Did you know? According to Hindu tradition, every human being has 7 major chakras extending from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. These chakras, linked to the seven colors of the rainbow and each vibrating to one of the seven musical notes, represent energy vortexes or, more precisely, subtle energy channels (nadis) through which the vital energy known as Prâna in India, chi in China or ki in Japanese culture passes. Each chakra is believed to influence certain aspects of your life, playing an essential role in your well-being and personal fulfillment. This is especially true of the root chakra. Because when it’s closed or blocked, nothing goes right.

So what does this chakra mean? What role does it play? And above all, how can you work your chakras? Our answers!

Root chakra: meaning and symbolism

Located in the pelvic plexus, between the anus and the sexual organs, the root chakra or Muladhara (Mula: root and Adhara: support) is the first of the 7 main chakras. Literally, this chakra acts as an anchor or support for the chakric system. Indeed, it’s the foundation stone on which all other chakras must rest.

In Hinduism, Muladhara is the gateway to Kundalini, known as the cosmic energy associated with Shakti, the primordial goddess. So it’s from the Muladhara that Kundalini awakening begins. At the same time, it is at this level that the three nadis emerge. These are: IDA (Chandra’s lunar nadi), PINGALA (Surya’s solar nadi) and SUSHUMNA (the fire channel).

Symbolically, the Muladhara is represented by a four-petal lotus with a yellow square at its heart. This square corresponds to the symbolism of the element Earth or Pṛthivī. While the petals represent the four functions of the psyche: mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), consciousness (Chitta) and ego (Ahamkara). Each petal is also inscribed with the bija mantras: Va (ethics), Scha (material realization), Sha (pleasure) and Sa (liberation).

The color red represents vitality and the awakening of the kundalini. The root chakra also features a downward-pointing equilateral triangle. This reminds us that Muladahara draws its energy from the ground. At the heart of the triangle, the goddess Kundalini Shakti is represented by a snake wrapped three-and-a-half times around the Lingam Shiva. Beneath the triangle, a seven-trunked elephant named Airvata or Ganesha (Hindu mythology) represents the solid, physical aspect of Muladhara. Other deities are also represented: Brahma (creation), Saraswati, Dakini (death) and Kama (desire).

THE ROLE OF THE ROOT CHAKRA
According to theories, the root chakra provides each individual with the foundations on which to build his or her life. Muladhara’s main function is to connect or root the individual to the earth or physical universe, so that he or she becomes one with material life. In fact, the root chakra is like an anchor point on the tree of life. It is the seat of the instinct for life and survival at the most elementary level, and of primary needs such as hunger, thirst, shelter, rest, warmth, security and so on. So it’s this chakra that nourishes the body and mind with the vital energy of the earth and nature. Moreover, when the root chakra is well balanced and harmonized, it helps restore self-confidence and physical vitality.

The root chakra is also responsible for sexuality, desire and procreation. The Muladhara also enables us to live and enjoy the present moment to the full. Quite simply, because it is the energy of this root that teaches the individual the importance of being in the here and now, so as to be able to focus on one’s needs and direct one’s life in that direction. Rootedness through the Muladhara chakra thus helps us to be on the right path in life, and to refocus on ourselves in order to grow and evolve both psychologically and physically. Emotionally, the root chakra acts as a conduit through which nervous or psychic tensions can escape. In this way, stress and anxiety can be reduced or even completely eliminated.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNBLOCKING THE CHAKRAS
As mentioned above, the root chakra plays an important role in an individual’s emotional, psychic and physical well-being. Firstly, it influences the reproductive organs. Secondly, it plays a key role in self-confidence, harmony and personal development. Finally, the root chakra keeps us in touch with reality and the present moment. When this chakra is blocked or disrupted, it can be the source of many ailments:

Lack of energy;
Feeling of extreme insecurity;
Feeling of constantly living in survival mode, of losing one’s footing;
Tendency to daydream and escape reality;
Sexual organ disorders, impotence or frigidity;
Depression;
Apathy;
Inability to memorize;
Lack of fighting spirit;
Lack of dynamism;
Instability;
Etc…

Unblocking the root chakra is therefore essential to achieving well-being. What’s more, if you want to achieve Kundalini awakening, the first step is to open the chakras. And the first step is to unblock the Mudalhara, which is the gateway to Kundalini. So, how do you work your chakras?

How to work your chakras: infallible techniques

There are many ways to unblock your chakras. Among them, meditation, yoga and “greening” can unblock your chakras instantly.

MEDITATION
There’s no longer any need to prove it! The benefits of meditation are many and undeniable. So it’s hardly surprising that meditation is one of the best techniques for unblocking the root chakra. Of course, for meditation to be effective, it’s important to enter a state of total letting-go and to be in the present moment.

YOGA TO UNBLOCK THE ROOT CHAKRA
That’s right! There’s nothing like a short yoga session that evokes our connection with the earth and matter to harmonize the root chakra and access the flow of cosmic energy. To achieve this, we favour positions that allow us to become aware of our breath, our emotions and the energy that circulates in the body. Examples include Kurmâsana (turtle pose), Shavasana (corpse pose), adho mukha svanasana (head-down dog pose) and Surya Namaskar (sun salutation).

GOING GREEN
Reconnecting with nature, or simply withdrawing from city life for a while, is also an excellent way to establish a deep connection with the here and now, and put down roots in reality.
Do you have any other tips for working effectively with the root chakra?