The root chakra, also known as Muladhara, is one of the seven traditional chakras. The word “muladhara” is a combination of two Sanskrit terms, “mula,” which means root, and “adhara,” which means basis.This chakra is believed to be the base from which the three main psychic channels emerge: the Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna.
Description of the Root Chakra
Location:
It lies near the coccygeal plexus beneath the sacrum, while its superficial activation point is located between the perineum and the coccyx or the pelvic bone.
Color: Red
Deities associated with Muladhara: Indra, Ganesha,
Element: Earth
Functions:
The main focus of the first chakra is food, sex, shelter, and survival. Kundalini awakening begins here. It is also associated with the sense of smell, the anus, and the action of excretion.
Practical Representation:
Muladhara is symbolized with a four-petalled lotus with a yellow square at its center. The four petals represent the four vrittis: greatest joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passion, and blissfulness in concentration. Pointing out of the corners and sides of the square are eight spears.
A deep red inverted triangle can be seen in the center of the square, just below the seed syllable. The kundalini shakti is believed to sleep here while waiting to be aroused and brought back up to Brahman, its source of origin. It is represented by a snake wrapped three and a half times around a smoky grey lingam.
Blocking of the Root Chakra
If our basic needs (money, sex, food, etc.) are not satisfied, our Muladhara becomes dysfunctional, and we seriously get disconnected from the earth. Imbalance of a chakra can manifest itself on a physical or emotional level.
If you are wondering if your root chakra is unbalanced, just look out for the following symptoms:
- Fear
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Excessive eating and weight gain
- Pain in the feet and legs
- Feelings of alienation.
- Feelings of insecurity.
- Bladder problems
- Constipation
- Negativity towards yourself and others
How to Open/Balance The Root Chakra
There are several techniques that can be used to balance an overactive or underactive root chakra. As a beginner, you need to find out what method is best for you and stick to it.
Below are some suggestions that you can try out.
By Chanting the Seed Mantra
The root chakra serves as the foundation for opening all other chakras. This chakra can be activated by chanting the Seed-Mantra. It is said that whoever chants the Seed Mantra for more than 100,000,000 times shall attain all the Siddhis of the Muladhara Chakra. Vibrate “LAM” sound continuously while visualizing the opening of the root chakra.
Burning of Earthy Incense:
The root chakra can be opened by burning incense like sandalwood, cedarwood, patchouli, cloves, ginger, rosewood, etc.
The use of affirmations:
If you are often scared and anxious, you can set up affirmations that would reprogram your brain. Take a moment and think about all your fears, then write down affirmations that contradict them.
For example, you can say:
“I am safe.”
“I am financially stable.”
“The universe will always provide for me,”
“I am stable, grounded and relaxed in this moment.”
“I deserve and receive support whenever I need it.”
Repeat your affirmations every day, and you will notice new thought patterns and behaviors that align with feelings of stability and safety.
Yoga Poses for the Root Chakra:
Yoga is used to connect the spiritual and physical body through postures. To open or balance the root chakra, you can try out any of these poses:
- Warrior one,
- Squat pose
- Goddess pose
- Triangle pose,
- Child pose
- Eagle pose
Root Chakra Meditation
- Sit with your shoulders back and your spine straight.
- Relax your muscles.
- Close your eyes, breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose.
- Pull the breath into your body then exhale through your nose.
- Focus on the location of the root chakra. Try to picture it glowing in red right below your tailbone.
- Visualize the glow expanding slowly and making the whole area warm and relaxed.
- Enjoy this sensation for 3-5 minutes.
- When you are satisfied, end the meditation and open your eyes slowly.
Get grounded:
- Walk around with bare feet. Visualize your feet and legs as roots that dig deep into the earth.
- Feel the energy of the earth entering into you through those roots.
- Relax your body and mind. You can visit places like the beach, desert and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- Finally, always remind yourself that you are safe.
Use crystals and gemstones
By simply wearing or holding some stones, a troubled root chakra can be healed.
The following are four traditional stones related to the root chakra:
Red Jasper:
It is an ideal stone for balancing the root chakra. If you are experiencing mood swings, use this stone.
Red Carnelian:
This stone is associated with strength, bravery, and cleansing. If you are often scared, use this stone to become fearless.
Obsidian:
This stone can protect you from harm and give you that sense of security.
Bloodstone:
This stone will repel every negative energy clogging your root chakra.
Signs That Prove Your Root Chakra Is Opening
- Your body may begin to feel heavier as if planted to the ground.
- You might experience heat sensations in different parts of your body.
- You could experience vibrations in your body.
- Your dreams may become more intense and vivid.
- You may experience difficulty in falling asleep.
- Some persons experience flu-like symptoms.
Note:
Do not panic, irrespective of the signs you see. They are temporary and your body will get back to its normal state once your root chakra becomes fully opened.
Conclusion:
When your root chakra is open, you will experience balance in all aspects of your life. One lesson that can be learned from this chakra is to have the willpower to break free from all forms of emotional bondage.
Thank you for reading to this point but before you go, I want to ask you a question. What is the state of your root chakra? Do you think it is open, blocked or imbalanced? Whatever might be your case, we are always here to guide you on the appropriate healing methods to try. Just leave a comment, if possible.
Sources:
- https://www.goodnet.org/articles/root-chakra-healing-how-to-open-your
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muladharahttps://
- www.ekhartyoga.com/articles/practice/muladhara-or-root-chakra
- https://tryspiritual.com/the-root-chakra-muladhara/h
- ttps://www.thelawofattraction.com/root-chakra-healing/
- https://intuitivejourney.com/signs-root-chakra-opening/