Muladhara - The Base Chakra
Courage, Stability, Survival.....
The base chakra, also known as the root chakra, is about the basics of life. In Sanskrit, Muladhara literally translates as 'root'......if we can imagine how important the root system is to a tree......it literally could not live without it, we can begin to understand how important this first chakra is.
It is located right at the base of the spine, at the perineum. You have probably seen pictures of yogis sitting in the traditional cross-legged, or lotus position. This is so that the root chakra physically touches the ground as they meditate.
The root chakra is all about empowerment, stability, survival and physical health...... loving yourself as you, connecting to the physical world, having the courage to make the right choices and loving life!
A balanced first chakra helps you feel a sense of community, emotionally secure and able to move forward with your life.
When it is out of balance you may feel isolated, insecure and ungrounded. You feel a need to surround yourself with materialistic things to keep yourself safe.
Below you can see the specific associations with the root chakra:
| Colour | Red |
| Element | Earth |
| Animal | Elephant |
| Sound | LAM |
Is Your Base Chakra in Balance?
Physical health problems may include:
Constipation, obesity, sciatica, immune disorders and hemorrhoids.
Emotional health problems may include:
Anger, depression, frustration, insecurity and self-indulgence.
The best essential oils to use with this chakra are warm, earthy, sweet, grounding and restorative.
Here are some good oils to help balance the muladhara:
- Black pepper, benzoin and patchouli - warm and grounding
- Rosemary - restorative and good for fatigue
- Sandalwood and Cedarwood - earthy, woody and grounding
- Ginger - warming and good for the digestion
- Frankincense - sweet and restorative
- Vetiver - grounding with a fresh aroma
Remember, Lavender is useful for all seven main chakras.
Finally, here are a few quotes I came across which, for me, sum up the root chakra........
There is deep wisdom within our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it.
~Elizabeth A. Behnke~
To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another.
~Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved~
And remember, no matter where you go, there you are.
~Confucius~