Walking. I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands. ~ Linda Hogan
Stomp your feet on the earth and state, “I am”. Our energy and very life force come from the ground up. Muladhara powers your sense of security. Your physical presence you have in your body is all powered by Muladhara, your root chakra. Earth, blood, roots, safety, security, and survival make up our most primal energies. The connection we have with our ancestral culture, spirituality, all lie in the Muladhara. We also hold a lot of our trauma in the Muladhara.
We begin our journey through the chakras at the root with our roots, our most basic instincts. You need to be firmly grounded and secure in Muladhara before you can truly take flight into the higher needs of life. How does Muladhara get unbalanced, and what can we do to balance it? I’m so very glad you asked. If you need to feel more grounded, trusting, safe, and secure, you are in the right place.
Rooted in the Earth
The word Muladhara comes from two Sanskrit words. Mula means “root” and Adhara means “base.” Together Muladhara means our root base, or support. This chakra is our foundation. This chakra connects us to both the earth we walk on, and the bodies we inhabit. Our most basic needs of stability, safety and security are housed in the root chakra. Muladhara is located at the base of the spine. It is governed by the color red and is ruled by the earth element. Our most primal sense, the sense of smell, is also ruled by the root chakra. Our adrenals, the system that gives us the ability to fight, flight, or freeze, is under the root chakras purview as well.
What is it like to have a balanced Muladhara?
When the energy of the root chakra is flowing freely we feel safe. Our most basic needs for survival are being met. We are secure in our place on Earth and know that we belong. We are present in our body and firmly grounded to the earth. When our Muladhara is in balance we have a strong sense of self worth. This security gives us the courage and fearlessness we need to make confident choices and be decisive in our actions. A balanced root chakra gives us the freedom to boldly walk our path and experience all of the passion, excitement, and love this life has to offer. This is all wonderful but sometimes you don’t feel so secure and safe. What are the factors that can cause an imbalance to the root chakra?
What Can Cause an Imbalance?
There are many things that contribute to a chakra imbalance. Most often a root chakra imbalance stems from either a threat to your senses of survival or belonging. Some even believe that ancestral trauma can carry over into our own Muladhara. When we are first born our perception of belonging and survival is one of our first experiences. If someone has experienced trauma as an infant they are certainly prone to have a blocked root chakra. These events can be anything from death of a parent around childbirth to adoption.
This sounds very dramatic, and it can be, but recently everyone has experienced threats to their survival. Honestly, it would be shocking if everyone didn’t currently have a wonky root chakra. Everyone on this planet has been going through the pandemic. That alone has certainly traumatized our sense of safety and survival. This could be why there is so much turmoil in our society. We are all desperately overcompensating for a sense of belonging and our flight or fight reflexes are just out of control. Sorry, just a little op-ed moment there. Natural disasters are also at the top of the list to cause widespread Muladhara imbalance in regional populations. The increase of large hurricanes, and wildfires definitely is not helping our sense of safety and security.
Financial insecurity is also something that threatens our sense of security. Job loss and financial crisis are on the rise. If you are unsure that your means for food, water, and shelter will be met, your sense of survival is most certainly put in jeopardy. So now that we know that currently the majority of the population is struggling with their root chakra at the moment let’s talk specifics on what an imbalance in the root chakra looks like.
Signs of Muladhara Imbalance
Body
Since the root chakra governs our adrenals, an imbalance can manifest as adrenal fatigue. Adrenal fatigue is a somewhat new and controversial diagnosis. It occurs over a long term burn out that causes our adrenals to become overtaxed and thus unable to release adequate amounts of cortisol. Common symptoms of adrenal fatigue are fatigue and brain fog, especially in the morning, with periodic crashes throughout the day. A weakened, or compromised immune system is another symptom of adrenal fatigue.
Digestive and elimination issues are also a sign of root chakra imbalance. Both weight loss and weight gain can be a manifestation of problems with this chakra. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorders are examples of what can manifest with an imbalanced Muladhara. Colon and bladder complaints such as constipation, cramps, and incontinence can also come from root chakra imbalance.
Musculoskeletal issues can also arise with a root chakra imbalance. Pain, especially in the feet, legs, and lower back can be a root chakra issue. Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis can be another manifestation of blockage in the root chakra.
Mind
Muladhara governs our sense of safety and security. Blocked energy in this chakra manifests mainly as anxiety, worry, and panic. When we feel insecure; everything can be perceived as a threat. This often leads to negative and narrow thinking. Being scattered and disorganized with a poor ability to focus can arise from an imbalance in the root chakra. Early trauma centered around our sense of safety and survival can also manifest as codependency. This often results in low self esteem and insecurity. Feelings of anger and rage often come with an imbalanced root chakra.
Spirit
Muladhara is the ruler of our energy and zest for life. Just as a balanced root chakra brings on passion and joy for life, when these energies are stagnant, imbalanced, or blocked it brings on feelings of lethargy and exhaustion. Our vitality and zest for life are compromised. Generally there is a genuine lack of interest in the world around us. When our root chakra is off kilter we are also no longer grounded. We become restless and highly susceptible to distractions.
How Do We Fix Imbalance
So now that we’re all messed up, how do we fix it? Turns out the energetic body is all about frequency and energy.
Everything has a frequency. Light, color, sound, and movement all have a specific frequency. Use tools that vibrate on a similar frequency as a chakra to make it sing. All the things listed on the little root chakra cheat sheet above vibe on the same frequency as the root chakra. Mix and match these tools till your root is content.
“EVERYTHING IS ENERGY AND THAT IS ALL THERE IS TO IT. MATCH THE FREQUENCY OF THE REALITY YOU WANT AND YOU CAN NOT HELP BUT GET THAT REALITY. IT CAN BE NO OTHER WAY. THIS IS NOT PHILOSOPHY. THIS IS PHYSICS. ” — ALBERT EINSTEIN
How to help The root Chakra Balance
Color
Colors are frequencies of light that reflect off of an object. When you see a red sweater that sweater is absorbing all colors except the color red. The color red is being reflected back to us, so we see a red sweater. The frequency of the color red and the frequency of Muladhara vibe very closely together so, if you want to get grounded and boost your root chakra, surround yourself with the color red. This is as simple as wearing red clothing (like our red sweater from above), or meditating with a red object. I have issues being grounded, so I painted a red wall in my living room. You could also choose to go a little saucy and get some red lighting.
Red gemstones can be used to boost Muladhara. Meditating with, wearing, or simply carrying stones such as garnet, ruby, red jasper, bloodstone, or carnelian can be of great support. Not only are these stones red, they come from the earth. When you look at your stone, or simply feel the weight of it in your pocket, focus on the Earth it came from and tell yourself you belong.
Food
You can even use your diet to help balance chakras. The root chakra is associated with your musculoskeletal system, and thus responds well to high protein foods. High protein foods that support our musculoskeletal system, and by proxy the root chakra include meat, eggs, beans, soy products, and nuts. To stimulate Muladhara you can also focus on eating foods that are red, or come from roots. To help balance the root chakra go get some red apples, strawberries, raspberries, or tomatoes. Get the energy flowing with some red spicy foods such as red peppers, cayenne, or paprika. You can earn double points by eating red roots such as beets or radishes. Roots that can help boost the Muladhara include potatoes, parsnips, carrots, onions, and garlic.
Move
Outside of using the color red, or eating foods that boost Muladhara we can also use our bodies to get the energy moving. Being the most physical chakra of them all, Muladhara in particular benefits from getting in touch with your body. Move your body and pay particular attention to how it feels. I’m certainly guilty of grinding my teeth, or white knuckling without ever really knowing I’m doing it. This is me being disconnected with my own body and the emotions it is expressing. Learning to listen to your body and reconnect with it is a wonderful way to begin balancing your root chakra. Somatic therapy is a powerful tool that helps people get in tune with their bodies.
One of the most fun ways to use your body to get the energy moving is dance therapy. To boost the root chakra get your feet and legs moving. Find the most primal drum beats you can and get to stomping on the ground. Augment your results by dancing barefoot outside. Being governed by the earth element, anything you can do to get out in the earth will help boost and unblock your root chakra. Ever wonder why you feel so grounded walking around in nature, especially bare footed? First the movement of walking, hiking, or dancing gets your energy flowing. Secondly, being out in nature, especially in the dirt connects you to the earth.
Yoga, both yin and yang, is also an excellent choice when trying to stimulate the root chakra. Poses that release the lower back and energize the legs are wonderful poses for Muladhara. Examples of these poses are Pavanamuktasana (knee to chest pose) and Janu Sirsansana (head to knee pose). Grounding poses will also help you feel safe and secure, boosting the root chakra. These poses include Padmasana (lotus flexion), Tadasana (mountain pose), and Shavasana (corpse pose). Poses that energize the legs such as Malasana (squatting pose) and Warrior I and II pose also boost Muladhara. (Pics)
Using your body isn’t the only way to help move your Muladhara energy. Focusing your mind with intention is also an important aspect of boosting any chakra, including your root chakra.
How to use your Mind to balance Muladhara
Mantras
One very easy way to support your root chakra is to focus and set your intention for the day on feeling grounded and secure. Using a daily mantra is an easy, yet effective method. It’s easy, but I for one am horrible at remembering to do things like this. I have two methods that have worked for me. One is to place a post it note on my bathroom mirror. That way I see it everyday. If I’m going for bonus points I tell myself to think of my current mantra whenever I feel the wind blow, or get in the car, or brush my teeth. Anything will work, as long as it’s something you do multiple times a day. The second, and my favorite way, to keep a mantra going for me, is to put it on my phone’s home screen. This way I see it and am reminded of it throughout the day. Wonderful daily mantras for the root chakra are things like I am safe; I have what I need: I am secure; I belong; my needs are being met; or simply I am.
Meditation
Meditation, of course, is the premier exercise for the mind. There have been numerous studies that have shown the benefits of a regular meditation practice. Those that regularly meditate show a significant improvement in stress management, cognitive function, emotional and self awareness. Science is finally catching up and proving the validity of mind over matter and the benefits of meditation.
To meditate for your root chakra sit in a comfortable position. Pay attention to your breath and focus your attention to your tailbone. Visualize the color red glowing from the base of your spine. Concentrate on the support you are getting from the Earth beneath you. Imagine yourself rooted and grounded to the Earth. Bonus points for wearing red while you do this.
Frequencies for the Mind
Chakras respond to frequencies. There are many tools you can use during meditation that have frequencies. One tool you can use while meditating is sound. There are singing bowls that are built to resonate at specific frequencies that balance specific chakras. Pure tones ranging from 430 to 216 hz will stimulate Muladhara. You can listen to this as you meditate, or even play it at a low volume in the background while you go about your day. There are plenty of videos or apps online that provide excellent Muladhara sound meditations.
Another tool most people don’t automatically associate with frequencies is essential oils. These frequencies are one of the reasons essential oils affect our mental states, moods, and emotions. Plants, and their essential oils not only have a measurable impact on us physically, but psychologically as well. Essential oils are powerful tools when working with the energetic body. When choosing essential oils for Muladhara you want oils that are grounding, earthy, and centering. Popular essential oils for the root chakra include sandalwood, rosewood, rosemary, black pepper, cedar, clove, ginger, frankincense, and myrrh. This brings me to our newest blend, Muladhara, the Root Chakra blend.
“I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart. I am. I am. I am.” ~ Sylvia Plath
Muladhara Products
Patchouli, Rosemary, Cedarwood, Black Pepper, Ginger
I’m so very excited to introduce you all to our newest essential oil blend. This blend is designed to ground, boost courage, passion, and a sense of security. Each oil was mindfully chosen and blended with intent to harmonize with the root chakra. This essential oil blend is available as both in roll-on and soap form. Why were these oils chosen specifically?
Patchouli is the base of the blend. Not only does this earthy, sweet scent act as a fixative in the fragrance, it is a grounding and emotionally balancing plant. This allows the brain and body to relax and emotions to calm down. Calmness brings on a sense of safety. She is a highly protective plant that fosters a sense of security.Patchouli is often used to relieve anxiety and stress. It is also a natural aphrodisiac.
Rosemary is a highly protective oil. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, Hebrews, and Romans used it to improve memory and for protection. It boosts circulation, supporting our circulatory system and aids in digestion. Rosemary is also a nervine that helps us manage stress and heals the adrenals. Rosemary has traditionally been used as a funerary herb, connecting us to our past and our ancestors.
Cedarwood is another calming oil that relaxes the body. It can also enhance concentration, benefiting meditation. Cedarwoods anti-inflammatory properties make it wonderfully beneficial to the musculoskeletal system. Cedarwood also boosts confidence and security, manifesting courage and stability in the process.
Black Pepper has a number of properties that protect the human body. It balances emotions and can also help reduce stress and anxiety. Black pepper aids digestion and promotes circulation. Black pepper is a stimulating oil that boosts the inner strength you need to get you out of a rut.
Ginger is a powerfully grounding root that has earned the nickname the “Oil of Empowerment”. Ginger is warming and energizing. It promotes confidence and strength. Ginger is also a powerful ally for the digestive system.
Roll-on
Our Muladhara roll-on is a 10% dilution in an apricot and jojoba carrier blend.
Ideal for use in meditation you can use this oil on the soles of your feet for a root chakra meditation. Anoint yourself with it to use with a daily mantra, or to help remind yourself that you belong and that you are safe. The Muladhara blend will also ease feelings of anxiety and stress and help you feel more grounded as you go about your day. Not to mention it just smells pretty darn good.
Soap
The chakra soaps come in our highly nutritive vegan base. They cleanse your skin, but are not drying. Only the finest oils go into our soap base, and like always, we never use chemicals or synthetic ingredients. The Muladhara chakra soap contains Moroccan red clay. Not only does the clay give it a lovely earthy red tone, evens out skin tone, tightens skin, improves elasticity, reduces signs of aging, and improves circulation.
Get Grounded
Muladhara is our most primal energy. It focuses on safety, survival, and belonging. In the uncertainties and collective traumas we have all recently experienced a blockage of this energy is more than understandable. There are ways we can get grounded and get this energy flowing freely. The best way to move this energy is to use whatever combination of intent and frequencies work for you. Mix and match them to fit your needs. There are powerful tools available to help us on our journey. Use them. Once we rebalance this chakra, we will feel safe and secure enough to open up the rest of the seven chakras.
References:
https://chopra.com/articles/the-root-chakra-muladhara
Everything You Need to Know About the Root Chakra
1st Chakra Root Muladhara
https://www.pantone.com/articles/color-fundamentals/how-do-we-see-color
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198031/