The Root Chakra is the first Chakra, located at the base of your spine where the first 3 vertebrae reside. It represents the foundation of growth and expansion within your life. The qualities associated with the Root Chakra include safety, grounding, physical identity and other basic, instinctual needs.

Also known as Muladhara, Mula translates to origin, root or essence and dhara translates to basis or foundation. You’ll most often see a tree symbolizing the Root Chakra. The roots must be healthy, deep and strong to offer adequate support for the rest of the tree. This Chakra is essential in the healthy function of the remaining Chakra’s above.

When Root Chakra is Unbalanced

Your Chakra’s can be either deficient (too closed/blocked) or excessive (too open). When a Chakra is deficient not enough energy is flowing. This can leave you feeling tired, sluggish, depressed and spacey. When a Chakra is excessive too much energy is flowing. This can present itself as aggression, agitation and projection outwards, even onto others. Here are some things to look for when Root Chakra is out of alignment:

•  You tend to obsess about money. You have a need to control it, make it or feel in constant lack that you don’t have enough of it. There is an overall anxiety when it comes to finances

•  You have fears about losing your home, family or other stable entity in your life.

• There is a general lack of trust as if you are the only one you can count on. This can also present itself as control issues always needing to be the one in the drivers seat.

• You have difficulty, even anxiety, when it comes to being yourself around others. Overall, there could be a lack of self and identity.

• You feel disconnected from those around you, including people and nature. This can also manifest itself as feeling spacey and out of it from not being grounded.

•  You suffer from eating disorders and/or hoarding things

• General feelings/displays of negativity, cynicism, greed or indecision

How to Unblock Root Chakra

When Root Chakra is balanced, you’ll feel stable, relaxed, fully grounded and trusting in yourself, others and your current situation. Energy will flow freely giving you the drive to take care of yourself and be prosperous in many areas of life. Here are some ways to balance & activate your Root Chakra:

• Go for a walk and connect with nature. Stand barefoot outside allowing your feet to be buried in the ground. Breath in fresh air and feel the sun on your face.

• Use healing crystals like Red Jasper, Obsidian or Bloodstone. Place them around the home or carry with you.

• Meditate on the Root Chakra focusing on the red sphere of energy radiating from your tailbone at the base of your spine. Visualize roots growing from beneath you anchoring you to the earth.

• Eat mindfully giving your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Foods for healing Root Chakra include root vegetables, proteins and other red foods like strawberries and cherries.

• Do some physical activity. Work out, run, dance, roller blade, skip, stretch… It’s good for your health and allows you connect more deeply with yourself and your body.

• Work on shifting your mindset from lack, negativity and Debby Downer to an abundant, glass half full mindset. For example, at the grocery don’t focus on the items you aren’t able to buy. Instead, focus on what you can purchase and feel grateful you are able.

• Repeat affirmations such as “I am safe,” “I am strong” and ” I have everything I need.”

Root Chakra at A Glance…

In Sandskirt: Muladhara

Location: Base of Spine

Color: Red

Element: Earth

Crystals: Red Jasper, Obsidian

Essential Oils: Cedarwood, Rosewood, Frankincense

Food: Root Veggies, Protein, Red food

*This information is not meant to treat, cure or alleviate any health or medical problems. This does not replace medical advice. If you have any concerns, please consult with a medical physician.