Also known as the 1st or Root Chakra,
the Muladhara (sometimes spelled as mooladhara) is considered by many to
be the most important Chakra (although we know they are all important,
right?) because it is the Chakra that connects us to our physical world.
Located at the base of our spine, it is the root chakra that governs
over our physical energies, giving us a sense of safety and security
with other people and ourselves.
It is important to balance this chakra first before balancing the
others, from an energetic stand-point, as it is widely believed that
this is where we draw our life force energy from (see kundalini reiki). If you are not properly grounded (or rooted into the ground) you simply can not balance the other chakras properly.
If your root chakra is in balance or open properly,
you will feel secure in your world and daily tasks will seem effortless.
You will not have any doubts about your place in the world and things
will work for you, whether it be with relationships, money or with a
career. You will work with the world and not against it!
Over-Active Root Chakra:
If the root chakra is over-active you may experience
anger, annoyance and even aggression towards people and events in your
life. Greediness and controlling others and becoming biligerant to those
who challenge your “authority” may be a problem. You might become
dependant on the security from other people, your job, or specific
habits and because of this you will have very rigid boundaries – making
it very difficult for you to accept change. You may also become very
materialistic or impulsive and think that your value or self-worth
exists in having such things. Problems with an over-active sex drive may
arise due to the over-activeness of the root chakra.
Under-Active Root Chakra:
If your root chakra is under-active you may feel
disconnected from the world around you, including from your body. You
will feel disorganized and consequently this will reflect in your world.
You will lack focus and discipline and you may even become afraid,
anxious or restless in your daily interactions. You will probably
experience a lack of stamina, depression or desire to do or to want
anything out of life. You will have trouble obtaining financial security
and will find yourself with no, or very little boundaries.
Physical symptoms of an Imbalance:
Weight-loss/gain, over or underactive sex drive, poor immune system,
anemia, depression, laziness, irratible bowel syndrome are all possible
physical symptoms of an imbalance within the root chakra.
Healing the Muladhara
There are many ways one can begin to balance their
Chakras. Below you will find several useful methods, including colour,
nature and sound therapy!
Affirmation for the Root Chakra: I am safe in the
world around me. I belong in this world, and am a part of Gaia
(mother-earth). I am at peace with my surroundings, with the people and
the events that occur.
Colour of the Root Chakra: The root is associated
with the colour red. Picturing a red lotus flower at the base of your
spine will begin to balance it. Lighting red candles while focusing on
your root chakra can also have this effect.
Organs/Glands governed by the Root Chakra: Reproductive Organs, Large Intestine, Immune System.
Crystal Therapy for the Root Chakra: Azurite,
Bloodstone, Chrysocolla, Obsidian, Golden Yellow Topaz, Black
Tourmaline, Carnelian, Citrine, Red Jasper, Smokey Quartz.
Nutrition for the Root Chakra: Red Foods, such as
red apples, strawberries, red cabbage. Ginger, carrots, or beets, or
foods with “roots” and foods that are high in protein, such as eggs,
meat, beans, nuts.
Aromatherapy/Essential Oils for the Root Chakra: Sandalwood, Cedar, Rosewood, Ginger, Cloves, Black pepper, Rosemary.
Healing the Root Chakra with Nature: The muladhara’s
element is Earth. Simply getting out and experiencing the sounds and
smells of Mother Nature will have a positive effect on this chakra.
Sitting on the grass, under a tree is an ideal spot to sit and allow
yourself to absord these earthly energies!
Sound Therapy for the Root Chakra: The root vibrates in harmony to “C” Note. Additionally chanting “LAM” will have a positive effect on this chakra!
