The Root chakra is called Muladhara in Sanskrit. The meaning of Muladhara is ‘root’ or ‘support’. The Root chakra is depicted as a four leafed lotus with a square in its centre in which a triangle facing downward is depicted.
This chakra is situated at the end of the spinal cord at the tail-bone in the back and the pubic bone in the front. The Root chakra is associated with survival and safety. All that you have achieved in the material world is derived from the energy of the first chakra. The life lesson this chakra teaches us is standing up for oneself.
When this chakra is blocked you may feel frightened, paranoid, insecure and frustrated. Physical problems that coincide with a blockage in this chakra are: obesity, anorexia nervosa, sore knees, arthritis, hip problems, problems of the lower back, the glandulae suprarenalis, the spinal cord and the reproductive organs.
Is Your First Chakra Healthy or Blocked?
Someone with a healthy first chakra will usually have a basic sense of security and safety in the world. They will be well- grounded, with “common sense.” The practical side of their life will usually function fairly smoothly. They will have a sense of having (or being able to get) enough material resources to meet their needs. They will likely be fairly at ease with their own body. Often, though not always, they will have a relatively healthy physical body, with healthy bones, feet, legs, colon and adrenal glands. Their bowels will function well and their weight will be in a healthy range.
If the first chakra is blocked, a person may feel overly fearful about security and survival. Perhaps they experience extreme anxiety or panic attacks. They may be ungrounded, flighty, fearful, and have a feeling of not really belonging anywhere. They may have a weak physical constitution and problems with their bones, feet, legs, colon or weight. They may lack common sense and be unable to “settle.” They may be unable to hold down a job or may move often. Sometimes an unhealthy first chakra will manifest in the opposite way with a person being overly practical, plodding, a creature of habit, unable to dream or imagine.
When one feels that there is no support system in one’s life or there is a lack of nurturing (or just a perceived lack), low back pain is usually the first symptom (can include sciatica). There can be blockages in the body including varicose veins, tumors or polyps in the rectal region, depression, immune-related disorders, mental or emotional problems, a lack of self- esteem, attachment to family background and beliefs and behaviors learned from them, superstitions, pain in the legs, feet and everything that flows down from the lower back into the toes.
Balanced Base Chakra:
Persons with a well balanced base chakra appear grounded and are usually very healthy, earthy types. They have the ability to stand up for themselves and are feeling at home with themselves and the world. They stand up for social issues of family, law and order. They also demonstrate a high level of self-mastery.
Overactive Base Chakra:
If the base chakra spins too fast it can affect people in the way in which they interact with their environment. It might manifest in behaviour such as bullying and self-centeredness. There is also the tendency to be overly materialistic and engage in physical foolhardiness like extreme sports or other forms of risk taking.
Under-Active Base Chakra:
If the base chakra is spinning very sluggishly or not at all, it affects the person’s ability to remain grounded. They may appear very spacey, incapable of inner stillness and have difficulties in achieving their goals. Life might be a constant struggle to provide for life’s necessities, always fearful and not feeling safe in their physical existence. Often issues like low-self esteem and self-destructive behaviour is associated with a blocked base chakra. They may appear to be emotionally needy and always looking for safety and security in groups.
Illnesses Associated with The Base Chakra:
Any diseases affecting the bones like osteoarthritis, chronic lower back pain, also sciatica and varicose veins are related to base chakra malfunction. Most forms of depression, addictions like alcoholism and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders will also have base chakra issues together with the under-functioning of other energetic areas. Physical problems that coincide with a blockage in this chakra are: obesity, anorexia nervosa, piles, sore knees, leg/ankle pains, arthritis, hip problems, problems of the tail bone and the reproductive organs.
10 Ways to Clear, Open and Balance Your First Chakra
If you feel you would benefit from clearing your first chakra, there are many practical, every-day things that you can do. Here are ten simple ways:
- Breathe through your belly
- Walk, especially walk barefoot in nature
- Dance
- Eat healthy food, especially root vegetables
- Create healthy order or structure in your life or home such as creating a filing system or putting up shelves in the garage or basement if you have belongings scattered in various places
- Wear a pleasing shade of red, especially trousers or shorts
- Center yourself in relation to your environment and what it offers you and be open minded to every change that happens to come across your path
- Repeat affirmations such as: “I am safe.” “I have a right to be here.” “I have a right to be me.” “The universe is a good place.” “Life is good.” “Everything is going to work out just fine.” “I belong.” “I have all that I need.” “The universe provides for me abundantly.” “All is well and I can let down my guard and rest.” “I am.”
- Surround yourself with pleasing, earthy smells, such as essential oils of cedar, clove, or patchouli.
- Chant the Root Chakra Mantra for at least 10 minutes every day
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