Root Chakra

Chakra Overview

I AM

Existence. Safety. Survival.

Muladhara (meaning “root support”)

Comes from the words Mula, which means root and Dhara, which means support. Located at the very base of your spine, is the most common chakra to be weakened. It deals with physical survival, safety, security, fear, and insecurity.

The quartet of petals symbolizes the cardinal directions – north, south, east, and west. They are also understood to signify the four types of joy and the four aspects of the psyche, namely, mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), consciousness (chitta), and ego (ahamkara). The square is a symbol of the Earth, demonstrating solidity and base. The inverted triangle represents the anchoring, stabilizing energy and is also a reflection of the feminine principle.

Characteristics of the

Root Chakra

When the Root Chakra is open and balanced, an individual feels grounded, secure, and has a strong connection to the physical world. They have a sense of trust in the universe and their place within it. When it’s blocked or imbalanced, one might feel anxious, fearful, and unstable, both emotionally and physically.

Characteristics of a balanced

Root Chakra

:

Sensing Security
Experiencing a Balanced and Rooted State
Experiencing a sense of earthly belonging
Possessing a robust bond with the Earth
Identifying as a member of a family, community, or tribe
Confidence in the current moment and future times
Satisfaction of fundamental needs (nourishment, hydration, housing, financial stability, self-protection)
Maintaining a robust and vigorous physique
Positive recognition of physical self-aspects
Comfort and satisfaction in one’s own body

Color:

Red

Note:

Glands:

Adrenal

Mudras:

Prithivi

Element:

Earth

Obstacle:

Fear

Sense:

Smell

Characteristics of an Imbalanced

Root Chakra

:

An imbalanced Root Chakra can manifest in various ways on physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels. Here are some potential symptoms of an imbalanced Root Chakra:

Physical Symptoms:

Fatigue or sluggishness.
Constipation or digestive issues.
Lower back pain.
Problems with the legs, feet, or hips.
Frequent illness or immune system dysfunctions, indicating a lack of energetic protection.
Issues related to the reproductive organs.
High blood pressure due to stress or anxiety.
Prostate issues in men.
Bladder and elimination problems.

Emotional Symptoms:

Anxiety and fears, especially related to security and survival.
Feeling ungrounded or lost.
Feeling unworthy and having low self-esteem.
Aggressiveness or anger.
Feeling isolated or left out.
Trust issues, especially with one’s immediate environment or family.
Dependency or co-dependency with others, especially emotionally.

Mental Symptoms:

Feeling insecure or unsafe frequently, even when there’s no apparent reason.
Persistent financial instability or worry.
Being overly focused on material possessions or gaining material wealth as a measure of self-worth.
Frequent fears or nightmares.
Difficulty concentrating or being present in the moment.

Spiritual Symptoms:

Feeling disconnected from the world or from one’s own body.
A lack of belonging or connection with the universe.
Resistance to spirituality, or an overemphasis on material reality without acknowledging the spiritual aspects of existence.
Feeling unsupported by the universe or a higher power.
Difficulty grounding oneself or feeling anchored in one’s spiritual practices.

It’s worth noting that the presence of these symptoms doesn’t definitively indicate an imbalanced Root Chakra. They can be influenced by a myriad of other factors. However, if someone is experiencing a combination of these symptoms, it may be beneficial to explore Root Chakra balancing techniques or consult a holistic or energetic healer.

Associated With:

The Root Chakra is associated with your roots, stability, material resources, grounding, basic survival needs, your foundation and a sense of safety and security.

Chakra Development:

Development of the Root Chakra takes place from conception to one year, but can be affected at any stage in life.

When Balanced:

When the Root Chakra is in balance: Exemplary health, a strong sense of grounding, energetic vitality, comfort within one’s body, a trusting outlook on the world, feelings of security and safety, stability, the capacity to relax and find stillness, well-established boundaries, suitable livelihood, and a sense of being supported are experienced.

When Underactive:

When the Root Chakra is underactive or deficient: Individuals might experience fear, anxiety, restlessness, a sense of detachment from their bodies, being underweight, lack of focus and discipline, financial struggles, poorly defined boundaries, chronic disorganization, and persistent feelings of insecurity and unsafety.

When Overactive:

When the Root Chakra is overactive or excessive: Individuals might exhibit signs of being overweight or obese, indulging in overeating, an obsession with material possessions, hoarding, greed, sluggishness, laziness, constant fatigue, inactivity, fear of change, an addiction to security, and inflexible boundaries.

Causes of Blocks:

Blocks in the Root Chakra can be caused by fears of abandonment and physical survival, feeling anxious, stressed, or scattered.

Chakra Traumas:

Root Chakra traumas include birth-related trauma, experiences of physical neglect or abandonment, inadequate physical bonding with the mother, undergoing severe illnesses or surgeries, facing physical abuse, living in poverty, witnessing war, starvation, natural disasters, or epidemics, frequently moving homes during one’s youth, and enduring homelessness or continuous transitions between residences.

To learn more about open, closed, and blocked Chakra states, check out our Chakra Overview post: Understanding the Chakra System: A Comprehensive Overview.

Root Chakra

Healing Strategies:

Construct a small sanctuary, incorporating an element of earth (like a stone, leaf, shell, flower, or feather), something red, and any item that signifies your childhood (such as a photo, drawing, or an object that holds personal significance). This can be made compact if space is restricted, like the corner of a room or the edge of a table.
Spend quality time amidst nature
Don red attire
Include proteins, root vegetables, red foods (like red peppers, apples) and nuts in your diet
Be mindful of different smells
Evaluate your relationships with parents and siblings, your childhood home, and how these factors influence your sense of security. Express gratitude and bless any painful memories that surface, appreciating the lessons these experiences have provided and your positive growth.
Engage in vigorous physical exercises and activities
Indulge in physical touch
Practice standing yoga poses such as Mountain, Warrior II, Side Angle, Triangle
Use Prithivi Mudra (Mudra of the Earth): Connect the tip of the thumb and ring finger while extending the index, middle, and pinky fingers. This gesture grounds our energy and balances the root chakra. Chant “LAM” while focusing on the Root Chakra.
Root Chakra Meditation: With focus on the root chakra, visualize the color red and recite, either verbally or silently, a root chakra healing affirmation from the provided list, three times.

Chakra Healing Affirmations

“I am here and I am safe”
“I am supported by the earth am centered and grounded”
“I am at home in my own body”
“I am immersed in abundance”

Chakra Healing Crystals/Stones:

Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz, Hematite, Red Garnet, Ruby, Black Obsidian, Black Onyx, Bloodstone, Red Tiger’s Eye

Chakra Healing Essential Oils:

Myrrh, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Cinnamon, Cypress, Ginger, Lavender

Root Chakra

I AM

Existence. Safety. Survival.

Comes from the words Mula, which means root and Dhara, which means support. Located at the very base of your spine, is the most common chakra to be weakened. It deals with physical survival, safety, security, fear, and insecurity.

Characteristics of the