Exploring the Energy of the Root Chakra: An Essential Introductory Guide

As I’ve touted in my last post, Chakras are vital energy centres within the body that govern physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of a person's overall health and wellbeing. The Root Chakra (or Muladhara in Sanskrit) is the first of seven major chakras and is located at the base of the spine. It is associated with the earth element, survival, and stability and it is linked to warm, vibrant red. 

The root chakra is responsible for grounding and stabilizing a person's energy flow. When the root chakra is balanced, a person feels secure, stable, and grounded. It provides the foundation for a person's life, their identity, and their overall sense of well-being. The root chakra is also associated with survival and basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety.

Characteristics of the Root Chakra

The Root Chakra is related to the bladder, colon/large intestine, skeleton, spine, feet, legs, teeth, and arterial blood flow to the left chamber of heart. It is also associated with the adrenal gland, which produces the hormones responsible for fight or flight responses. People with a balanced, or flowing, Root Chakra have healthy immune systems, strong and flexible muscles and bones, and experience a healthy level of energy.

The Root Chakra is linked to one's feelings of safety, security, and sense of belonging. It helps develop our personal integrity, self-esteem and feelings of satisfaction and comfort in their own skin. When the Root Chakra is balanced, a person is confident, motivated, and grounded. (Big breath) That is a lot of things. It is easy to see why the Root Chakra is the foundation of the chakra system!

What Happens if the Root Chakra Is Blocked?

When the Root Chakra is blocked, or imbalanced, people experience feelings of lethargy, of being ‘spaced out’ and physically drained. A blocked Root Chakra can also lead to colon issues, bladder issues, constipation, or lower back, arm, leg or feet issues. In men, prostate problems may occur. Eating disorders may also be a sign of a Root Chakra imbalance.

It can cause feelings of insecurity, fear, anxiety, and frustration. And can also lead to a need for control or feeling out of control in certain situations. A blocked Root Chakra can also lead to anxiety disorders, fear, panic attacks, worry, overthinking, depression, nightmares, disconnection from the body and anger/rage.

Some Practices to Balance the Root Chakra

There are many different ways to balance, or unblock, the Root Chakra. One of the easiest ways is to get outside by connecting to the earth. Using gemstones, such as garnet, ruby, red jasper, black tourmaline, and bloodstone can be effective. One would place the gemstone on the area of the chakra while lying down or, as I do, it can be worn or tucked into your pocket.

If you enjoy essential oils, try Sandalwood, Rosewood, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Cedar, Clove, Ginger, frankincense, and Myrrh which are associated with the Root Chakra. Alternative therapies including Meditation, healing vibrations, sound baths and yoga help to focus energy on the root chakra and provide a sense of connection to the earth. And of course, one could book a Reiki healing session with me!

As you can see, the root chakra is an essential aspect of our overall well-being. It is the foundation upon which the other chakras build upon and is essential for grounding and stabilizing energy flow. A balanced root chakra ensures a healthy mind-body connection, promotes emotional stability, and creates a sense of security and belonging. Therefore, it is crucial to practice activities and techniques that support a balanced root chakra (like booking a reiki session!).