Root Chakra: The Foundation of Your Spiritual and Physical Well-Being

The chakra system is one of the most important contributions of Hindu philosophy. From New Age writers to spiritual teachers of mysticism, these sacred teachings have left their footprint in spiritual tradition.
Understanding the chakra system and putting these teachings into practice is vital for spiritual awakening and energetic healing.
This article will explore the root chakra as the first energy center, what it is, signs of energetic imbalance, and healing practices to restore it.

What Is the Root Chakra?

The root chakra, also known as Muladhara in spiritual tradition, is the first chakra, located at the base of the spine. It is usually associated with the color red and the earth element. Its Sanskrit name literally means “root support.”

This energetic vortex is connected to survival, safety, stability, and grounding. Its name symbolizes its power as an energy center that “roots” us to the earth, making us feel safe and stable. It’s also associated with motherhood, since it connects us to Mother Earth and provides us with a sense of nurturing. 

Signs of a Balanced Root Chakra
A balanced root chakra allows us to feel like a tree with strong roots: grounded and safe in the world. When our root chakra is balanced, we feel confident in meeting basic needs, such as shelter, food, and finances. 

Additionally, an energetically balanced root chakra creates a strong connection to the body and the present moment—a feeling of being grounded and tuned into the physical body.
In sum, a healthy root chakra provides us with a sense of belonging and stability.

Symptoms of an Imbalanced Root Chakra
According to spiritual tradition, an imbalanced root chakra can go to both extremes—uncontrollable fear and excessive control.

Underactive Chakra
An underactive chakra usually creates fear and insecurity. When you have an underactive root chakra, you find yourself lacking power and incapable of overcoming life’s challenges. For instance, you may usually experience financial instability or a lack of security. 
Additionally, you may feel constantly disconnected from the present moment, always wondering about the future or dwelling on your memories. You feel disconnected from your body and spend most of the time listening to your mental chatter.

Overactive Chakra
An overactive chakra makes us constantly grab for control. If your root chakra is suffering from this energetic imbalance, you may experience excessive anger for not being able to achieve what you want. 
On the other hand, you may experience excessive control and stubbornness, wanting things to be your way instead of surrendering and letting go of control. Generally, an overactive chakra is a symptom of materialism, focusing too much on the physical world instead of placing your center of gravity in your heart. 

Physical Symptoms
Some of the physical symptoms of an imbalanced root chakra include fatigue, lower back pain, immune system issues, colon or leg problems.

Root Chakra Healing and Balancing Practices
Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques are powerful exercises when you can’t tune into your body and focus on the present. Some methods include walking barefoot, spending time in nature, mindful breathing, and body awareness exercises. 

Meditation and Visualization
Visualization is a spiritual technique that works as an energy healing method. It allows you to channel healing energy into your root chakra. 

Visualize a healing light at the base of the spine, and feel how it harmonizes this entire area, restoring it and bringing it back to balance. 

Crystals and Stones
Crystals can be powerful energetic allies in your spiritual journey. Some crystals and stones’ energy resonates with the energy of your root chakra, helping to restore it. 

Using red jasper, hematite, and black tourmaline can promote healing in these energetic centers. Wear them frequently as jewelry, or place them over your root chakra during meditation. 

Affirmations and Mantras
Affirmations and mantras harness the power of words and sound to promote balance. 

Some affirmations can be helpful to promote feelings of safety and stability, such as “I am safe,” “I am grounded and supported,” or “I trust life.” Focus on these affirmations during meditation, or repeat them out loud when you wake up. 

Additionally, consider chanting the mantra “Lam,” associated with the root chakra.

How the Root Chakra Influences the Other Chakras
The root chakra is a vital energy center in your body, as it supports the other chakras and allows energy from the earth to flow through the rest of them. It creates a stable foundation for spiritual growth, allowing us to feel safe and stable. When the root is blocked, it impacts higher chakras, impeding energy from flowing naturally.

Final Thoughts
The root chakra is key in physical and spiritual life, creating a stable foundation for us to achieve our goals or awaken our consciousness. Explore and nurture this chakra, grounding and allowing yourself to live in the present moment. 
Just like any other chakra, balancing the root chakra is essential for spiritual growth. However, the root chakra has a special role in this process: Just like a plant, we cannot grow higher if we don’t have strong roots. Allow your root chakra to heal and feel how the energy flows freely again. 

Ask yourself: What makes me feel grounded and tune into my body?