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Root Chakra: Complete Guide to the Muladhara Chakra

The root chakra is also known as the Muladhara. The Root Chakra, is the foundation of your energy system, anchoring you to the physical world.  It is an energy center in the human body associated with the sense of security, belonging, and grounding. This center is placed at the lower end of the spinal cord and is the root of our energy.

When in balance, it helps us to live healthily, have security, and live a meaningful life. But when blocked, it can lead to fear, insecurity, and emotional distress. Let’s explore how to activate the Muladhara Chakra or root chakra through yoga and mindfulness practices.

What is the Root Chakra or Muladhara Chakra?

Muladhara or the Root Chakra is the first of the seven major chakras in the body and the base of the three Tan Tien. Its Sanskrit name, "Muladhara," means "root support." It is an earth element sign that denotes foundation and stability.

It is associated with the color red, symbolizing strength, power, and courage.  It symbolizes shelter, protection, and life. This chakra governs our basic needs like physical health, security, and shelter. It also relates to one’s physiological and emotional needs.

We feel rooted, attuned to the natural world, and capable of flowing with the tides of life when the root chakra is balanced. But when the root chakra is out of harmony, we experience fear-based thoughts. When it’s out of balance we feel unsafe and disconnected from the earth, and worry about if our basic needs, like food, shelter, and love, will be met.

Characteristic of the Root Chakra

Element

The earth element in our bodies is governed by the Root Chakra. It distributes Apana Prana, revitalizing the earth element that comes from our diet. This component is present in variable amounts in all food that is grown on the planet.

The energy of the Root Chakra grounds us in our inner selves, promotes happiness and cheerfulness, and assists us in realizing our profound connection to the land. It is associated with the structure of our body, which consists of bones, skin, and flesh. It stands for our fundamental requirements for stability, support, and security. Good health depends on the earth's elements being properly regulated.

Color

Chakras lack intrinsic color since they are composed entirely of energy. Nonetheless, because of its connection to the earth element, the Root Chakra has a deep crimson reflection. Red is a representation of our innate power, vigor, and urge for both physical and psychological survival. It is the hue of grounding and self-preservation.

Symbol

The lotus with four petals is the Root Chakra symbol. It contains the seed mantra "LAM" - an inverted triangle, and a square. The four petals stand for the four elements that make up the physical world: fire, water, earth, and air. Since space is invisible to human sight, it is not included in the list of elements.

Mantra

The actions of each chakra produce different noises. The seed mantra is the collective name for this sound. LAM is the seed mantra of Muladhara. By chanting the Root Chakra Mantra during yoga and meditation, one can balance the chakra system and awaken and activate this essential energy point. Contact Rishikesh Yogpeeth, the best yoga school in Rishikesh to learn more regarding the mantra of Root Chakra.

Symptoms of an Unbalanced Root Chakra

As with all chakras, an imbalance seen in the Root Chakra manifests itself in physical, emotional as well as mental forms. 

  • Physical symptoms: Musculoskeletal pain around the genitals, intermittent tiredness, and compromised immune system of the body.
  • Emotional symptoms: Face fear, anxiety, and insecurity.
  • Mental symptoms: Procrastination, unfocused attention, and uncertainty.

Healing the Root Chakra: How to Balance the Root Chakra with Yoga?

When seeking to restore the Root Chakra to its proper state of stability, yoga is an excellent tool. The grounding yoga poses are effective in releasing tension in this particular chakra. These poses allow us to find a connection with the earth and get a hold of ourselves. 

  • Best yoga poses: The exercises include Siddhasana, Vajrasana, and Malasana. Most of these poses help ground you to the earth ensuring you gain a firm footing.
  • Breathing exercises: The breathing exercises that are effective for healing the root chakra are Abdominal breathing, Full yogic breathing, Kapalabhati, and Bhastrika.
Malasana
Malasana
Siddhasana
Siddhasana

Why Focus on the Root Chakra?

The Root Chakra may be focused on the physical body, but it is the foundation upon which all other chakras are located. When the Root Chakra is imbalanced, it becomes almost impossible to align other energy centers in the body.

Ideally, many yoga courses in Rishikesh, especially the most reputed yoga teacher training course in India at Rishikesh Yogpeeth explain the significance of this chakra in asana and meditation. Therefore it is important that the root Chakra is balanced to achieve solidity and confidence in life.

Lesser Known Facts About Root Chakra

The Root Chakra connects you to the energies of your ancestors. It carries their challenges as well as their triumphs, and it is uniquely associated with your sense of smell, which makes it much more grounding. As an emotional survival center, it governs the fight-or-flight response, playing a big role in how you handle stress and danger, ensuring physical and emotional stability in times of need.

Conclusion

Located in the tranquil Himalayan foothills, Rishikesh Yogpeeth is a well-known yoga school in Rishikesh that provides intensive yoga courses. Get in touch with us to learn all about the Root Chakra. It offers a life-changing experience for students looking to advance their practice and is renowned for its real teachings and peaceful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Root Chakra is what color?

Red serves as a symbolic representation of the Root Chakra. This color is associated with vigor, strength, and survival instincts.

How do you know if your Root Chakra is balanced?

The Root Chakra promotes physical wellness and emotions of safety, security, and self-assurance when it is in balance.

How long does it take to balance the Root Chakra?

It varies from person to person. It can be a few days to several weeks, depending on the level of imbalance and your consistency with healing practices.

What causes the Root Chakra to be blocked?

The root chakra is blocked due to various forms of trauma and fear.

How to unblock Root Chakras?

To unblock your Root Chakras, practice grounding activities like meditation, yoga, or walking barefoot in nature. Regular affirmations and deep breathing exercises can also help restore balance and promote stability.

About the author

Mr. Shailesh

Mr. Shailesh

This blog is brought to you by the Yoga Engagement Team at Rishikesh Yogpeeth, a dedicated group of experienced yoga teachers and management professionals. Together, the team brings over 100+ years of collective experience in Yoga Teacher Training.

For the past 18+ years, Rishikesh Yogpeeth has been trusted by 17,000+ students from 120+ countries to deliver authentic yoga teachings and transformative experiences..

Expertly reviewed by Mr. Shailesh, one of our esteemed teachers, this blog reflects both depth and precision. With over 2 years of dedicated service at Rishikesh Yogpeeth, Mr. Shailesh has enriched the learning journey of countless students through his deep understanding of yoga practices, lifestyle, and philosophy. His teachings foster a supportive environment that empowers students to grow in their personal yoga practice and succeed in their teacher training journey.

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