Energy healing for the Root Chakra

The root chakra (muladhara) is located at the bottom of the spine and is associated with the color red. The foundation of the root chakra is grounding. It connects us to the earth. A strong root chakra elicits courage, will power and the strength to find one’s purpose in life. The root chakra brings us life force energy.

When Energy is Low

When chakras become blocked, there are many physical and emotional signs that present themselves. A blockage in this chakra inhibits exploration of full potential and the ability to live life enthusiastically. Here are some indications of low energy in the root chakra:

being anemic
feeling tired
coming down with a cold
experiencing a feeling of being chilled
lacking self-confidence
maintaining a low level of enthusiasm

Ways to Bring Energy to the Root Chakra

Essential oils associated with the root chakra include juniper berry, sandalwood and ylang, ylang. These oils are invigorating and gounding. By mixing a few drops of one or more of these oils with a base oil (sweet almond, grapeseed, or extra virgin olive oil) or a natural lotion and applying this to all areas of the body, the effects of the oils are absorbed through the skin.

Music is a form of vibrational energy. Since the root chakra is associated with grounding, music with heavy, rhythmic percussion can enhance the energies flowing to the root chakra. Pick instrumentals that have good and strong drum beats. Dancing and active movement, such as vigorous exercise, are also encouraged. Yoga is grounding and known to strengthen the root chakra.

Flower essences are made from the vibrations of flowers. Those associated with stimulating the root chakra are red chestnut, cherry plum and aspen. These oils have healing properties that encourage inner peace, endurance and confidence. A few drops of the essence may be taken straight from the bottle and placed directly under the tongue.

Solarized water is yet another way to bring in the healing energies to our bodies. Water in a glass container may be wrapped with a red color filter and placed in the sunlight for up to two hours. The water absorbs the energies of the red rays of sunlight. This water may be sipped at intervals throughout the day.

A strong and balanced root chakra increases energy for life. It also builds courage and stimulates inner strength to find one’s purpose for life and reason for living. Knowing when a chakra is low on energy and taking steps to increase that energy can lead to better overall physical and mental health.

The Foundation of the Root Chakra

Chakras are energy centers in the body that can affect us physically, emotionally and spiritually. There are seven major chakras in the body, and the primary chakra is the root, or muladhara chakra, which is the foundation for all other chakra energies.

The Muladhara Foundation

The root chakra is sometimes called the first chakra, because it is the base for all other chakras. It sits at the bottom of the spine, between the perineum and the anus, supporting the sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, forehead/third eye and crown chakras.

The muladhara chakra helps people connect to the Earth, and no other chakra is used to draw as much Earth energy as the root chakra. The central themes of the root chakra are trust, security and survival. Root chakra development begins in the ninth month of pregnancy, and continues through the first year of life, connecting the muladhara with the will to live, the root of all life.

Many symbols and ideas associated with the first chakra are connected to the idea of strength and life. The word muladhara translates into “support” and “root,” while the chakra’s symbol is a square, an image of durability.

The color associated with the root chakra is red, which relates to blood, passion and energy, essential components for a zealous life. An article in the November-December 2008 issue of Spirituality & Health Magazine gathers studies that show red increases chances for athletic success, or in the case of primates, it increases chances of mating.

Chakras are said to be “blocked” when energy is not flowing through them. Since the first chakra takes in the most energy, when this chakra is not functioning properly, it can cause problems with the other energy levels.

The Physicality of the Root Chakra

Another aspect of the base chakra as a foundation is its location on the body and the correspondence to the physical body. The root chakra can affect the spinal cord and the skeleton, tangible structures without which the body would have no form. The first chakra also regulates digestion, blood flow, and the legs and feet, physical representations of our connection to the Earth.

People who have imbalances in their root chakra can experience physical ramifications: digestive problems, back pain, osteoporosis, leg and foot pain or blood disorders. There are several methods of therapy to help balance the base chakra, including aromatherapy, stone therapy, meditation and vocalization.

Stimulating the Rood Chakra – Tree Exercise

Take a walk, choose a tree and ask permission to mediate beneath the tree. Sit so that your bottom is touching the ground. You may wish to hold a gemstone, such as a garnet or ruby, or a red scarf or cloth, in your right hand to help with the meditation.

Begin by turning into your breathing. Feel your prana breath, or life energy, start in the earth, and rise from the root chakra all the way up through the crown chakra at the top of the head and back down through the base chakra.

Feel the color red and its place in your root chakra as you breathe. Allow the red energy from your base chakra to connect to the Earth, and feel the color deepening and the energy widening.

When you are ready, place your hands, palm-down on the Earth, and release your breath back down the spine. Thank nature for allowing you to mediate and carry your red symbol with you throughout the day.