Everything You Need to Know About the Root Chakra

The chakras are the seven centers of energy that move through your subtle body, starting at the crown of your head and traveling down to the base of your spine. When spinning properly, each chakra allows energy to flow through the body. However, if one of these wheels is blocked, your well-being can suffer. The first chakra, muladhara, or “root chakra,” acts as the root of the body. If your root chakra is out of alignment, you may feel depressed, anxious, or even constipated (sorry). 

The natural element of the root chakra: earth

The first chakra, called muladhara, is located at the base of the spine. “Muladhara” means root, and is associated with the earth element, linked to your ability to dig in and feel firmly rooted in your life. Its associated color is red, hence its links to the earth. 

This energy center is associated with your sense of security, familial relationships and your feeling of home, says Stephanie Snyder, a yoga teacher based in San Francisco. When energy is flowing through the first chakra, you feel firmly grounded in yourself and the world around you.

Signs of blocked muladhara energy 

Physical signs

When your first chakra is out of alignment, you may experience pain in your intestines and lower body. This misalignment can manifest in the physical body in a number of ways.

Mental signs

When working with the root chakra, think about your relationship to yourself and the world around you. Where do you feel grounded? When do you feel calm and stable? When your root chakra is blocked, you might experience some of the following:

• Increased distractibility
• Rushing from one task to another
• Feeling exhausted or lethargic
• Increased feelings of anxiety, stress or depression
• Feeling stuck
• Inability to take action

Reasons to align your root chakra

When your first chakra is aligned, you’ll be able to tap into its ability to support a calm and steady energy throughout your body. You’ll feel grounded and comfortably situated in your body and the world around you. Stress about your sense of place and belonging will dissipate. When you can be assured that your basic needs are met, you’ll be able to focus on your relationships and personal goals.

How to tune up your root chakra

Yoga asana for the root chakra

To start bringing your root chakra into alignment, try this Root Chakra Tune-Up Practice to cultivate a sense of grounding in your feet, legs and pelvic floor. This practice includes intense stretches, deep squats and seated poses to connect you to the earth.

Pranayama for the first chakra

The benefits of balancing the root chakra

As you work to align the root chakra, you will allow energy to flow freely through your body, establishing your connection to the earth and your surroundings. You may feel an increased attachment to yourself and your home as you ground yourself—physically, mentally and emotionally.

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to the Chakras

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