Your Base Chakra

The base chakra, or first chakra, is also called Muladhara or padma. This point is found at the very base of your spine, between the anus and sexual organs. The traditional Vedic symbol for Muladhara can be seen to the right.

Associated Color: Deep red

Associated Element: Earth

Associated Spinal Region: 4th sacral vertebra

The base chakra is literally the root of your subtle energy system. The Vedics believe energy flows into your body from the earth through this point, thus your base is the center for true groundedness.

This important energy center regulates our overall physical harmony, or health, and relates to the mental and emotional energies of stability, security, and sensuality. An imbalance of your base chakra can result in lack of focus, light-headedness, insecurity, unstable thoughts and emotions, and numerous physical dis-eases.

A very simple way to balance and even heal your base chakra is to pay attention to your body and practice healthy movements. Here are two easy steps toward a vibrant, balanced base chakra.

Good Posture - Keep strong posture by holding your back straight and imagining a steel pole running from the base of your spine to the top-center of your skull. This will allow energy to flow freely into your root chakra and outward along your spine.

Good posture takes work at first, but once the habit is formed you'll have more energy and focus, and you'll be able to avoid a plethora of health issues.

Proper Breathing - Be mindful of your breathing and strive to pull the breath in from the bottom of your lungs. Visualize your abdomenal muscles drawing the air in deep below your belly button, holding it in a relaxed manner, and then pushing it out from bottom to top.

With a little practice you can learn to breathe like this nearly all the time. Many doctors call this "belly breathing", and it has been proven to be a crucial factor in the reduction of stress and the improvement of heart health.

Physical Bliss You can also balance your root chakra by appreciating physical bliss. Be particularly aware of the pleasant sensations of walking barefoot, stroking the soft fur of a beloved pet, and hugging a dear friend.

Certainly taking this to the next level by indulging in a massage or treated bath can also be helpful. Even something as simple as a scented candle can clear minor blockages in and around your base chakra.

Color Breathing Exercise For This Chakra

One of the most basic - yet powerful - techniques for opening, balancing, healing, or empowering a chakra is the practice of color breathing. Each chakra relates to its own specific color, making it very easy to apply this breath/visualization exercise in an effective manner.

Before beginning, it is recommended that you use basic meditation to relax your body and focus your mind. Once you have achieved a state of calm, centered being, proceed with the exercise below:

Remember to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.

1. Center your awareness on the base chakra, at the very bottom of your spine.
2. Imagine this point as a deep red point of warm, glowing light.
3. Inhale deeply, and visualize the air as a thick, red cloud being pulled into your body from your base chakra. Allow the breath to completely fill your lungs.
4. As your lungs fill, relax and allow the breath to begin rolling evenly outward. Continue to visualize the air as thick, red, and full of warm energy.
5. Continue to breathe, allowing the air to fill your lungs and then roll slowly outward.
6. Remain mindful of your base chakra as a glowing point of red energy.
7. Also be aware of your weight sinking beneath you with each passing breath, and imagine yourself becoming physically anchored to the ground underneath you.

Practice this color breathing for ten to twenty minutes on a regular basis and expect your base chakra to become balanced and strong. Energy should then flow freely up your spine into the next chakra.

You can find more information about chakra and energy treatments on our recommended studies page.