The root chakra, known in Sanskrit as the Muladhara chakra, is the first and lowest energy center in the body. Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra grounds us in the physical world and is associated with feelings of stability, safety, and security.
When the root chakra is blocked or imbalanced, a variety of physical and emotional health issues can arise. An underactive root chakra may manifest as fear, anxiety, lack of self-confidence, or difficulty meeting basic needs. An overactive root chakra can show up as excessive attachment to material possessions, overindulgence in sensory pleasures, or poor boundaries.
There are many potential causes for root chakra blockages. Past traumas, unresolved fears, poor diet and lifestyle habits, and stress can all contribute to sluggish root chakra energy. Luckily, there are also many ways to open, unblock, and bring balance back to the root chakra through healing modalities like meditation, yoga, crystals, essential oils, and changing thought patterns.
Causes of Root Chakra Blockages
Here are some of the most common causes of an blocked or imbalanced root chakra:
- Past physical, emotional, or sexual trauma
- Ongoing fear, anxiety, or insecurity
- Poor diet, lack of exercise, not getting enough rest
- Overloading the senses with too much sensory stimulation
- Disconnection from nature and natural rhythms
- Stress, overwork, burnout
- Negative thought patterns, limiting beliefs
- Attachment to status, possessions, money
- Addictions, escapist behaviors
Let’s explore some of these common root chakra blockers in more detail:
Trauma
Past experiences of abuse, violence, neglect, abandonment or other physical or emotional trauma are perhaps the most common root chakra blockers. Trauma impacts our primal need for safety, so unresolved trauma can create fear and instability in the root chakra energy field.
Fear & Anxiety
Ongoing feelings of fear and anxiety also wreak havoc on the root chakra. When we don’t feel safe and secure, the root chakra constricts. This makes it even harder to feel grounded and present. Fear and anxiety feed off each other in a vicious cycle.
Poor Lifestyle Habits
A healthy root chakra relies on healthy lifestyle habits. Eating a poor diet, lack of exercise, not enough good quality sleep, and burnout all tax the root chakra. Without proper self-care, it’s hard to build the vitality and security the root chakra represents.
Overstimulation
We live in an era of nonstop stimuli and information overload. Taking in too much sensory input on a regular basis aggravates the root chakra. It needs periods of stillness and simplicity. Too much noise, clutter, crowds, and screen time overwhelms the root chakra.
Disconnection from Nature
Spending ample time in nature is nourishing for the root chakra. People who live highly urbanized, technology-centered lives tend to have sluggish root chakras. The natural world has a stabilizing, grounding energy that is therapeutic for the root.
Stress & Burnout
Chronic stress and burnout are practically an epidemic today. The constant pressure and frenzied pace of modern life deplete the adrenals and negatively impact the root chakra. Stress squanders vital energy reserves, compromising our sense of wellbeing.
Negative Thinking
Thoughts and beliefs affect the root chakra profoundly. When we engage in negative self-talk, worry excessively, or buy into limiting beliefs, it throws the root chakra off balance. The root then lacks an energetic foundation in which to thrive.
Material Attachment
The root chakra governs our physical existence, so overattachment to status, money, possessions and other worldly things can congest it. When we derive our sense of safety primarily through material security, the root chakra dependence goes into overdrive.
Addictions & Escapism
Those with blocked root chakras often turn to excessive addictive or escapist behaviors to cope with a lack of grounding and security. Anything used in excess to avoid reality – drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, gambling, social media – disturbs root chakra vitality.
Signs & Symptoms
How can you tell if your root chakra is blocked? Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- Feeling ungrounded, spaced out, or disconnected
- Physical lethargy, low energy, chronic fatigue
- Restlessness, inability to relax and settle the mind
- Trouble focusing, poor concentration
- Forgetfulness, mental fog, difficulty making decisions
- Anxiety, unease, generalized fear
- Insecurity, lack of self-confidence
- Feeling unsafe or like basic needs aren’t met
- Sensitivity to noises, crowds, bright lights
- Reactivity, irritability, panic attacks
- Lower back pain, leg cramps, sciatica
- Elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea
- Cold feet, poor circulation
- Sleep disturbances, insomnia
- Immune issues, chronic inflammation
Physical or emotional trauma can also cause acute root chakra blockages that may show up suddenly as:
- Paralysis or muscle spasms
- Panic attacks or phobias
- Flashbacks, PTSD
- Eating disorders
A healthy root chakra manifests outwardly as:
- Feeling present, grounded, and stable
- Secure sense of self
- Physical vitality and stamina
- Self-confidence
- Comfort in your body and environment
- Sense of safety and trust
- Feeling nourished and supported
- Strong immune system
- Ability to focus and concentrate
Healing & Unblocking the Root Chakra
There are many holistic practices and lifestyle changes that can help open, heal and bring balance back to the root chakra. Here are some of the most powerful ways:
Mindfulness & Presence
Meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness practices help ground and anchor awareness in the present moment. Tuning into physical sensations calms the nervous system and connects you to your body.
Counseling & Support Groups
Processing old traumas through counseling, support groups, or talking with trusted friends can free up blocked root chakra energy. Feeling heard, seen, and emotionally supported builds the feeling of safety.
Movement & Exercise
Gentle exercises like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and walking work with the grounded energies of the root chakra. Any physical movement you enjoy boosts circulation and gets energy flowing in the lower body.
Creative Expression
The root chakra is associated with the color red and with creative life force energy. Drawing, painting, dancing, singing, or playing music enliven the root chakra through creative expression.
Touch & Massage
Receiving regular therapeutic massages, Ayurvedic oil treatments, or Reiki healing help relax muscular tension and nourish the physical body. Self-massage of the low back and feet also energizes the root.
Healthy Diet
Eating plenty of root vegetables like carrots, beets, onions and garlic support the root chakra. A healthy, whole foods diet provides stability, while processed foods, sugar, and excess alcohol impair it.
Herbal Allies
Herbs that benefit the root chakra include ginger, cedar, sandalwood, juniper berry, black pepper, patchouli, mugwort, and most notably – cannabis. Herbal baths, teas and tinctures all impart healing root chakra energetics.
Essential Oils
Ancient essential oils like spikenard, myrrh, frankincense, and patchouli strengthen and center the root chakra. Diffusing calming scents creates a soothing environment that replenishes the spirit.
Grounding & Earthing
Spending time walking barefoot on soil, grass, or sand activates the grounding energies of the root chakra. Earthing mats that connect to the Earth’s electromagnetic frequency also improve root chakra health.
Nature Immersion
The natural world nourishes and anchors us. Spending time among trees, by water, in gardens, or observing wildlife restores a sense of belonging. Nature is a refuge for the root chakra.
Crystals & Stones
Red and black healing stones like garnet, hematite, ruby, red jasper, obsidian, and black tourmaline fortify the root chakra. Placing them over the pelvis/low back or holding them during meditation amplifies their energy.
Chanting & Mantras
Chanting “LAM” activates and cleanses the root chakra, as this is its seed mantra. Other root chakra-balancing mantras are: Om Sham Shanicharaya Namaha, Om Dakshnam Dharam Yajamahe, or the “I Am” affirmation.
Lifestyle Upgrades
Getting adequate sleep, regular exercise, more fresh air and sunlight, cutting back on stimulants, and making time for rest cultivate a healthy root chakra. A simplified, orderly environment also supports the root.
Root Chakra Affirmations
Working with positive affirmations retrains your subconscious beliefs and empowers the root chakra. Try repeating these root chakra affirmations regularly:
- “I am safe and secure.”
- “I am grounded and present in my body.”
- “All my needs are met abundantly.”
- “I have the strength and courage to handle anything.”
- “I feel stable, peaceful, and calm.”
- “I trust in my own inner wisdom.”
- “I am connected to Mother Earth.”
- “I welcome new beginnings.”
- “I allow myself to feel all my emotions.”
- “I am free of past limitations.”
Root Chakra Healing Foods
Foods that specifically nourish and ground the root chakra include:
| Food | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Beets | High in minerals, antioxidants, nitrates that increase blood flow |
| Carrots | Improve immune function, liver health; beta-carotene supports mucus membranes |
| Potatoes | Stabilizing, grounding carbohydrate; alkalizing effect |
| Onions | Contain disulfides that purify blood and increase circulation |
| Garlic | Antifungal, antibiotic; warming and stimulates metabolism |
| Ginger | Powerful anti-inflammatory; circulatory stimulant |
| Legumes | Dense, high protein food builds physical strength |
| Nuts & seeds | Rich in minerals that nourish nervous system |
| Beef | Rebuilds blood; high absorbable iron levels |
Lifestyle Recommendations
Support your root chakra and ground yourself with these lifestyle recommendations:
- Spend time in nature every day
- Practice yoga, tai chi, or gentle exercise
- Get a therapeutic massage monthly
- Drink 2-3 liters of water daily
- Limit stimulants like coffee, alcohol, and sugar
- Eat a whole foods diet high in root veggies
- Cook meals at home
- Practice earthing/walking barefoot
- Reduce excess noise and screen time
- Go to bed early
- Keep your home decluttered and serene
- Allow time for stillness and self-reflection daily
Conclusion
When the root chakra is blocked, it’s hard to feel safe, grounded, and present. Traumatic experiences, ongoing fear and anxiety, poor lifestyle habits, and excess stimulation are common culprits that block the root chakra. Luckily, we can heal and unblock our root chakra through mindfulness practices, counseling, exercise, creative activities, massage, diet, herbs, essential oils, crystals, and positive thinking. By making simple shifts to ground yourself and honor your needs, you can restore balance and vitality to your root chakra – the foundation for health of body, mind and spirit.
