Chakra 1: Root to Rise
Introduction to Chakras
The Chakra System is one of nine energy systems in the subtle energy body. It’s the system that, in a convoluted way, brought me to study energy medicine. You see, my introduction to chakras occurred about 30 years ago when I began my studies of yoga. I immediately developed a deep fascination of chakra energy and the power it contains. Energy medicine has deepened my understanding of the role chakras play in overall well-being.
First described thousands of years ago by yogis in what is now India, chakras are spinning energy wheels or discs. There are seven major chakras located along the central axis of the physical body, the spine. They stretch from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
These seven chakras correspond with physical, mental, and emotional stages of human development. As they spin, fresh energy is brought into the body and stagnant energy is removed. Chakras also function as energy processing plants. They carry information about your personal life journey as well as your ancestral story. They support and govern the functioning of your physical body and the organs that lie in their energetic field.
This next series of blogs will focus these seven major chakras – one at a time.
The Root Chakra
When thinking about the chakras, I like to start at the foundation – at the root. The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine, and its purpose is to create foundation. It influences your genitals, vagina, anus, rectum, prostate, cervix, and your legs and feet. It is the pilot light for the seven main chakras. The root chakra supports your primal force – your urge for life.
When your Root Chakra is unbalanced with too much earth energy, you may feel heavy and sluggish. You may feel depressed. You may overeat. You may overconsume. You may fear change. You may have lost your zest for life.
When you have too little earth energy, it may be challenging to stand your ground. You may feel uncentered or ungrounded. You may feel scattered. You may feel fearful, anxious, and have difficulty sleeping. It may be tough to make things happen.
A balanced Root Chakra supports your sense of identity and your connections with others and with nature. It creates stability, vitality, trust, and a sense of safety and security. When healthy, your Root Chakra ignites the other chakras, moves energy, and supports mental clarity. It creates the fire of excitement, the drive for accomplishment, and saying yes to life.
Does this resonate with you? Are you feeling ungrounded, scattered, sluggish, depressed? Perhaps it’s time to get your Chakra System tested. A chakra that is unbalanced can be rebalanced in a matter of minutes. Don’t you want to say yes to life? Don’t you want to root to rise?