Root Chakra: The Foundation of Stability and Security -

The Root Chakra, known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is the foundational energy center located at the base of the spine. It serves as the root of our being, governing our sense of stability, security, and survival instincts. When the Root Chakra is balanced and activated, we feel grounded, secure, and connected to the earth, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength. A healthy root chakra brings innocence and wisdom.

Understanding the Root Chakra

The Root Chakra is associated with the element of Earth and is symbolized by a vibrant red color. It governs our basic survival needs, including shelter, food, and safety, as well as our sense of belonging and rootedness in the physical world. When the Root Chakra is balanced, we feel a deep sense of security, trust, and stability in ourselves and our environment.

Signs of Imbalance: Underactive Root Chakra

An imbalanced Root Chakra can manifest in various physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Some common signs of an underactive Root Chakra imbalance include:

Feelings of insecurity, fear, or anxiety
Lack of dependency, unable to hold down a job for long (or inefficient at job)
Financial difficulties or instability
Chronic fatigue or adrenal fatigue
Issues with the lower back, legs, feet, or immune system
Absent-minded, difficulty feeling grounded or connected to the present moment
Poor memory

Overactive Root Chakra

Some common signs of an overactive Root Chakra imbalance include:

Rigid and overly disciplined
Anger when expectations are not met, or when the illusion of control is lost
Overly materialistic
Piles, constipation or tailbone issues
Issues with the lower back, legs, feet, or immune system
Pessimistic and unwilling to try new things or ideas
Ruminating about the past

Healing and Balancing Techniques

Fortunately, there are several effective techniques to restore balance to the Root Chakra and promote overall well-being:

Grounding Practices
Engage in grounding activities such as walking barefoot in nature or gardening. Discipline is probably the single most important factor in strengthening the root chakra. The more repetitive the routine, the more grounding increases.
Root Chakra Meditation
Practice meditation techniques focused on the Root Chakra, visualizing a radiant red energy at the base of your spine and affirming feelings of safety, security, and stability. You can also incorporate breathing and tree visualisation as done in this guided meditation.
Aromatherapy
Use grounding essential oils such as patchouli, cedarwood, or vetiver to create a sense of rootedness and stability. Diffuse these oils in your space or apply them to the soles of your feet during meditation.
Sound Therapy
Chant the bija mantra LAM while maintaining your focus on the root chakra. Listening to the ragas like Shyam Kalyan, Hindol, Hansdhwani / Hamsadhwani also help activate the root chakra. The Musical note C or Sa (Shadjam) is associated with the root chakra.
Yoga Practice
Balancing yoga poses stimulate the Root Chakra, such as Eagle Pose or Tree Pose. The Bridge Pose or the Warror Pose help with connecting with the earth. Focus on grounding through the feet and connecting with the earth beneath you.
Color Therapy
Wearing red or brown clothes or surrounding yourself with these colors helps activate the root chakra, especially when worn in the lower half of the body.
Be Present With Your Surroundings
Focusing on our responsibilities and caring for our belongings like cleaning the house or doing the dishes can also help stabilise the root chakra. For some people, driving is also very grounding. Avoid things that make you disappear on the present moment like intense television shows, video games and so on.

Conclusion

The Root Chakra serves as the foundation of our energetic system, providing stability, security, and a sense of belonging in the physical world. By nurturing and balancing the Root Chakra, we can cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves, our environment, and the present moment, allowing us to live with greater resilience, strength, and inner peace. Through grounding practices, meditation, aromatherapy, crystal healing, and yoga, we can restore harmony to the Root Chakra and unlock its transformative power in our lives.

Author: Ashwita Goel learned meditation as a child and has practiced energy healing for 27 years. She has helped thousands of people overcome phobias, trauma, limiting beliefs, find confidence, enhance performance and improve their relationships through online sessions.