Chakras pt. 1: The Root Chakra

Ahh..Chakras! One of the most interesting things I began learning about when I first started practicing yoga, and something I'm continuing to learn more and more about to this day, and is something I'm really excited to share with you guys. Because this is the first time I've mentioned Chakras here on Reality is Only A Rorschach, I'm going to go ahead and take the time first to explain what exactly Chakras are.

In many religions (Hinduism, Janism and Buddhism, for example) a chakra is believed to be a point in the spiritual body through which energy flows. The word 'chakra' itself comes from a sanskrit word meaning 'circle'. There are supposedly 88,000 chakras within the spiritual body that we all possess, however there are just 7 that have been singled out and deemed the 'major' or 'most important' chakras, and these are the 7 which align the spine. The belief is that blocked energy that lies within the chakras can lead to illness of the body, spirit and mind, which is why having your chakras aligned and balanced is believed to be key to psychological, emotional and spiritual well being.

It may help to think of chakras as batteries. Over time they can become drained however it is possible to recharge them through cosmic energy.

In this post specifically, I would like to introduce to you, your root chakra; otherwise known as Muladhara or 'root support'.  The root chakra is located at the very base of the spine known as the perineum. The color of this chakra is red and it is believe to govern one's foundation, security and feelings of safety and emotional strength. Because this chakra is the base, the ones located above it depend on the root chakra being strong and balanced to create a stable base. Yoga often places a large emphasis on the Muladhara because a strong foundation is necessary in order to practice the poses and sequences. The typical cross legged way of sitting while meditating serves the purpose of having the root chakra touch the Earth. Psychologist Erik Erickson's stages of development, specifically the first stage: Trust vs Mistrust, is believed to be closely related to the root chakra.

If your root chakra is open and well balanced, it is believed to be functioning normally. However if it is blocked, it can lead to a number of problems both emotional, spiritual and physical. Some experts believe that the blocked root chakra leads to anxiety and other types of fear or distress, nightmares (specifically related to the future) and crises of faith, self doubt and questioning ones life and life choices. Physically, it is believed that a blocked root chakra can manifest itself in the form of digestive problems, lower back pain and prostate problems in men.

But more than just being blocked, your chakras can also be hyperactive or under-active as well. Hyperactive root chakras are believed to lead to aggression and control issues, problems with authority or taking direction and suggestions and narcissism. Physically, hyperactive root chakras are believed to cause overactive sex drives, IBS, and unusual weight gain. Under active chakras are believed to cause feelings of dissociation or disorganization, feelings of fear or dread, anxiety or lack of focus. Physically, it is believed to cause weight loss, reduced sex drive, and poor immune strength.

So with that being said, how is one supposed to balance the root chakra? 

For some, affirming chants or mantras can serve the purpose. It is suggested that you repeat "I am safe, I am secure. Things will be okay, I have the power to achieve. The universe will give me what I need" or other assuring mantras to open or rebalance the root chakra. Specific yoga poses to target the root chakra include knee to chest pose (pavanamuktasana), head to knee post (janu sirsansana), lotus flexion (padmasana), or squatting pose (malasana). Other ways to balance your chakra include paying special attention to things that are red, such as red clothes or candles. Envisioning a red lotus flower blooming at the base of the spine and meditating with that thought, or eating red foods such as apples or strawberries. The smell of sandalwood is associated with the root chakra, as well as rosemary or rosewood. Since the root chakra is associated with Mother Earth, experiencing nature can also help to bring balance to the root chakra. And finally, the healing crystals associated with the root chakra are black tourmaline, bloodstone, citrine, smokey quartz, and garnet. 

With that being said I encourage you all to become more aware of your root chakra and to try experimenting with what works for you in your daily life. I plan to discuss the remaining 6 chakras at a later date but for now, best of luck to you all.