
•patchouli
•sandalwood
•myrrh
•rosemary
When exploring every day steps you can take to restore balance to your chakra
system, consider adding healing food to your diet.
Root Chakra Healing Foods
Just as each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, color, and function, so too
are there foods that help bolster individual chakra function.
When concentrating on the root chakra, consider adding naturally red-colored
foods, root vegetables, and animal protein such as:

•parsnips
•soy
•tofu
•eggs
•beans
•meat
•rainbow chard
•beets

Root Chakra Healing Stones

The use of chakra crystals and healing stones for chakra cleansing is also
common.
Healing stones’ vibrational frequencies can help restore balance when there is a
deficiency or excess of energy leading to a blocked or overactive root chakra. Like
the chakras, each stone has its own frequency.
Although it is common practice to choose stones of the same color as their
corresponding chakra, it isn’t always necessary — shades of the same color will
also work. The key is that the stone has the same vibrational frequency as its
associated chakra.When choosing red stones to heal the root chakra, some
choices are red jasper, bloodstone, red carnelian, and garnet. Other options for
stones include:

•Hematite
•Rhodochrosite
•Jet
•Smokey quartz
Useful questions to guide first chakra
healing
•Do you feel you have all you need to live comfortably?
•How are you doing financially? Are you constantly struggling or do you have strong
foundations?
•How are your current living conditions? Do you feel supported enough?
•Do you feel connected to the natural environment around you?
•Do you feel threatened by looming fears about the end of the world? Or do you
trust that no matter what happens, you and your family will be OK?
•How resourceful do you feel when you meet life challenges (whether they are
financial, health-related, job-related, etc.)?
•Do you find yourself in situations that others deemed right for you, but do not truly
meet your deepest needs and aspirations?
•Do you feel you have enough support where you live?
•Are your roots strong enough to support you wherever you are?