Chakras: Everything you need to know but didn't know to ask...

The Root Chakra

What is a Chakra?

Chakras are understood in some subtle body disciplines to be our bodies' energy centres. We have seven main ones which run in a straight line from the base of the spine to just above the top of the head. In modern day terms, we can pinpoint these centres to roughly where you would anatomically find an endocrine organ (such as the thyroid in the throat, the pineal gland in the brain etc) or a nerve plexus (an area in the body where there is a high concentration of nerves in one place). The ancients believed that our energy needed to be flowing smoothly through these centres in order for us to stay well. Each is linked to our physical, mental and emotional selves in different ways. Having an understanding of how our chakras work and interact with our environments can lead to valuable insights about our wellbeing.

This blog post with focus on everything you need to know about the root chakra.

Root Chakra - What you need to know...

The Root Chakra is your energy centre located at the base of the spine, in the floor of the pelvis. Its Sanskrit Name is the ‘Muladhara’ Chakra (pronounced Moo-la-dah-ra).

Because this chakra provides the foundation for all the other seven main chakras, this chakra’s connected element is Earth.

The energy of this chakra is Yang - which denotes external identification, doing and action.

This chakra corresponds to the physical body parts and systems which make up your physical and physiological foundations, namely the:

• Adrenals

• Skeleton

• Skin

• Elimination/Excretory system

• Senses

• Lower Body i.e. Pelvis / Hips / Legs / Feet

If there is a blockage to the flow of energy in your Root Chakra, it may show up as a physical problem in one or more of these areas.

How do Root Chakra problems occur?

The flow of energy in our Root Chakra responds to whatever is going on in these areas of your life:

• Basic Needs and Comforts

• Physical Safety

• Sense of Belonging

• Financial Security

• Home Situation

• Career and Occupation

The Root Chakra is developed around ages 0-7yrs, a time when being provided for and feeling secure is of utmost importance and occupies much of our daily considerations. The energy of the Root Chakra captures our very early experiences.

During this time we are developing our sense of who and where is safe, what we need in order to feel provided for, our sense of belonging to a family or community identity, and a sense of our place within it all.

Therefore what we experience in our Root Chakra can be current, or can be latent energy from experiences in our pasts.

How Root Chakra energy operates

Because the Root Chakra has a Yang energy, it is externally focussed. It looks to our outward experiences, what we have around us and the action we have available to us.

The Root Chakra also works in a paired tandem with the Crown Chakra. This means our sense of safety can often be linked to our faith in the universe, our relationship with spirituality, and our attachment to material comforts.

The Root Chakra is the foundation for everything else, the base of the pyramid. It deals with what we need first to survive and thrive.

If we are in a situation where: 

• We do not feel grounded 

• We feel isolated from others

• We are unable to trust or feel safe

• Our basic needs are not being taken care of...

...We will feel it in this chakra.

We may also be carrying experience or trauma from our past relating to these areas which is still impacting how we respond in the present. And because this chakra is the base for all the others, this may also affect the flow of energy to other chakras.

How do I know if my Root Chakra energy is flowing well?

Your root chakra energy is likely flowing well if:

• You feel safe and trusting in your relationships

• You feel a sense of belonging in your family, friendship circles or chosen community

• You feel settled in your career or occupation

• You have a general trust that everything will turn out okay

Your root chakra may be highlighting that you energy is compromised if you are experiencing:

• Joint Problems

• Lower Intestinal / Digestive Problems

• Skin Problems

• Adrenal Fatigue

• Cynicism

• Inability to trust well

• Loneliness

• Scarcity mentality

• Excessive worry

• Over-reactivity

Eight Ways you can help heal the Root Chakra

There are a number of ways we can help the flow of energy through our Root Chakra.

1. Colour Therapy

   
   

   The Root Chakra is associated with the colour red. Wearing red colours, having red furnishings, eating red foods, all these can help boost the Root Chakra.

2. Visualisation

   
   

   Visualising breathing in red light into the pelvic area can also help improve the flow. Intention is truly powerful.

3. Sound Frequencies

   
   

   The energy of the Root Chakra responds to sound frequencies, specifically 256hz and 396hz. Listening to music at these vibrational frequencies can help disspell any latent and stagnant energy, realigning the chakra to it's natural vibration.

4. Crystals

   
   

   Wearing or having near you the following crystals can positively influence the Root Chakra:

Bloodstone - for grounding and releasing fear

Garnet - for courage and fortitude

Red Jasper - for anchoring and practicality

Black Tourmaline - for a reality check

Haematite - for grounded empowerment

Smoky Quartz - letting go of past hurt

5. Chanting Seed Mantras

   
   

   The Root Chakra has a specific ‘seed mantra’, which is a chant that when heard or spoken/sung by the human body can help to realign this Chakra’s energy. The Root Chakra’s seed mantra is ‘LAM’. Chant this with a long emphasis on the 'mmm’ to vibrate the sound throughout your body.

   
   

6. Mudra (Hand Yoga)

   
   

   In order to connect to the energy of the Root Chakra, we can use ‘Prithivi Mudra’ to feel more calm and grounded.

This is a hand position where the tip of the fourth (or ring) finger connects with the tip of the thumb. Try this alongside some long, smooth, deep, nasal breaths.

7. Affirmations

   
   

   Because the Root Chakra is concerned with physical and material safety, it can easily be triggered by anything which compromises this.

We can use the affirmations: I AM and I HAVE to ground ourselves and remind ourselves of what is important.

e.g. I am safe, I have everything I need, I am provided for ... etc

8. Seeking help from a professional therapist

A qualified therapist can help and advise with any healing which may address underlying issues.

The Root Chakra can benefit from:

• Reiki - to help encourage your body’s natural healing response

• Crystal Healing - to help clear any energetic blocks

• Counselling or Talking Therapies - to help manage and process any experiences which are beginning to show up in your physicality or everyday interactions.

Remember - holistic therapy is always an addition to traditional medical intervention, so always seek medical advice for any physical, mental and emotional health conditions as well.

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