A Solid Base - The Root Chakra

The Chakras have a relationship with our physical body as well as a relationship with our emotional and psychological selves.

The first Chakra is our base chakra. It is the first of seven Chakras located at the base of the spine. Also referred to as the Muladhara in Sanskrit which translates to “root of existence.”

The Root Chakra is symbolized with the colour red and is located at the base of the spine between the perineum and the coccyx bone. The Root Chakra is considered the foundation of the “energy body.” 

All the energy centers rely on the firm foundation of this Chakra – it is the stabilizer.  When the first Chakra is blocked or out of balance, it is not uncommon to feel paranoia, anger and fearful. The expressions “out of whack,” and  “not myself”  come from one who experiences blockage in this Chakra.  

What does the Root Chakra govern?

The Root Chakra governs the lower spine and back, pelvic floor, the bladder and kidneys.

An unbalanced base suggests the basic needs of the body are not being met. Your metabolism is compromised and often one is referred to as suffering from the “coach potato effect” with increased weight.

A blocked or imbalanced Root Chakra may have one experiencing physiological issues such as chronic fatigue, anxiety, fear and binge eating. Circulation can be very poor.

On an emotional level when your Root Chakra is blocked, many experience an abundance of mistrust. Interest in their sex life wanes and they obsess about money often making it difficult to enjoy a work-life balance. A workaholic more often than not has an imbalance or block in the Root Chakra. 

Emotionally, the Root Chakra governs your survival instincts, your “fight or flight” parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS conserves energy as it slows the heart rate, increase intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. PNS controls bodily functions when a person is at rest. When the chakra spins too fast, aggression can surface. When the chakra spins too slow, low will power and lack of confidence showcases the deficiency in the energy.

You can also experience:

• Feelings of loss of self
• Aggressiveness
• Estrangement
• Eating disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Feelings of insecurity
• Loss of fertility
• Difficulty keeping routine
• Difficulty with day-to-day living
• Nail biting
• Excessive worrying
• Concentration on lack; psychology of scarcity
• Eating disorders
• Trust issues
• Lack of optimism; your glass is half empty
• Loss of control
• Feelings of “being out of your skin”

Balance the Root Chakra

“I am grounded" is a glorious statement. When the Root Chakra is open, you will feel stable, one with Mother Earth and secure with the universe. There will be an ease to your daily operations and relationships.

Many of us experience energetic imbalances and blocks. These imbalances and energy blocks prevent us from leading a healthy and productive life free of self-sabotaging habits that leave us feeling exhausted, lonely and even ill.

Healing the Root Chakra

There are many ways to open and balance the Root Chakra. Many find engaging in  grounding and earth-related activities support this chakra. Connecting with nature, gardening, hiking the outdoors are wonderful ways to heal the Root Chakra.

When I cannot get outside, especially during the winter months or often during quarantine times, I have a bag of soil delivered and put it in a 12” X 12” pot or large dish pan. Then, I place my feet in and on the soil in the pan for ten to thirty minutes. Often, I cover the feet to immerse them in the soil and experience the grounding of the earth. Too messy for you? Try purchasing a potted plant and tending to it daily. The main idea of this work is to focus your energy on growing “roots” in a safe, secure and comfortable environment.

Surround yourself with earth colours. Place objects that remind you of animals and nature around your home.

Affirmations

Use affirmations to balance your Root Chakra:

• I am safe
• I have everything I truly need and desire
• I am enough
• I am connected
• I am grounded
• I trust in myself
• I trust in others

Breath Work*

Count to 3 as you breathe in. Hold the breath for 3 counts, breathe out for 3 counts and hold the breath out for 3 counts. Do this breathing three times, rest and repeat for three several times throughout the day. You will be able to breathe in for more than the count of 3 but short confident breathing works best to provide balance for the Root Chakra.

Thank you for caring about your well-being. May your chakras be in balance and may you feel the flow of your life force energy. Let It Go with Reiki works with all ages to balance, unblock and energize your chakras for optimum health and wellness.

 

*Please do not do any breath retention if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, cataracts; glaucoma, heart issues or if you feel uncomfortable. Always check with your Doctor prior to starting a new regime.