Last week, we got an overview of the seven main chakras. This week, I will delve into the details of the first chakra. The root or muladhara chakra. When learning all 7 chakras, there are certain orders in which to approach the chakras individually. Some start at the heart center, since that is the middle of all the chakras and that emanates to the three chakras above it and the three chakras below it. Others start with the chakra at the top of the head, the crown chakra. I like to start at the foundation and work my way up. My belief is that establishing a root or foundation first, in anything we do, is most important. Once we have the strong foundation, we can build upon it.

The Root or Muladhara Chakra

This is the chakra that connects us to the root of the body. The root chakra resides in the lower part of the body and grounds us to the earth. If you were a tree, the roots are planted deep in the ground and the tree trunk will be sturdy. For your human physical body, the root chakra means the base of the spine, the perineum, feet, and legs. The symbol of this chakra has four red lotus petals as shown in the picture above.

The function of this chakra is survival and grounding. It brings us inner stillness, security and stability. When this base chakra is out of balance, we may have malfunctions such as weight issues, hemorrhoids, constipation, sciatica, degenerative arthritis and even hip and knee issues.

To balance this chakra, as with every chakra, you may want to use crystals, certain yoga poses, forces of nature (earth), certain sounds (lam, o) .

The color of this chakra is red. So if you decide to purchase crystals to support this chakra, ruby, garnet and bloodstone are among the the red stones you would choose.

Yoga poses that can help balance the root chakra are locust or half locust, head-to-knee pose. You can also find grounding in mountain (tadasana) pose. Or even grounding in a comfortable seated position while you ensure that your sit bones are pushing and grounded into the prop beneath you. The yoga poses that help balance the root chakra are:

• Wind-releasing pose (apanasana). Here you would lie on your back and alternate between each leg as you bring the knee to the chest.
• Bridge pose (setu bhandasana) is another pose to help ground you and thereby unblocking this chakra. Keeping your feet , head and shoulders on the ground, while you lift the hips.
• Half or full locust (salabhsana). Both are backbends done while lying on your belly. Half-locust is done with either the left or right side of the body.
• Mountain pose (tadasana). In mountain pose, we force energy downward to ground the 4 corners of each foot toward the earth allowing the whole body be energized in stillness. This is one of the most important poses in yoga. It is your foundation for every other pose that we do.

Disclaimer: These poses are shared here generically. Always check with your doctor before engaging in any yoga asana practice. If you have already done so, you may still have to modify these poses to meet the needs of your own body and work with a qualified teacher.

Gravity

The chief operating force of the root chakra is gravity. It is gravity that pulls us down to mother earth. Gravity that helps our survival on this planet. Gravity is such a powerful force that it grounds and roots us to mother earth, no matter the actions we take. Short of going into space, gravity surrounds us in our daily lives. Coincidentally, on this day in 1687, Sir Isaac Newton released his Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy where he defines the law of gravity among other things. How appropriate for a day when we are discussing the root chakra. East and West always meet somehow. Use gravity to your advantage. Gravity can help you to find balance in your body by rooting you to mother earth.

Further reading:

If you would like to know more detail about the chakras, I recommend what is commonly referred to as the English-language bible of chakras by Anodea Judith, PhD. Wheels of LIfe.

Of course, if it is your cup of tea, you can always read Newton.

Next week, I will discuss in this space, the sacral (svadhisthana).

Classes and Private Lessons

I hope you had a very lovely long weekend celebrating the 245th birthday of our country.

Today, July 5, is the federally-recognized Independence Day holiday since the 4th fell on Sunday this year. Nevertheless, I will hold online yoga nidra class tonight, as usual. Treat yourself to a wonderful self-care meditation at 7:30 ET. All you need is a place to rest your weary body and mind.

If you are in the market for a private lesson in the comfort of your home, contact me by filling out the form at the bottom of this web page.