How to Heal the Root Chakra: Part 1 – Understanding the Root Chakra

Take the journey and discover ways to unblock this energy for a happier more spiritual life.

An extensive guide to healing the Root Chakra

PART 1- Understanding the Root Chakra

When I first began to learn about Chakra healing I was experiencing periods of high and lows. Often, I’d feel really happy, and a feeling of worry would creep in, always anticipating an upcoming disappointment. As difficult situations occurred, I spiraled into moments of intense anxiety in fear of losing control over all aspects of my life.

One day, I was shopping at my favorite metaphysics store, and purchased Lotus incense but did not have a lot of information on what it was for, I just knew the flower was a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. Upon researching the incense, I came across the symbol of the root chakra. I was amazed to discover I had experienced symptoms of chakra imbalances throughout my life. I am writing this blog as a way to educate myself as well as anyone else who may be going through the same. To me, this is the beginning of my spiritual and physical healing.

First, let’s explore a little bit of science behind chakras.According to science, everything in the universe is composed of energy and matter. I am sure there a lot of details to come into play with this statement. We’ll explore the science of human energy in future articles.

The energy the body produces forms a field of energy (aura) that extends out from the body about eight feet. It consists of 7 layers and colors extending from the body, it is called Biofield energy. This energy isn’t visible to humans, but it can be felt.

In an article posted by The Chopra foundation named “Biofield Science: Current Physics perspectives” evidence is presented for proven research on this biofield. It reads: “Evidence for the existence of the biofield now exists, and current theoretical foundations are now being developed. The term biofield describes “a field of energy and information, both putative and subtle, that regulates the homeodynamic function of living organisms and may play a substantial role in understanding and guiding health processes.”

In eastern cultures, this biofield practice stimulates healing through non-invasive treatments. The aim is to change a person’s field energy by subtly manipulating the energy centers called chakras. These therapies have been practiced in Asian cultures for over thousands of years. It is what we now call alternative medicine.

  • WHAT IS A CHAKRA?

Chakra in the “Sanskrit” language (Classical language of Hinduism) means wheel. They are spiritual centers of energy arranged vertically in the body starting at the “Root” of the spine traveling in alignment through all other energy centers upward to the “Crown” of your head. When these energy centers flow properly you may feel a sense of well-being mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. In other words, according to eastern teachings, if any of these energy centers are blocked, you may experience physical and emotional symptoms of imbalances related to that particular chakra.

We will explore all chakras but in this post, “Part 1 of the Root Chakra” I will provide you with some information to help you understand what it is and how it works.

  • The Root Chakra – Sankrit: Muladhara.

The Root Chakra rules all aspects of security related to our survival, to our sense of grounding and connection to this physical plane. It is located in the bottom of the spine.

Sings of aligned Root Chakra:

  1. Grounded in your physical body
  2. Secure and stable
  3. Good Health
  4. Positivity
  5. Spiritually connected
  6. Strong immune system
  7. Energy

Signs of a blocked Root Chakra:

  1. Weight gain/ Weight loss
  2. Fear and insecurity
  3. Weak immune system
  4. Anxiety
  5. Depression
  6. Feeling stuck or unmotivated
  7. Digestive issues

  • Element of Nature: Earth

The earth element is one the five Natural elements that consist of: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether (space).

You may ask, how is this related to our body’s energy or structure? Well, our body is made up of parts of all these elements and each element is responsible for a specific purpose keeping our body working together as one perfect well-oiled machine.

In the root chakra it consists of teeth, nails, bones, tissues, and the muscle. It is also associated with the Spleen which maintains the levels of fluid in your body and the stomach organ responsible for digestion. Working together they provide strength, structure, and proper digestion to our body. An imbalance in any energy flowing through each of the wheels may manifests into disease or other related health problems.

When earth element in your body is deficient you may experience:

  1. Muscular disease or pain
  2. Weak bones
  3. Lack of calcium
  4. Lower muscle mass
  5. Digestive issues – Bloating
  6. Water retention – weight gain/loss
  7. Sluggish

  • Color: Red

In the Hindu tradition, colors are very important. Red is closely connected to the Gods and Goddesses. Red is the color of Goddess Adishakti, it represents the purifying fire that destroys evil. Red also symbolizes the deity Durga, who represents new beginning and feminine strength.

One of the most revered gods in Hindu culture is Lord Shiva, the destroyer, and the mark in his forehead (Tilaka) signifies the all “seeing eye” that protects the inner wisdom of those whom it is applied to.

Additionally, it is also customary to invoke the blessings through the use of color during weddings and religious rites. In Indian weddings brides dress in red as it represent feminine power, love, passion, and fertility in honor of the goddess Durga. Brides also apply a red dot in the forehead to symbolize spirituality in honor of Lord Shiva. Lastly, red is also a symbol for Mars, the planet that oversees marriage.

Across the world we find many different interpretations of the color red.

For many Red is a vibrant color that represents love and passion. It is also associated with survival, anger, and even rage.

However, if we really think about it, both go hand in hand. It makes sense it is represented at the base of your spine. When this energy center doesn’t flow properly our survival instincts kick in and we may respond to circumstances from a perspective of fear and anger, but we can also choose to respond from a perspective of patience and awareness. We can successfully allow it to operate properly just by the way we emotionally respond to everyday life situations. Once we transition from a position of self-awareness we can consciously make choices to help our well-being.

  • Symbol: Four Petal Lotus Flower

The first thing to know is that each of the chakras are represented by different shaped lotus flower.

The Lotus flower (Nelumbo Nucifera in Latin) is a bright, delicate, and striking plant which grows above the surface of dark swamps and murky water. Due to its incredible ability to bloom in adversity it has become a symbol of purity, spiritual enlightenment, and rebirth.

The symbol of the root chakra is a four petal lotus flower. Each of the petals representing the four states human psyche: mind, intellect, consciousness and ego. Within this four petals is a circle which signifies the continuous movement of energy. The square within the circle represents rigidity, stability. The inverted triangle inside the square symbolizes the flow grounding energy connecting us to the earth element.

In Buddhism tradition the lotus flower is associated with Buddha himself. Many depictions of the Buddha show him sitting atop a lotus flower emerging from the mud in spite of all the challenges, becoming pure and enlighten.

“As the lotus rises on its stalk unsoiled by the mud and water, so the wise one speaks of peace and is unstained by the opinions of the world.”

– Buddha

  • Sacred Mantra: LAM

A mantra is a vibrational word used during meditation. The word mantra is a Sankrit word that means “instrument of the mind”. Mantra practices have been used by many cultures like Hinduism and Buddhism. These words activate specific areas in your body when used with pure intentions. Most of the time we can meditate and repeat these words without any awareness. When that happens we are not making any true progress within ourselves as the word is empty.

LAM is the sacred mantra that activates the root chakra and its meaning is “I AM”. The vibration it produces as you recite the mantra activates the root chakra. When the word is activated it begins to clear any impurities and the healing process starts. I guess, the better question is HOW would I know I am able to do it “right”? What are the steps to do this? Well put it this way, you are already familiar with mantras. We use them on a daily basis but most times in a negative way. When we tell ourselves, “I am – not smart enough” “I am – not good enough”. These are mantras we speak and we make our mind believe. Our bodies receive those messages and begin to respond by breaking down. As the Buddha says: “What you think, you become”.

The root chakra once activated gives access to all the other six chakras going upward in alignment.

  • Final Thoughts

Now that we are aware and well informed we can begin our journey inward. In the Chakra blog series I will discuss one topic a week on the following: Shadow work journaling, Affirmations, Nutrition, Yoga, Meditation, Crystals, and many more topics related to the root chakra.

Some of the health related issues I have is Chronic back pain due to herniated dics in my lumbar spine. I have a bad relationship with food; when I feel spiritually sound, my body flourishes, but when I’m down my weight just spikes upward. I also suffer from High Blood Pressure and I’m borderline diabetic. I endured bouts of Depression and have constant anxiety. It doesn’t help that I am also an empath and have the ability to intake others energies. I am learning how to clear it and protect myself, because I am looking to change my life and heal. If you are in a similar position, this blog is for you. My journey is your journey. Follow me, as I take the necessary steps to well-being. The road is long and I am now open to receive it, walking in divine harmony in love and light.  

Luz Flores

Writer – Creator of Under The Willow Light