The root chakra, or Muladhara, also known as the base chakra, is responsible for our survival.

What does Muladhara mean?

Of Sanskrit origin, the term "Muladhara" means "base and foundation", "root", "basis of Existence" ("mula" = "root"; "adhara" = "base"). It is the center of force at the base of the spine, the base of the energy body.

This chakra has the appearance of a red lotus flower with four petals, which bear Sanskrit letters, each representing a mode of consciousness (or vritti): greater joy, natural pleasure, delight in controlling passion, and bliss in concentration.

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In its center appears a yellow square, which symbolizes the Earth element, and the syllable that represents its bija mantra, LAM.

Bijas mantras are sacred sound vibrations that carry the power of a given energy. When pronounced, these sounds potentiate, unblock, or activate the energy of the chakra with which they are associated.

Root chakra characteristics

The root chakra is located between the genital area and the anus, and also encompasses the base of the spine, the coccyx.

This chakra is responsible for all the "solid" parts of the body: spine, bones, tendons, muscles, teeth, nails, and the adrenal glands and large intestine (through which solid matter passes).

Color, element and stone of the root chakra

There are several factors associated with the chakras that help establish a balance or even boost their energies - the main ones are the color, the Element of nature, and the stone. Each chakra has a specific one.

The color of nature's vital energy

Red represents the root chakra. It is a bright, intense red, which promotes stimulation, motivation against discouragement. This color transmits courage, energy, and willingness to move forward. It is associated with blood (one of the things this chakra is also responsible for), passion, anger, dynamism, and confidence.

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There are several ways to use color to help balance the chakras. In the case of Muladhara, one option is to do breathing exercises imagining red in the region associated with it, repeating its bija mantra (LAM).

The solid base chakra

Muladhara is ruled by the Earth element, characterized by solidity and firmness. This chakra connects us to the force of nature and our ancestry, helping to build a sense of security, so that we can deal with our fears and traumas, as well as memories from our childhood.

This is a chakra that also connects us to what is concrete, to the material world - including the proper functioning of our physical body.

Harmony through crystals

There is a large incidence of stones that represent the root chakra. Among them are: red jasper, agate, hematite, rainbow obsidian, septaria, black tourmaline, ruby, and red quartz.

The purpose of stones and crystals is to balance the chakras, besides helping to restore self-healing. Their action is through electromagnetism, and the vibrations they emit have the power to purify, align, and activate the energy of the chakras, helping to increase their strength.

One way to use the stones for the benefit of the chakras is to practice meditation with each stone placed exactly on the corresponding chakra, all aligned. Try to keep them in this position for about 30 minutes.

Don't forget to always clean your stone after use by rinsing it under running water. You can also recharge its energy by placing it under the sun for an hour or so. Clean and energize your stones whenever you find it necessary.

By using the stone of your chakra and counting on the help of chromotherapy, you guarantee a balance of your energies and also ward off bad vibrations in any sphere.

What happens when the root chakra is unbalanced?

As we have already mentioned, there are several ways to balance and strengthen our chakras, and this is an essential practice, since unpleasant situations or health problems can get us off track, also disharmonizing our energy centers.

When the root chakra is unbalanced, the signs are very evident (in all spheres - physical, spiritual, and emotional): lack of physical energy, sexual disinterest, back, sciatica, and lumbar problems, intestinal and uterine disorders, arthritis, and hemorrhoids, among others.

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When it is too open, hyperactivity, anxiety, and an unhealthy attachment to material possessions can occur, while when it is too closed, apathy, low self-confidence, and insecurity can predominate, making room even for depression.

Therefore, achieving balance - neither too open nor too closed - is essential for our physical, mental, and spiritual health to be safeguarded at all times.

Balanced root chakra

With our root chakra aligned, our life has more vigor. We feel more courageous, confident, connected to the here and now, and to the material world. Our ability to face and overcome obstacles is increased, and this gives us more motivation to live.

We can see the world more clearly, and our decision-making power is more accurate and realistic. Not to mention sexual matters: our body feels ready and potent, emotionally and physically ready for healthy sexual practice.

In physical matters, we have better spinal alignment, strong and healthy legs, body weight control, and an overall good functioning of muscles and bones.

Aromatherapy is also a great option. The essential oils associated with this chakra help to balance and energize it. The most indicated are those extracted from seeds, such as roasted and green coffee, peppers, star anise, thyme, basil, and ginger.

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Besides what we have already mentioned to keep the chakras balanced, it is worth mentioning that a healthy lifestyle is mandatory for overall good health. Therefore, eat properly, sleep the necessary amount of hours, don't drink too much alcohol, stay away from cigarettes, practice meditation and physical activities (Yoga is an excellent alternative, since it has an intimate connection with the chakra centers).body energy) and try to be well with yourself.

Your body is the home that you carry with you. For you to be well, it needs to be well too. So give special attention to your home. Respect yourself, take care of yourself!

Getting to know the chakras

The chakras are energy centers connected along our spine, and their function is to receive and emit vital energy at certain points in our body. They act continuously, transferring these energies between our physical body and the material and spiritual planes. They are a form of nourishment for our aura.

Although there are passages in the Vedas (Hinduism's sacred books) telling of 32 chakras, and others even mentioning up to 88 thousand, the consensus is that there are seven main ones: basic, sacral, solar plexus, laryngeal, frontal, and coronal.

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Keeping the chakras in balance ensures not only a healthy body full of good vibrations, but also a full life with self-knowledge, self-esteem, and self-love.

Learn more about the chakras in this article:

Happy reading!