The Root Chakra
First Chakra - Muladhara
Courage
The first, or root, chakra is the energy centre at the base of our spine. It connects to our sense of groundedness as well as instincts for survival. When off-balance, it can make us feel low energy, alienated - from ourselves and others - and easily angered. When in balance it makes us feel secure stable, full of health, energy and vitality.
Location: Base of Spine
Colour: Red
Element: Earth
Mantra: “I Am”
The root chakra is linked to our feelings of survival, safety, security, grounding and also our overall life force.
Anxiety
Fear
Eating Disorders
Nightmares
Lower Back Pain
Sciatica
Constipation
Leg & Foot Pain
Signs of an Imbalanced Root Chakra
Yoga Postures to Balance the Root Chakra
Yoga postures which enable students to feel grounded, safe and firmly rooted can help balance the root chakra. Some popular options include:
Tadasana - Mountain Pose
Dandasana - Staff Pose
Malasana - Garland Pose / Yogic Squat
Utkatasana - Chair Pose
Vajrasasa - Thunderbolt Pose
Viradhadrasana II - Warrior II
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - Bridge Pose
Herbs that can balance the root chakra are those which are grounding, warming, and root-based. They work by helping to foster security, stability, and physical energy. Some options include:
Dandelion Root
Red Clover
Cloves
Hibiscus
Burdock Root
Turmeric
Ginger
Herbs to Balance the Root Chakra
Crystals can be used to clear blocked and stagnant energy throughout the body. Crystals that specifically help with the root chakra include:
Ruby
Red Jasper
Garnet
Red Agate
Hematite
Red Carnelian
Bloodstone
Crystals to Balance the Root Chakra
Grounding or earthy essential oils that can be rubbed onto the soles of your feet or used in a diffuser can help balance the root chakra. Some oils you may want to consider include:
Ylang Ylang
Cedarwood
Patchouli
Frankincence
Myrrh
Spruce
Carrot Seed
Essential Oils to Balance the Root Chakra
When the root chakra is balanced we can feel safe, secure and confident. We are resilient and are able to trust in our own abilities to survive and in the greater power of what the universe is providing us. Finding a way to balance this first chakra provides a solid foundation for the six chakras above, it is the beginning base and I hope some of the options here will help you to find an option that resonates with you to bring yours into balance as you work through recovering from your eating disorder.