Complete Guide to the Root Chakra
Complete guide
Meaning
Yoga
Chakra crystals
Color
Unblocking
I think you will agree when I say that you cannot build a big house on a weak foundation.
In life, we often have great and creative ideas, and we are very enthusiastic about pursuing our goals.
But what about the completion and anchoring of these ideas in physical reality?
If you find yourself not starting or finishing projects and searching through branches like I have in the past, energy is not flowing freely through your root chakra.
Here's why it's so important:
We come into the world through the root chakras of our mothers, and everything we try to create and manifest in life finds its completion through the energy of the root chakra (Muladhara) in the first place.
In this article I will tell you everything you need to know about the power of the Muladhara chakra and show you the importance of having a healthy, well-balanced, rapidly rotating, unobstructed base chakra.
We will then explore some of the best ideas on how to heal your blocked root chakra and restore balance.
Article content:
1. What is the root chakra?
2. Root Chakra Location – Where is the Root Chakra located?
3. Root Chakra Symbol Meaning | What does the root chakra symbolize?
4. Root Chakra Imbalance – What happens when the first chakra is out of balance?
5. Root Chakra Healing
6. How can I balance and heal my root chakra?
7. Opening the Root Chakra - How do I open my root chakra? - Root chakra meditation, - Root chakra affirmations
8. Yoga Poses for the Root Chakra
9. Stones for the Root Chakra – What crystals and stones are good for the Root Chakra?
10. Aromatherapy for the root chakra. What essential oils are good for the root chakra?
11. Foods for the Root Chakra | What foods are good for the Root Chakra?
12. References
What is the root chakra?
The root chakra, also known as the base chakra, is the first of seven chakras associated with survival, grounding, and security.
It is located at the base of the spine, between the coccyx and the pelvic bone, and its color is red.
So, what is the main function of the root chakra?
The main function of the root chakra is to keep you grounded in the physical world and keep you alive.
This chakra is in direct relationship with Mother Earth, and it is linked to the earth element. The Sanskrit name for this chakra is Muladhara, which means “root support”.
The root chakra represents the first step into the material world. If we do not balance this chakra before progressing to others, our progression will lack the stability necessary for true growth.
Want to know the best part?
The base chakra is where the Kundalini (the life force) sleeps, waiting to be released and give you the power to go into the material world.
Kundalini is a universal concept designating a powerful and enlightening force, which generates a deep state of consciousness.
Root Chakra Location
In the body, the first chakra is located at the base of the spine, halfway between the coccyx bone and the pelvic bone – this is the point you are sitting on right now.
The energy paths in the root chakra extend downward like a root through the legs and feet to contact the Earth.
What is the best way to visualize the root chakra?
The Muladhara chakra is a wheel of light measuring approximately 10 cm in diameter, which rotates to form a funnel of light pointing towards the earth from the base of the spine.
Physically, Muladhara is related to the denser parts of our body, such as the bones, spine, legs, knees and colon.
Root Chakra Symbol Meaning
The root chakra symbol is a red lotus flower with four petals.
The four petals represent the main aspects of the human psyche:
- The mind (Manas)
- Intellect (Buddhi)
- Consciousness (Chitta)
- The ego (Ahamkara)
The square depicted in the root chakra symbol represents rigidity, strong foundations and stability on which the other chakras can sit.
The four corners symbolize the four directions: north, south, east and west.
From a solid foundation, we can move forward in all directions of life.
The downward pointing triangle in the middle of the root chakra symbol is a symbol of expanding our consciousness.
This is where kundalini shakti lies dormant, waiting to be awakened and brought back to source.
Root Chakra Imbalance
When your root chakra is out of balance, your growth in life will lack stability, and you will be unable to find joy in being alive.
An unbalanced root chakra can threaten your own survival, making you feel unsafe and insecure.
As Muladhara is the basis of the entire chakra system, it must be balanced before we begin working with the higher chakras.
So what are the main signs of an unbalanced root chakra?
- Are you really trying to manifest things into existence with hundreds of affirmations, but nothing is really happening?
- Do you often tend to get hung up on the tasks of daily life, unable to see your work as a fun and joyful challenge?
- Are you still worried about changing jobs or having to move to a new place?
- Are you struggling to overcome your fears, social anxiety, insecurity and depression?
- Do you have problems maintaining a healthy diet, sleeping well and exercising regularly?
- Are you questioning the value of life and creation and unable to appreciate the wonders of the universe on any level?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it's time to set the stage and build a solid foundation for your entire chakra system.
Root Chakra Healing
Balancing and healing the root chakra can transform all your fears into courage and negative energy into positive, creative energy.
Inappropriate levels of fear can be one of the first major signs that the foundation of the first chakra is damaged and requires healing.
When your Muladhara chakra is balanced and healthy, you feel relaxed and grounded.
How do I balance and heal my root chakra?
Balancing the root chakra means restoring balance to the body's prana energy supply. Healing the first chakra involves healing the physical body by learning to embrace, feel and appreciate it.
Your body is the manifestation of your life, so you must become its pain, its fear, its pleasure and its joy.
One of the best methods for healing this chakra is to get in touch with your body through the process of grounding.
Here's what I mean by "anchor":
Grounding is building a foundation that puts you in touch with your body and allows you to be completely present in the here and now.
It is a process of dynamic contact with the earth that occurs through your legs and feet.
Through grounding, your consciousness completes the flow of manifestation, for that which has ground and substance will find its way into manifestation.
When you are grounded, you live in a state of grace, discovering the truths buried within your body.
Ultimately, we are all spiritual beings in human form, and we need to stay grounded in the earth.
Unfortunately, many people who embark on their spiritual journey very often forget this and become very ethereal, as if they are floating on a higher plane.
Try not to make the same mistake on your way because it will make you very vulnerable and insecure.
Down-to-earth people are never afraid to take action and make things happen in the physical world.
An overloaded root chakra can become difficult to open, and grounding is the best way to release this excess tension.
Let's try one of my favorite grounding exercises:
- Stand (you can remove your shoes if you wish) with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes turned slightly inward.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax.
- Now bring your attention to your feet and feel the connection with the ground.
- As you exhale, bend your knees slightly and imagine that you are sending a root from the sole of each foot up to your root chakra.
- Unload everything you no longer need into the earth with a single thought.
- As you inhale, begin to slowly bring the energy up through your roots and feel it flow through your feet, knees, pelvis and into your belly.
- Hold this posture for a few breath cycles and feel the wonderful earth energy revitalize your entire system and fill you.
- Repeat the exercise for a few cycles - try to imagine that you are pushing against the floor as you exhale.
- End the exercise by expressing gratitude for being alive in your physical body.
A single grounding session may give you some results, but the real benefits will only come with repetition over time.
If your root chakra needs balancing, this easy exercise is definitely worth your time.
This is a perfect practice to incorporate when you're out in nature, a park, or any other quiet place.
Opening of the root chakra
Accepting the body and that it expresses your life is the first step in your journey to opening the root chakra.
Your spirit lives in a physical body in this dimension, and through this body you can fully experience all the spiritual and emotional parts of yourself.
The root chakra can be considered open and activated if all the principles of this chakra have been accepted as a lesson in daily life.
Once you understand all the lessons and awareness of the root chakra, you can begin looking to use some of the chakra opening tools and add new healthy habits into your daily life.
Grounding is a great starting point and foundation, which can help you open the root chakra.
Other helpful methods for working with this chakra include meditation, yoga, affirmations, crystals, stones, essential oils, and a proper diet.
1. Root chakra meditation
Practicing meditation will develop your connection to the Earth and help you create a greater sense of grounding.
The most effective root chakra meditation is very similar to a concentration meditation, where you focus your attention on the location of the root chakra.
Here's how to do it:
Sit cross-legged, relax your shoulders, close your eyes and start by taking a few deep breaths through your nose and mouth.
Expand your belly with each inhalation and let your breath circulate to all parts of your body. Gently begin to bring your attention to the base of your spine, imagining it becoming warm and relaxed.
Focusing on the center of the tailbone, begin to visualize a glowing, red circle there on your body and begin to enlarge it with each breath cycle.
Stand still and feel the pulse of the earth beneath your body. When you are ready, take a deep breath and slowly open your eyes.
End this meditation with a few words of gratitude for all the blessings you have received. Practice this meditation for at least 10 minutes every day.
2. Root Chakra Affirmations
Here are some of the best root chakra affirmations to heal your Muladhara.
They can be used with the practice of grounding and concentration meditation:
- I am safe.
- I am anchored.
- I belong to the world.
- I am a beloved child of the universe, and I deserve love, peace and security.
- I am exactly where I need to be.
- I always have enough money to satisfy all my needs.
- I am at peace with the world and others.
- I trust more and I am less afraid.
- I open myself to receiving the abundance of the universe.
- I am open to receiving and accepting love.
- I am open to receiving and being nourished by the powerful energy of the earth.
- I am a physical being and I enjoy my physical presence.
- I resolve to take care of my body and accept it as it is today.
3. Root chakra yoga
Some of the best yoga exercises for stimulating and releasing root chakra energy come from hatha yoga.
The practice of hatha yoga is an ancient system of yoga, also known as mindful relaxation.
The reason it is excellent for the root chakra is that it involves grounding and relaxing each part of the body through the practice of asanas (body postures) and breathing exercises (pranayama).
How long should you hold each hatha posture?
It is recommended to hold hatha yoga postures for 45 to 60 seconds or for approximately 10 to 12 deep breaths.
- Abdominal Press (Apanasana) – this is a yoga pose for beginners in which you lie on your back, bend one knee towards your chest and hold it with your arms.
How to get the most out of this yoga pose?
Breathe deeply as you hold the stretch and imagine your root chakra expanding and warming. You can try slightly tightening the grip around your leg while you maintain this posture. Let your groin and shoulders relax. Once you're done with one leg, do the same with the other, and finally, grab both of your legs and bend them toward your chest.
- Half Bridge Pose (Setu Bhandasana): Lie on your back, bend your knees and place your arms straight, palms down.
Begin to sink your feet into the ground without lifting your body and imagine that the energy of the earth is flowing through your legs, making them strong and strong.
Keep your legs firmly planted on the ground, breathe deeply and begin to lift your body by pushing your chest up. If you already have some yoga experience, place your hands under your back and bring your shoulders together. Feel the strong support of your legs and maintain this posture for at least 3 breathing cycles.
- Grasshopper Pose (Shalabhasana) – Lie on your stomach with your arms and legs straight. Your palms face up and touch the front of your thighs.
Begin to lift one leg off the ground and begin to feel your root chakra activate, as you breathe deeply into your belly. Repeat with the other leg and if you feel strong, try assuming full locust pose by lifting both legs off the ground.
- The Half Cinch (Janu Sirasana) – this simple and amazing pose will help you release the many tensions around your root chakra.
You will feel great relief all the way down your back to your hamstrings. Sit up straight with your legs extended in front of you and your back straight. Take a deep breath, and as you exhale, stretch your arms forward, reaching toward your feet.
If you're not flexible enough to reach your feet and feel too much tension in your hamstrings, don't worry! You can simply bend your knees to the point where you feel comfortable and hold this posture for at least 30 seconds.
4. Root Chakra Stones
Each chakra can be balanced and healed using unique stones and crystals.
It is common to use stones that have certain vibrational frequencies, such as red jasper, bloodstone, black obsidian, red carnelian, or black tourmaline, to speed up the root chakra healing process.
You can use any of these powerful root chakra stones and crystals by holding them in your hands, wearing them as jewelry, or simply having them around your home.
- Red Jasper - it is a magical stone of anchoring and stability, which brings you comfort, security, strength and balance. Red Jasper will help you reconnect to grounding earth energies by creating a stable frequency that corresponds to Muladhara. Red Jasper is also one of the best crystals to help you awaken your Kundalini serpent, which is found at the base of your spine, in the center of the root chakra.
- Red Carnelian – comes in beautiful shades of red and orange, and it is one of the best stones to help you overcome your deepest fears and increase your levels of courage and strength. Red carnelian will allow you to overcome procrastination and increase your level of self-confidence.
- Black Obsidian – this is a powerful cleansing stone that has amazing grounding and protective properties. Black obsidian can help you release any negative emotions such as fear, stress and anger, which are very often trapped in your root chakra.
- Bloodstone - beautiful earthy green stone with blood-like red spots. This is a powerful protective and grounding stone, helping to boost your energy, courage and determination. If you need more stamina during physical activities and are working on awakening your root chakra through exercises, bloodstone is an excellent choice.
- Black Tourmaline - a powerful stone of protection and one of the best shields against negative energies. Black tourmaline is also an excellent grounding and empowering stone, which can help you overcome difficult situations in life and establish a better connection with the energy of the Earth. This stone is very often used in cleansing and purification rituals.
5. Essential oils for the root chakra
Aromatherapy and essential oils with an earthy aroma can be great tools for restoring balance to your blocked root chakra, as it is directly linked to your sense of smell.
Some of the best essential oils for healing the root chakra include sandalwood, myrrh, rosemary oil, lavender, frankincense, ylang-ylang, vetiver, cinnamon, cypress seed, and Atlas cedar.
What is the best way to use essential oils for blocked chakra?
One of the best ways to get the most out of your essential oil is to use an aroma diffuser or humidifier, which will also create a calming scent in your room and help with any dry skin issues.
Another good way to use root chakra essential oils is to apply them directly to your skin and give yourself a relaxing foot massage.
6. Root Chakra Foods
The best foods for grounding and protecting our root chakra are:
- Red foods : strawberries, cherries, tomatoes, red peppers, pomegranate, watermelon.
- Root vegetables : beets, carrots, celery, ginger, garlic, onion, potatoes, leeks, radishes, turnips, parsnips, shallots, yams.
- Foods with ingrained fitness : beef, chicken, pork, fish.
Animal foods are probably the most physique-focused foods you can eat.
They are excellent sources of protein and iron, necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells.
Protein is the main nutrient that gives our body its structure and the best raw material for building our bones, muscles and organs, which are directly linked to our root chakra.
Physiologically, our body takes much longer to digest food because it is dense and creates a feeling of fullness in the gut.
However, if you're vegetarian or vegan, you don't have to eat meat to be grounded.
Foods such as root vegetables, dark leafy vegetables, beans, chickpeas, tofu, nuts and eggs are excellent sources of protein and essential minerals.
There are a few more key points to remember when it comes to healing the root chakra with foods:
Eating primarily protein-rich foods without a proper balance of other macronutrients can have the opposite effect on your root chakra.
- Your root chakra contains the vibration of healthy physical hunger, and you need to be able to distinguish it from emotional hunger.
- It is essential to create a healthy relationship between you and the food you eat. In other words, try to only eat when you're really hungry.
- On the other hand, neglecting your body's needs for food intake through self-inflicted starvation or prolonged fasting can also have detrimental effects on our root chakra.
When we talk about food, let's remember to bring a little gratitude to the table.
Personally, I like to use affirmations, but I think it's enough to be grateful before all your meals.
Here are some of my favorite affirmations. Feel free to invent your own:
- Root vegetables connect me to the Earth.
- I express my gratitude to the plants and animals who support me with their presence and their gifts.
- The core of my being is nourished by nutritious, organic foods.
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