Lesson 2: The Chakra's

The Root Chakra (Muladhara):

Location: Base of the spine, near the tailbone.

Sanskrit Name: Muladhara (मूला धा र), meaning "root support" or "foundation".

Color: Red.

Element: Earth.

Symbol: Elephant and Triangle

Lotus: 4 Petals

Gland: Adrenals

Bija Mantra: LAM

Associations: Basic survival instincts, security, grounding, feeling connected to the earth, primal needs (food, water, shelter, safety), and familial relationships.

Imbalance: Can manifest as anxiety, fear, insecurity, digestive issues, and lower back pain.

Asanas: Several asanas are particularly effective for stimulating and grounding Muladhara. Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II), Chair Pose (Utkatasana), and Garland Pose (Malasana) are great choices for building stability and strength in the lower body, which directly corresponds to the root chakra. Child's Pose (Balasana) and Corpse Pose (Savasana) offer grounding and relaxation, allowing the body to integrate the benefits of the practice.

Pranayama: Many pranayama techniques can be helpful for balancing the root: Bhastrika (Bellows Breath), Ujjayi breathing, and Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) are just a few.