Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra)

Meaning: Root Support
Location: Base of spine at the coccyx
Anatomy: Adrenal glands; organs of elimination; muscles of mobility & stability
Element: Earth
Association: Survival, grounding
Color: Red
Sense: Smell
Energy connection to the physical body: Spinal column, rectum, legs, bones, feet and immune system
Energy connection to the emotional/mental body: Foundation for emotional and mental health
Symbolic/perceptual connection: First chakra energy manifests in our need for order and structure. This energy orients us in time and space and to our five senses.
Primary fears: Fears of physical survival, abandonment by the group and loss of physical order
Primary strengths: Tribal/family identity, bonding and the honor code
Imagery: Gravity; roots; synchronize breath with rhythm of earth
Affirmations: I am safe, loved, & supported; My body is strong, beautiful, & unique just like me; I am rooted & grounded in life; The Universe supports my needs; I have a right to be here
Bija Mantra: Lam (Tip of the tongue on upper palate and softly close lips for MMM vibration)
Mudra:

• Touch the tips of the thumb & index finger
• Concentrate on the root chakra between the genitals and anus
• Chant Lam

Yoga Poses: Standing poses- help bring awareness into the body; connect feet and legs with the earth
The root chakra is the foundation for our entire system. At the root chakra, we are primarily concerned with physical survival (food, shelter and clothing). In order to work our way up through the other chakras, we must first ground or “root” down. This act of grounding down provides stability, security and the support we need to explore, extend and grow. According to Anodea Judith in her book, Wheels of Life, “grounding protects the body from becoming overloaded by the tensions of everyday life.”
As we work to ground, connect to the earth, we start to realize that our basic right of the first chakra is the right to have. This springs forth from our need for physical survival, the right to contain, to hold on to things. As we start to understand this need, we grow to accept and appreciate our limitations. This, ultimately, encourages us to create and set healthy boundaries, nurturing our self-esteem and worth. Our bodies become the vehicle to explore and connect to the earth around us. They provide the environment to challenge old concepts and ideas. To come to understand and heal the body is the ultimate task of the first chakra, according to Judith.
Incorporating the Root Chakra into Our Daily Life

• Eat local and organic food as much as possible
• Avoid processed foods and refined sugars (an amazing thing occurred when I did this… I lost my cravings for sweets)
• Any type of movement that pulls you into your body- yoga, tai chi, dance
• Receive a massage
• Spend time outdoors- the root chakra is all about connecting to the earth- hike, camp, kayak, sit on your patio:)
• Grounding meditation
• Increase your self-worth- write out some of the above affirmations and post them on your bathroom mirror, steering wheel, or keep them in your wallet and pull them out to repeat a few times a day

Namaste’,