The first chakra, Muladhara, also known as the root chakra, is located at the base of the spine, around the coccyx or tailbone and it acts as the root of the body. “Muladhara” means root, and is associated with the Earth element. Our Root chakra its associated with the colour red and its linked to our survival. It rules our physical health, sense of connection to the earth, and a feeling of support and stability in the physical world. The meaning of the root chakra, Muladhara in sanskrit is - Mula, meaning root and Adhara, meaning support or base.
Location: Base of the spine (Coccyx, Tailbone, Perineum, Pelvic Floor)
Symbolism: Four-petaled lotus flower
Colour: Red
Mantra: LAM
Sanskrit name: Muladhara
Purpose: Foundation / Survival
Nerve plexus: Coccygeal
Endocryne gland: Adrenals
The Root Chakra, Muladhara is the body's root and its purpose is to support our solid bone structure and also our spiritual connection to the Earth and the material world around us. This chakra is linked to survival and our ability to ground ourselves daily.
Within the Root Chakra, we carry our ancestral memories, past lives memories and trauma, including difficult histories of war, hunger/starvation, trauma, and natural disasters.
These ancestral memories and traumatic experiences can create patterns of behavior or certain subconscious triggers in our own lives but it can also be healed and released using techniques such as somatic exercise, reiki and shadow work.
When energy flows through the Muladhara, you will feel grounded, have a sense of security and experience increased confidence. It will also give the other chakras a strong base for further development.
Blocked or stagnant energy can negatively impact health in the physical body and mental state. Lets look deeper into symptoms that your body can show you if your energy centre is out of balance or overworking.
- Weight loss / Weight Gain
- Pelvic pain
- Incontinence
- Constipation
- Depression or feeling depressive
- Anxiety disorders
- Lack of focus / concentration
- Low self-esteem
- Lethargy
-
Procrastination
There are many other symptoms that can show a blockage in this energy centre such as physical issues with the colon, bladder, prostate, leg, lower back, and feet problems.
Eating disorders such as anorexia, binge eating and bulimia can also be associated with an imbalance of the root chakra since its linked to energy, safety and control, or the lack of it.
If you think you may have an eating disorder, please seek professional help from a doctor or therapist.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a blocked Root Chakra or your Root chakra may not be flowing as it should.
