The root chakra, also known as Muladhara, is the first of the seven main chakras in the body. Located at the base of the spine, this energy center is associated with feelings of security, stability, and survival instincts. When this chakra is unbalanced, it can manifest as feelings of insecurity, fear, and instability.
Prana flows up or down from one chakra to another, resulting in positive or negative emotions. Sometimes, the only therapy that we need is spending time walking in rejuvenating nature. The feeling of the grass beneath your feet, the smell of the ocean breeze, the sound of the chirping birds, and a moment of solitude underneath the shade of a tree bring peace and harmony. Notice how it feels to be completely supported by the ground beneath you.
Signs of an Imbalanced Root Chakra
This is a paradox that has to be reconciled on the path of growth. And one option is to embrace greatness with humility, not fear. I’m a big believer that the body contains a wealth of intelligence. The chakras and systems such as Human Design view the body in this way, too.
There are several signs that your root chakra may be out of balance. These can include:
If you’re unsure, speak to a yoga teacher who will be able to talk you through suitable yoga sequences that you can adopt as part of your yoga practice. Place the tip of your thumb at the base of the small finger and curl the remaining fingers over the thumb, forming a light fist. Keep light attention on the two sides of the head/brain, and breathe gently in Ujjayi. Need a yoga teacher to help you get started with your yoga practice?
- Feeling anxious or fearful
- Financial instability
- Feeling disconnected from your body
- Difficulty trusting others
The main seven chakras flow from the first chakra, the root chakra (base of the spine), to the crown chakra (top of the head). Practicing Muladhara meditation is an effective way to realign this chakra, promote energy in the body, and deepen your connection with the earth. During your meditation, you can also use the Root Chakra mudra Prithvi to awaken the earth element and restore balance to the energy system.
Some essential oils are extracted from plants through the process of steamed distillation. Therefore they are able to regulate a sense of smell and flight or fight responses to balance the root chakra. Garnet, red jasper, bloodstone, black tourmaline, hematite and cuprite are some of the best stones for healing the root chakra. To use these stones, you can place them between your thighs, just near your groin while meditating.
‘Mula’ means root, and ‘adhara’ means support or basis (of existence). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Touching your own body and being touched can be another way to connect. Still, it’s worth noting that there’s no scientific evidence to support their existence.
How to Balance Your Root Chakra
There are several techniques you can use to bring your root chakra back into balance:
- Grounding exercises: Practicing activities such as walking barefoot in nature, gardening, or yoga can help you feel more rooted and connected to the earth.
- Meditation: Visualizing a red light at the base of your spine while focusing on affirmations of safety and security can help balance your root chakra.
- Physical activity: Engaging in physical exercise such as running, dancing, or weightlifting can help release blocked energy from your root chakra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I practice balancing my root chakra?
A: It is recommended to practice these techniques regularly, ideally daily, to maintain a balanced root chakra.
Q: Can imbalanced root chakra affect other areas of my life?
A: Yes, an imbalanced root chakra can affect various aspects of your life, including relationships, career, and overall well-being.
