Root chakra, its functions, symptoms of blocked chakra and ways to unblock it

Root Chakra is the first among the seven main chakras which are the main energy centers of our body. It works like a root for all chakras. Knowing and working on this chakra will increase our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In this article let us know briefly about root Chakra.

What is Root Chakra?

In Sanskrit root chakra is called as Mulaadhar chakra which is made up of two words – Mula and Adhaar. That is, as the name suggests, this is a foundation. As important as laying the foundation before building a building, this chakra is equally important for our subtle body. The awakening of the Kundalini energy begins on this Root Chakra. Kundalini energy rises from this chakra and passes through all other chakras. Our basic instincts like survival, growth etc. are encouraged by this chakra. It is also our root in a way that just as the roots of plants absorb nutrients from the earth and send them to all parts of the tree, this chakra also leads to the well-being of all other chakras absorbing earth element.

Properties of Root chakra

Even though chakras are energy centers without any color, shape, or characteristics of its own, we identify them with certain shapes, colors based on its properties. Some such information is given below.

Color : Red

symbol:

Principle: Earth

Vibration: 396 hz

Seed mantra : Lam

Where is Root Chakra?

Root chakra is located at the base of the back or near the tailbone.. In the middle part of the anus and genitals. This is great place to work as root for any living being.

More information about Root Chakra

As mentioned earlier, the Root chakra governs the earthy element of our body. We get vital earth element from the food we eat. This chakra sends the Apana Prana to the body to expel unwanted, toxic elements, helping to keep the earth element in good health. Its color is red as earth represents the color red.

Its symbol is represented by a four-petalled lotus. These four petals represent the four functions of the mind namely Manas, Buddhi, Chitta, and Ahamkara. The upside down triangle shows the earth Principle.

Being the first of the chakra system, it develops in early childhood. Emotions like attachment, safety, love etc. are developed by parents in childhood. The role of parents becomes important for this reason as well.

Balanced Root Chakra

A well-functioning Root Chakra enhances a person’s physical powers and mental fortitude. He will have good relations with his family and friends. A person has a sense of security and self-confidence.As this chakra is aligned with basic needs, an active Root Chakra is able to make good decisions about a person’s basic needs like food, shelter, etc. Some of the characteristics of such people are as follows.

• Standing bravely even in difficult times.

• Being neutral for the difficulties of life.

• Giving helping hands to people around them in times of trouble

• Giving unconditional love to their loved ones and being loyal.

• Having a healthy body weight

• Being financially stable

Symptoms of a inactive Root Chakra

If Root Chakra becomes inactive or overactive it can lead to certain physical/mental ailments. Let’s see about them one by one.

Physical symptoms

• Inertia, dullness, lethargy, etc

• Insomnia/oversleeping

• Digestive problem

• hip pain

• Reproductive system issues

• Issues with organs like bladder, intestine etc

• Fluctuation in body weight

Mental symptoms

• Depression, apathy

• Fear, anxiety, insecurity

• miserliness

• Gathering of wanted and unwanted things

• Lack of aspiration

• Lack of direction in life

• Making wrong decisions about money

• Blaming someone else for their life’s problems

• Difficulty in starting any work and finishing it

Balancing an imbalanced Root Chakra

Rebalancing an imbalanced chakra is vital as this chakra needed for our sense of survival. It’s perfectly fine if the health of chakra fluctuates according to the ups and downs of our lives. But note that, with some regular practices, the health of the chakras can be restored. I have explained some of the practices here.

Mantra:

Some vibrations come out from the movement of the chakras. These vibrations become sound. These sounds are called as Seed mantras. Among those seed mantras, the Root Chakra Mantra is ‘Lam’. Regular listening or chanting of this seed Mantra can re-invigorate the power of the root Chakra.

Reciting of affirmations:

Chanting affirmations continuously for a certain time (10-15 minutes) will make our subconscious mind believe it and work to make it true. So the affirmations given below can be used to awaken the Root Chakra

• I am safe and secure.

• I am grounded.

• The universe is on my side

• I love myself

• Take a sentence that resonates with you and recite on a regular basis.

Grounding meditation:

Meditation is a wonderful gift to mankind. Any problem can be solved through meditation. There are certain meditation practices like grounding meditation specifically for activating the Root Chakra. If that is not possible, sit in the nature, on the terrace of your house to meditate for some time every day. Chant or listen to the Lam Bija Mantra while meditating.

Walk barefoot

As you already know Root Chakra is the chakra associated with Earth element. That means incorporating more and more earthy elements into yourself results in its better functioning. Walking barefoot in the morning in the grass or in the mud gives you a direct touch of Mother Earth. It is very good for the health of your Root chakra.

Better connection with nature:

Nowadays we spend a lot of time in our home room with our gadgets like phone, laptop etc. This is one of the reasons for weakening of Root Chakra. So go outside and bond with nature. Go for a Trek. Not possible? Then simply touch and talk with the plants around your house or in the gardens, soak in the rain, bask in the sun. Show love to cows, animals and birds. And nature will multiply your love and give it back in turn.

Using more red color

As this chakra is identified with the color red, use more red color in your home, room like red curtains, red meditation seat, etc. Red color clothes can also be used more and more.

Reiki

Sending Reiki towards the Root Chakra can activate it. This task is even easier if you are a Reiki practitioner. Non-reiki practitioners can receive this treatment from a Reiki practitioner.

Yoga

Many asanas in our yoga practice stimulate the Root Chakra. Some such asanas are Tree pose(vrikshasana), Sun salutations(Soorya Namaskara), standing forward bend(Uttanasana), Montain pose(Tadasana), Bridge pose(Ardha Setu Bandhasana), rabbit pose(Shashankasana), squat pose(Malasana), corpse pose(Shavasana) etc. help to stimulate Root chakra. It is best to learn and practice these asanas from a good yoga teacher.

Finally..

A balanced Root Chakra has a positive effect on all areas of our lives. There is no doubt that a better life can be yours if you spend at least some time in our daily routine for its strength.