Root Chakra
Did you know: There are 7 main Chakras (energy centers) that are located along our spine. Chakra one is called Muladhara in Sanskrit, the “Root Chakra.” Root Chakra “Grounds the spirit in the material world.” It is located at the base of the spine and is associated with the color red. The verb “I have” and the sound “LAM” are also associated with the root chakra.
Qualities/functions: full acceptance of life on earth, survival, power to achieve goals, vitality, grounding, satisfaction, material security, stability, primal trust, stillness, and courage. Its element is earth. Associated gland is the Adrenals.
Sometimes this chakra can be out of balance. It can be either overactive or under active. There are foods you can eat to balance this chakra. For example, beets, cherries, red cabbage, red currants, red peppers, red plums, strawberries, and tomatoes are great for the root area. Meats and proteins are good for grounding which is a root chakra function. It is not necessary to eat meat to be grounded. It is the protein that is most important for the structural tissue associated with the first chakra. A vegetarian can eat such foods as tofu, beans, nuts, eggs, and dairy products to provide enough “foundation food” to keep the first chakra happy. Yoga is also great for opening and balancing the chakras.
A yoga posture that helps to open the first Chakra is Setu Bandhasana in Sanskrit or BRIDGE Pose.
Many Blessings,
Kymberly Castro
Resources: Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PH.D.
Chakras and their Archetypes by Ambika Wauters
The Key Muscles of Yoga by Ray Long, MD, FRCSC
