Introduction To The Root Chakra

Muladhara or Root Chakra

The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, or coccyx. It is associated with the color red and is the element earth. The root chakra represents our connection to the earth, our feeling of self worth and our fundamental needs for survival. It is important in our daily physical lives. The ability to manifest security and stability for our basic survival needs is affected by the state of our root chakra. The root chakra represents physical energy, vitality, being connected to the earth, material possessions, success in business and manifestations.

If the root chakra is blocked a person would be feeling spacey or ungrounded. If this chakra is over stimulated a person might become too attached to physical things.

Some symptoms that are frequently linked to imbalances of this chakra are anemia, cancer, fatigue, lower back pain, sciatica and depression, as well as frequent colds or cold hands and cold feet.

Asanas that help balance this chakra are ones that are grounding like Tadasana, Utkatasana, Dandasana, asanas that involve spinal flexion, hip openers like pigeon and asanas that affect the knees and ankles like Vajrasana. Next time you perform these postures, connect with your root chakra by engaging your perineum and focusing on the color red.

Physical exercise, restful sleep, gardening, pottery and clay can help to allow energy to flow through this chakra. Consuming red food & drink such as a red juicy apple, cherries or cranberry juice, using red oils such as ylang ylang or sandalwood, having red gemstones like rubies around you and wearing red clothing can also help to balance the root chakra.

Meditation and affirmations are wonderful to clear the mind and gain a positive outlook. Here are a few affirmations you can use:

I am surrounded with love, support and light through all of my choices in life and give to the world my love, support and light.

I am so grateful and thankful for my body, how it supports me and carries me through everyday, and all the freedoms it allows me.

I am so grateful and thankful for my family, friends, work and health.

The root chakra is an important part of our overall health. Using these tools & suggestions can aid in healing the root chakra.

Namaste

The Author:

Kate is a mom of 2 beautiful & rambunctious little boys and a Certified Yoga Teacher at RealFit.tv.