The Root Chakra is also known as ‘The First Chakra’, ‘Base Chakra’ or ‘Muladhara’ by its Sanskrit name. Its main purpose is to draw energy from natural sources and transform it into life energy. It is giving support to the complete human chakra system.
The root chakra is connected to the grounding and nurturing energies of the Earth.
Table of Contents
Root Chakra Meaning
The root chakra is at the base and the root of the entire chakra system.
According to yogic teachings, this is the seat of Kundalini energy and the point where the energy enters the body.
If the base chakra is firm, life energy can flow unencumbered through all the energy channels and stimulate personal and physical development.
The first chakra supplies life energy to the body, soul, and spirit.
It preserves and replenishes life and is as such tied to the survival instinct and the conservation of the species.
Root chakra functions as an anchor that grounds you and gives you much-needed stability, which is necessary for everyday life, especially in situations when you are exploring your spirituality.
If the first chakra is imbalanced, it is blocking the energy flow to all other vitality channels.
The base chakra is associated with emoting that is forceful but not long-lasting.
Muladhara is tied to the core life elements such as trust and the ability to relax. It reflects in areas such as security, stability, and survival.
Imbalanced or poorly functioning root chakra results in extreme ego-centrism or fear of life.
The stability of a firm base is vital for health and life to thrive, especially in a modern world where equilibrium, structure, and order are often hard to find.
An elephant is an animal symbol of the root chakra.
It symbolizes prosperity, security, soundness, abundance, and inner strength, which are the core elements of this energy center. The other two symbolic animals of this chakra are bull and ox, both denoting similar properties.
Root Chakra Symbol
In Hinduism, the Muladhara chakra is depicted with four petals and a square, which symbolizes earth.
The root chakra symbol color is a deep vermilion red, which radiates through the energy vortex and represents life energy, power, and passion.
Root Chakra Location
The location of the root chakra in the physical body is at the base of the spine, near the coccyx, in the pelvic area between the perineum and the anus.
In the energy body, the location of the root chakra is at the bottom of the energy system of the Nadi channels through which the vital energy (chi, prana) flows throughout the human energy body.
The root chakra is connected and rooted into the earth through the energy channels leading through our legs and feet below. It has the strongest energy tie whit the sacral chakra which is located above it.
The Effects of the Muladhara Imbalance
If your base chakra is imbalanced, you are likely to face some of the following problems:
- Lack of energy,
- no motivation,
- fears and worries,
- negative self-image,
- digestion problems,
- circulation problems.
Most people are not even aware that such psychological and physical problems can originate from the imbalanced root chakra and they simply take them for granted.
If the source of the problem stems from the blockage of the root chakra, you can easily fix them by bringing your Muladhara chakra into balance.
If the first chakra is not balanced, other higher energy centers will not function properly as well. By balancing your root energy center, you will gain stability and develop a positive attitude towards life.
Root Chakra Bracelet (Mala)
Root Chakra Bracelet or ‘Mala’ is used for balancing and activation of your root chakra.
To learn more about how to use the Mala and mantras CLICK HERE.
If you don’t yet own your root chakra bracelet you can also buy this beautiful bracelet – just like the one in the picture …
Psychological and Spiritual Aspects of the First Chakra
Any blockage in the base chakra area can negatively impact the vitality of your connection with the Earth and the natural laws.
Imbalances at this level can manifest in exaggerated behaviors guided mostly by emotions and little to no reason. Many fearful responses, self-centered, or aggressive behavioral patterns can be traced back to root chakra problems.
Technology is ever more pervasive in our environment, and it makes us lose the connection with our natural source. We can quickly become dissociated from reality, and we need to acquire ever more material possessions to be happy.
But the happiness we chase keeps eluding us because we keep using the wrong tools to pursue it.
- Lack of energy, weakened sexual drive, insecurities, and lack of trust are just a few of the consequences of a weakened Muladhara.
- If you have problems realizing your ideas, it might be that your first chakra is out of balance.
- An exaggerated struggle for survival, avarice, penny-pinching, excessive materialism, and unhealthy egocentrism signal a serious dysfunction of your natural base.
- If you find you have problems concentrating, you feel adrift, and in need of a safe haven, it might be that upon examining the state of your first chakra you will find it to be out of balance.
Getting in touch with your Muladhara chakra helps you adjust your focus and re-establish the correct values that stem from being aligned with the creation around us.
The healthy and balanced root chakra is an essential foundation for any advanced spiritual work.
Hindu Yogis and Sadhus maintain strict discipline and dedicate their lives to spiritual development.
Pure energy flow throughout their complete chakra system enables them to develop ‘mystical’ powers such as astral projection, telepathy, and clairvoyance.
Psychological Manifestations of Root Chakra Imbalance
If you:
- are afraid of the future,
- lack the trust that all will be well,
- often feel hopeless and drained,
- feel like you are losing your ground,
- are insecure about your decisions,
- feel worried about your finances,
- have a negative body image,
Properties of the Muladhara Chakra
- Common names: Root Chakra, First Chakra, Base Chakra, Muladhara, Foundational Center.
- Name meaning: Muladhara comes from Sanskrit and translates to root, support, or pillar.
- Corresponding gland: adrenal glands
Adrenal Glands are endocrine glands that are responsible for the production of several hormones including adrenaline, aldosterone, and cortisol, which regulate a number of important biological functions.
- Color: red
- Mantra: LAM
- Number of petals: four petals, each containing one of the following Sanskrit syllables वं vaṃ, शं śaṃ, षंṣaṃ, and सं saṃ
- Corresponding deities: Brahma, Dakini
Hindu God Brahma is known as the god of creation and alongside Vishnu and Shiva forms a Hindu Trimurti – a trinity of highest level Hindu gods.
- Animal Symbols: elephant, bull, ox
- Element: earth
- Symbol: square
- Sound: U
- Frequency: 256 Hz
- Corresponding sense: smell
- Corresponding natural phenomena: dawn, dusk, red earth, fire
- Planet: Mercury
Mercury is the planet closest to our Sun and the smallest planet in our solar system. It mostly consists of metal and silicate materials. One Mercury year lasts around 88 Earth days, which is the time needed for Mercury to complete one orbit around the Sun.
- Key themes: survival, earthiness, stability, ancient trust, material safety
- Affected body parts: colon, rectum, pelvis, bones, legs, feet
- Positive spiritual aspects: development of life energy, source of life power, will for life, self-preservation, persistence, endurance, rhythm, connection with earth and nature, ancient trust, astuteness, sustaining life
- Negative spiritual aspects: instinct, existential dread, self-absorbedness, narcissism, slowness, laziness
- Physical signs pointing to abnormal functioning of the Root Chakra: colon ailments, frequent constipation, hemorrhoids, sciatica, lower back pain, kidney and bladder problems, prostate issues, bone diseases, anemia, fluctuating blood pressure
- Mental issues pointing to abnormal functioning of the Root Chakra: fear, powerlessness, depression, lack of trust, searching for sanctuary, and becoming attached to people who project a sense of security
Root chakra healing and balancing techniques
Healing and balancing your root chakra is the first and the most important step towards improving your complete chakra energy system. The first chakra needs to be balanced and open in order for the grounding and supporting energy to flow into your higher chakras.
If your root chakra is blocked there can be severe consequences that will reflect on your physical and psychological well-being.
Root Chakra Imbalance: The Impact on Your Physical Health
The Root Chakra is located in your pelvic area. It supplies life energy to your colon, bones, legs, and feet.
The health of your first chakra reflects the health of your bones and teeth, the functioning of your colon, and the frequency of your bowel movements. It can also affect the lower nervous system (sciatica).
Additionally, as the base of structure and stability, the root chakra relates to the skeletal structure of your body.
The glands associated with this energy center are the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys.
Adrenal glands are responsible for excreting cortisone, adrenaline, and noradrenaline that regulate some major body functions, such as metabolism and the immune system.
These are also the hormones that keep us alert and capable of acting in stressful situations.
Performing root chakra exercises can alleviate problems with your lower back, osteoporosis, and various other bone diseases.
The treatment of all these issues, ailments, and diseases on the energy level must start from a stable and firm base center – that is a well-balanced base chakra.
Physical Manifestations of Imbalanced First Chakra
If you:
- have difficulties with physical coordination,
- have problems with movement,
- do not move enough,
- often lack energy,
- feel fatigued and drained from everyday exertions,
- have cold hands and feet (problems with circulation),
- frequently have diarrhea, bouts of constipation, or other intestinal issues,
How to Heal Your Root Chakra?
Frequent meditation on the fertile, life-preserving energy of the earth can go a long way towards healing your Muladhara chakra.
Meditation will help you find equilibrium in your outlook on life, you will regain the ancient trust, and you will become more relaxed in general. You will develop a healthy foundation to base your life on.
Root Chakra Balancing Tips
- Become more physically active, take up a sports activity, and make sure you move enough.
- Pay conscious attention to your legs and feet, go for a walk or even a hike, and make yourself a detoxifying foot bath.
- Seek connection to the earth, spend more time in nature, take up gardening if you can.
- Take time for a foot massage every day.
- Introduce more protein into your diet.
- Wear red clothes and use red fabric around your apartment (tablecloths, throw pillows, appliances, flower arrangements…).
- Listen to African music and attempt to drum to the beat.
- Relax and slowly repeat the following root chakra affirmations every day, especially before going to bed, at least ten times:
- I always listen to the demands of my body.
- I consciously feel my body whether I am standing, sitting, or lying down.
- I trust in the forces of nature and I release myself to the powers of the earth.
The Benefits of Balancing Your Muladhara
If you put in the effort and work on Muladhara, you will benefit from a better connection with the fertile earth, which is the conveyor of energy.
Your body image will improve, you will be more in tune with your needs, and more in control of your feelings. You will be able to live in the here and now and make the best of your resources.
People with a well-balanced first chakra are more likely to turn their dreams into reality since Muladhara connects us to the tangible aspects of ideas and gives us the will to move and act.
As a person with a healthy root center, you will easily transcend the constant desire for substitute feelings. You will be able to establish a genuine relationship with yourself and the nature surrounding you.
By stimulating the flow through your base chakra you will develop a feeling of stability, you will become more relaxed, and you will rekindle the ancient trust within you.
At the same time, you will alleviate the developmental obstacles standing in the way of your evolution such as fear and powerlessness on one side, or aggression and egocentrism on the other.
A balanced root chakra equals energy, drive, confidence, and boldness which are the qualities essential not only for survival but success as well. It also relates to the ability to assess situations practically, so a person does not waste energy or resources in vain.
4 Signs of a Healthy First Chakra
Open and balanced root chakra enables you to stand firmly, with both feet on the ground, and to develop a personality that knows no insecurity.
In fact, it is the very foundation of your character. It helps you to feel safe and secure in your life and the world around you.
- Material security,
- the right choice of career,
- a safe home,
- and functioning personal relationships,
are four clear signs of a healthy and open first energy center.
There are many exercises that will help you to open the root chakra, such as chakra mudras, meditations, and yoga positions.
How to open your root chakra? List of Exercises
A few simple exercises, if performed only a few times per week, can go a long way in balancing your root energy center. If you practice these routines regularly and maintain discipline, the results will be reflected in a few weeks’ time.
Once you integrate some of these exercises into your daily routine, the energy you will get from this practice will help you maintain stability in your everyday tasks and confrontations with other people.
1. Pranayama Breathing Exercise
Relax, shake your extremities – start with the legs, then proceed with the arms.
Sit on the floor in an upright position and do the following breathing exercise:
- Bend the index and middle fingers of your right hand and take a deep breath, use your thumb to close your right nostril, inhale and exhale through your left nostril.
- Release your right nostril and use the ring and pinky fingers to close your left nostril.
- Inhale and exhale through your right nostril.
Repeat this breathing exercise for a few minutes. Breathing should be inaudible, smooth, and deep.
2. Root Chakra Yoga Pose: Cat and Cow
Kneel down on all fours and repeat the “cat/cow” pose several times:
- Begin with the “cow” pose. Draw your belly towards the floor while lifting up your chest and chin.
- Transition into a “cat” pose by arching your back towards the ceiling while exhaling and letting your head hang down.
- Transition back into “cow” pose while inhaling.
- Repeat the process.
Root Chakra Yoga Pose: The Cat
Root Chakra Yoga Pose: The Cow
3. First Chakra Yoga Pose: The Crow
Assume the “Crow” pose:
- Stand astride, turn your toes slightly outwards, and carefully lower yourself into a squatting position. Make sure to keep your spine straight.
- Rest your arms against your knees and try to keep your feet completely on the floor. Be careful not to stretch too much. In the beginning, you should strive to align your backside with your knees.
- Keep this position for seven inhales and exhales. At each inhale, draw your sphincter slightly upwards and relax a bit with every exhale.
Slowly return to a standing position.
Root Chakra Yoga Pose: The Crow
4. Root Chakra Mudra: Dhyana Mudra
- Sit on the floor, cross your shins, widen your knees, and position each foot under an opposite knee. Place your hands on the knees, palms facing up.
- Form a circle with your thumbs and index fingers. Relax and breathe deeply through the nose.
- With each exhale, repeat the mantra “lam.”
- Finish with a couple of deep breaths through the nose.
- Repeat everything seven times while focusing on your root chakra.
Root Chakra Mudra: Dhyana Mudra
Easy yoga sitting pose: Sukhasana
5. Crystals for Opening the First Chakra
Root chakra stones and crystals:
- ruby
- red jasper
- granite
- hematite
- red coral
- red tiger eye
- smoky quartz
- onyx
- garnet
Use your instinct to pick a gemstone. Be aware of the energy of the crystal flowing to your hands and from there to your root chakra. Visualize and feel this energy flow.
You can keep your stones close to you at all times by wearing them around your neck as a pendant, around your wrist as a bracelet, or on your finger as a ring.
Keep your stones close when you meditate, do yoga poses, or repeat affirmations.
It helps the healing of the root chakra, if you place them on your body, on the pelvic area where the root chakra is located, or if you hold it in the palm of your hand near the location of the base chakra.
You may try several stones before discovering the stone or the combination of stones that works best for you. The stones and crystals you use do not need to be expensive to help with the healing of the root chakra. Nature provides, all you need do is to seek it out.
6. Root Chakra Meditation
Meditational harmonization of your root chakra:
- lie down on your back and close your eyes.
- Relax and feel the earth carry you.
- Position your palms on the lower abdomen, near the groin area.
- Your thumbs should be aligned with your pelvic bone while the rest of the fingers should face down, towards the toes.
- With each inhale imagine you are drawing in life’s energy.
- Breathe out deeply and focus on the energy flowing into your base chakra.
- Imagine a warm red current of light flowing from your hands to your lower abdomen.
- Visualize your whole lower abdomen glowing in red light.
- Keep visualizing this image until you inhale and exhale seven times.
- Finish by placing your arms on the floor, parallel with your body, and enjoy the lingering calming effects of the meditation.
Muladhara Opening Symptoms
Symptoms that accompany the opening of your root chakra can often be felt on a physical level. As your chakra is healing, there is an intensified energy flow through it. This increased energy can manifest in the form of physical sensations.
Some of the more apparent physical symptoms are a feeling of warmth or pulsating energy in your pelvic area. This reaction can extend throughout your feet and upwards to the region of the lower abdomen.
Another symptom of the opening of the root chakra can be felt as intense energy flowing in your sexual organs.
Because there is an increased flow of energy through the base chakra, also the energy pressure on the second chakra is raised. The second chakra is associated with sexuality and sensual pleasure. Therefore a strong sexual desire can be felt.
If your goal is to progress with spiritual work and bring this energy to higher chakras, it is important to restrain yourself from physically releasing this built-up energy. Instead, you can try to distribute this energy throughout all seven chakras with the help of breathing and visualization, or relax and let it settle down or fade off.
Accompanying a great release of energy or a blockage removal, it is not uncommon to feel the symptom of root chakra opening as a pain in or around your pelvic area.
Usually, such pain fades off in a few days, and after that, the progress with further energy work will be much easier, since the main blockage will be removed.
Even though the symptoms can sometimes be unpleasant, however rarely, there are significant benefits later. These can be felt on physical as well as psychological, emotional, and mental levels.