The Root Chakra
This post explores the root chakra, what an imbalance looks like, and how to correct those imbalances. One way to balance the root chakra is with meditation. This post (and video above) is a prerequisite to the Root Chakra Meditation video.
The Root Chakra, also known as muladhara, or root support, is located at the base of the spine.
At a glance:
Gland connection: adrenals
Color: intense red
Element: earth
Tarot: The Emperor – red, power, confidence, assertive, leadership, stable, grounded, experiences abundance; The Hierophant (priest) – red, confidence, leadership, abundance in knowledge, both grounded and spiritual at once
Governs: physical needs, safety, security; connects us to the desire to live fully, and to enjoying the more material aspects of life, The Fool, The Devil, The Tower (also crown)
Musical note: C
Mantra: Lam
Vowel sound: O (As in “rope”)
Frequency: 396 Hz
A Root Chakra that is balanced, too open, or blocked
This chakra connects us to the earth, and as we have a physical body, this energy center correlates with our physical needs, survival, safety, and keeping us grounded. It is foundational: balancing this chakra is vital to help balance all those above it.
It’s important to bring this chakra into balance before focusing on any other chakra. The root chakra serves as the foundation for personal transformation. it stabilizes the other chakras; an out-of-balance root chakra means that you never truly experience your authentic self and destiny. Bringing this chakra into balance involves several different activities, meditations and habits you can change or form.
According to Sue Morter in the Energy Codes, the root chakra Grounds our consciousness in our physical body. It is a way to bring dreams to fruition. If you are not creating a life you want, you may need to root yourself deeper and connect more to the earth.
What a balanced root chakra looks like
When someone has a balanced root chakra, they are grounded, have high physical energy, self-mastery, general good health, a sense of safety and belonging, and have a good sense of well-being. They cultivate and sustain lifelong vitality and are considered “giving”; they take care of themself and others, and trust in the abundance of the universe.
When the root chakra is too open
A root chakra that is too open manifests in someone with any, some or all of the following characteristics that concern emotional behavior: self-destructive behavior, someone that is externally focused, has communication challenges (including having a tendency to bully others), fearlessness to the point of being reckless, having a tendency toward being angry and feeling greedy.
What a root chakra that has reduced energy flow or is blocked looks like
A root chakra that has reduced energy flow or is blocked manifests in someone with any, some or all of the following characteristics that concern emotional behavior: low self-esteem, often feels anxious, work in serial jobs due to a lack of purpose, don’t feel like they belong, withdrawn, persistent financial problems, fearfulness
If the root chakra remains unbalanced long enough, physical symptoms can manifest. These include bone and skeleton related conditions (arthritis, joint pain, neck pain, etc.), instability in hips/legs/feet, compromised immunity, low vitality, sedentary lifestyle (this can be both cause and effect), general fatigue, leg cramps, sciatica, anemia, hemorrhoids, hoarding, impulsiveness, restlessness, constipation, STDs, prostate issues, financial instability, feeling ungrounded
How to balance the root chakra:
You don’t have to do everything listed here to help balance this chakra. Try different activities, then pick the ones that are the most effective for you.
Aromatherapy:
Use of aromatherapy: cedarwood essential oil can be used in a carrier oil (always test first!) or with a diffuser (but do not use if you have pets in the house)
Crystal Healing:
Carry a crystal with you or put directly on the chakra area as you meditate. These include ruby, blood stone, tiger eye, or tourmaline
Color therapy:
Use color therapy: stare at objects that are intense red in color or meditate with them, such as with a red-colored mandala
Exercises:
Engage in physical exercises, stretching and/or spend time in nature. Walk barefoot in the grass or in the forest. Hiking, walking, or jogging help keep your feet in contact with the earth.
Engage in physical activities that work the body such as gardening, landscaping, or rock masonry.
Spend time making and giving gifts: this helps you to create and embrace abundance in the universe.
Use The Root Lock (mula bandha). If you have ever done Kegel exercises, this is similar. Focus your awareness at base of spine. Contract your muscles at the base of the pelvic bowl and lift toward navel while squeezing as tightly as you can. During the root chakra meditation, you will draw energy up and down through the belly, heart, throat, third eye and crown while engaging the root lock.
Eating for your root chakra:
Eat healthful earthy foods such as beans, beets, carrots, radishes, or turnips; eat other red foods such as apples, cherries or watermelon or strawberries, cloves, paprika or cayenne.
