Muladhara - the root/base chakra

The root chakra is red in the visible spectrum red has the longest wavelength. It is called Muladhara in Sanskrit, also known as the root centre. It is situated in the perineum, at the base of the spinal column. This chakra is related to the element of earth, and the sense organ is the nose.

This is the chakra of survival. We need food, water and air to survive. We also need sleep and shelter to fulfil our basic needs. In this root chakra there is sex energy. This is the chakra of material existence. It is also the grounding chakra, the one that connects us to the earth and our own physicality. 

Muladhara chakra is our source of stability and grounding that comes from deep connection to the earth and to our roots.  When it is out of balance this affects everything related to our personal stability, safety and security.  It controls how we deal with money, our body and our family: our roots.

An imbalanced root chakra, which is low in vital energy may mean that we may experience emotional imbalances and suffer from low self-esteem, feel out of touch with our body and sexuality, we may constantly worry about money, never feel satisfied with our work or home and have issues around food. It can also lead to self-destructive or addictive behaviour such as eating disorders, smoking, drug taking etc.

It can also cause illnesses such as degenerative arthritis, knee pain, lower back pain, depression, sciatica, constipation and issues with male reproductive parts and the prostate gland. There may be problems in the legs, feet, rectum, tailbone and immune system generally.  

On the other hand, a root chakra which is imbalanced by being too strong can lead to isolation, materialism, bullying behaviour or selfishness.

When this chakra is balanced we feel supported, grounded, physically secure in the physical world, confident, connected, and healthy and happy with our body and sexuality. We trust the universe to take care of us and the world does not seem a scary place to live. We begin to realise that just for today we have a roof over our head, food on the table and some money in our pocket. Life is great – all our primary needs are met.

Physically, the root chakra is located at the base of the spine between the pubic bones, tailbone and sitting bones.  Its centre is the perineum, in the middle of the pelvic floor between the anus and genitals.  

The pelvic floor is influenced and affected by the muscles of the legs and the feet. The integrity of the pelvic floor depends on the proper alignment of the legs and the balance of the feet, which act like the roots of a plant.  We need our feet and legs to be alive and balanced in order to find grounding and stability.

There are a few practical things we can do to help to energise this area including:

·       Wearing red, especially red socks;

·       Eat grounding and warming foods such as soups;

·       Hugging trees;

·       Getting hands in the earth, planting, weeding, growing vegetables and flowers etc;

·       Walk barefoot on the earth or on the beach;

·       Sea swimming;

·       Spending time in nature connecting with the earth can also make a huge difference;

·       Yoga;

·       Reiki;

·       Ayurveda;

·       Holding, wearing or putting red jasper in your pocket can also help. 

In short, to build a solid life, we need a solid base.

Colour: Red

Element: Earth

Sense organ: Nose

Yantra: It has in its centre a triangle, from which the sushsumna begins and which (the sushsumna) end at the top of the head, has four crimson-coloured petals. 

Bija seed mantra: Lam 

Related plexus and organs: Sacral, coccygeal plexus and testes

Balanced attributes: Stamina, vitality, physical health, patience, ability to manifest dreams, inner security.

 Possible chakra deficiency or excess: lack of energy, little enthusiasm, obsessive worrying, impatience, hyperactivity.