by Cindy VanDyke
In several articles, I have talked about or mentioned the seven main chakras/energy centers that are a part of the philosophy of yoga.
Today, we will look at the first chakra known as the root chakra, that is also called muladhara. It is located at the base of the spine and it governs the bottom 3 vertebrae, the legs, the colon, and the bladder.
This chakra is the energy center for stability, security, survival, and basic material needs such as food, water, shelter, and community.
The element of earth is connected to this chakra, and the more we are removed from nature and experience fear for survival, the more disjointed and detached from this chakra we become.
The emanating colour for this chakra is red, and if we have too much energy in this area, we may feel sluggish and heavy. In this case, the colour green can be beneficial. Alternatively, if we don't have enough green energy in this chakra, we may feel restless, fearful, and may have difficulty manifesting. In which case, the colour red is beneficial.
This is our self-preservation chakra. When we are balanced in this energy, we feel safe, secure, lively, and are able to be still.
This chakra benefits from warrior poses, forward folds and the child’s pose, along with walking and hiking. A balanced diet of protein and vegetables will also keep this chakra happy.
The scent of patchouli, cedarwood, and myrrh soothe this center and allow the body to transition into a parasympathetic state of rest.
When this center, the root chakra, is in a state of malfunction, the body may experience obesity, anorexia, sciatica or constipation. Remember, the parts of the body this chakra governs.
Sleeping is our grounding at the end of each day that allows us to refresh for the next day.
The complete yoga breath, right down to the belly, is also a great technique to balance this chakra.
One chakra is not more important than another, as they all influence our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being.
Next week we will talk about the second chakra.
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