LexiYoga

Root Chakra - Muladhaar

The first chakra is called "the root chakra" or Muladhaar in Sanskrit. It is located at the base of the spine. It's linked to survival instincts and our ability to ground ourselves. It governs security, passion, trust, heredity, feet and legs and your relationship with money, home and job. When the root chakra is balanced, you can feel safe, connected to the earth and in touch with yourself and body completely. It allows for spiritual development to be possible.

root chakra

Muladhaar develops your feelings of safety. It is connected to the crown chakra and maintains the hormonal system of the body. The root chakra is like a root of a tree, if it is not strong or balanced, then the leaves of the tree cannot fully grow or bloom. The crown would be the leaves of the tree.

The root chakra is located between the genitals and anus, which is called the perineum. When you are in a seated position on the ground, you are in contact with the energy of the earth. This initial energy draws up to the crown.

This chakra is connected to the adrenal glands, which produce the adrenalin hormone and is responsible for the fight or flight response. Adrenalin provides you with strength and stamina that's needed in a crisis or if you're under any kind of attack.

The first few years of your life profoundly influence your root chakras health. If you were given plenty of love, attention and security, you are more likely to have a healthy root chakra. If the opposite occurred to you as a child, if you were deprived of love or left hungry when you cried, then you can become needy and develop a mentality of a victim. If you have a closed root chakra in your adult life, then you'll never be happy and satisfied with your job, home and would constantly worry about money issues. This can lead to dangerous behaviours such as: depression, eating disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism, gambling or prone to illnesses. On the other extreme, if you have a root chakra that's too open, it can lead to materialism, selfishness, isolation, and being prone to loveless sexual addictions.

Having a balanced root chakra means that you will feel physically secure with your body, be confident and follow your instincts that will lead you in the right direction. You will not have needy or domineering traits.

Ways to balance the Root Chakra

Getting a good night's sleep and eating a nutritional and balanced diet can help keep you well nourished. Massaging your feet pressing firmly with your fingers and thumbs throughout can also help keep you grounded.

Yoga postures like mountain pose, which is very grounding and connects you to the earth can balance this chakra. Practicing seated forward bends can establish a link between the root and crown chakras, going up your spine. Practicing Sun Salutations regularly can balance all your chakras and keep you healthy.

Your sense of smell is connected to your root chakra. It is the first of the five senses that babies become aware of. It makes sense, as babies need to smell their mother's milk. When a baby is searching for the nipple, the term is called "rooting". By using aromatic essential oils and scents, you can balance your root chakra. Adding a few drops of lavender, or rosemary to your bath can help heighten your experience.

Your sense of smell is closely related to your taste buds. Notice when you enjoy the smell of fresh baked cookies out of the oven. Having your sense of smell and taste combined into one can increase your pleasure. You can nourish and stimulate your root chakra by enjoying and savouring the smells of your food as you indulge. Smelling fresh flowers can also stimulate your root chakra, so be sure to buy yourself some roses or hyacinths and enjoy their beautiful fragrance.

Chakra Meditation Video
Here is a chakra meditation to bring awareness to your higher energy centres. This meditation is most helpful when you reinforce it with a regular yoga, self-analysis and positive activities.
Yoga to Keep you Grounded
On an energetic level, our sense of grounding comes from the root chakra (muladhara). Here are 4 yoga poses to make you feel connected, secure and grounded.

Related Links