Why We All Need To Balance Our Root Chakras Right Now

You’ve likely heard of the seven chakras – root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown. A chakra, which translates to “wheel” in Sanskrit, is an energy centre that aligns with the spine, starting from the tailbone right up to the crown of the head.

The chakra energy system originated in India sometime between 1500 and 500 BC. Each chakra corresponds with the nervous and endocrine (hormone production and regulation) systems, along with the major organs in our bodies.

Through a variety of internal and external stresses, this flow of energy can become stuck and unbalanced, leading to a variety of physiological problems.

Our root chakra, also known as Muladhara, is arguably the most important of the 7 energy centres as it represents our foundation and our feelings of safety, security and grounding – things that have been challenged during recent times.

Without a healthy foundation, we can begin to experience feelings of instability and a lack of support.

As society slowly emerges from months of lockdown, it’s more important than ever to address imbalances that may have arisen during social isolation.

Here are 3 simple things can we do to open our root chakra and get that energy flowing again:

1. Get Outside

What we all need right now is grounding. To re-establish our connection with our foundation. And there is no simpler way to do this than by connecting with the earth in the most basic way.

We’re talking bare feet in the dirt. Digging your toes into the grass. A long, barefoot walk on the beach. Real, honest-to-goodness tree-hugging stuff. Connecting to the earth’s natural energy can have a profound effect on not only our physical bodies but our minds and souls - and there’s lots of science to back it up.

This age-old healing modality, known as ‘earthing’ or ‘grounding’ transmits electrical currents that are proven to neutralize inflammation and disease.

Non-conductive surfaces like asphalt and the use of rubber-soled shoes have created a disconnect between us and the electron-emitting ground beneath us. So, take off your shoes and start benefiting from the vital energy boost the earth naturally provides!

2. Dance!

Hippocrates had it right, movement is medicine. In a very literal sense, dancing can loosen up any stuck energy you have in your body, and particularly in your first chakra. Plus, you’ll get the added benefit of a fun stress-relieving workout.

Chakra dancing is all about freedom of expression. There are no specific moves you need to learn, just close your eyes and move spontaneously in a way that feels good to you. Think of it more like an impulsive active meditation rather than a structured dance session.

So, put on your favourite tunes and shake those hips, booties and behinds. It doesn’t matter if you think you “can’t dance” - do it in your bedroom while no one is watching!

3. Yoga

Yoga is all about the interconnectivity of breath, body and movement. The ability to combine deep breathing with a variety of physical postures, we can shift our body into a relaxed rest-and-digest state rather than the stressed fight-or-flight mode most of us live in.

It is commonly believed that our energy channels are located within our fascia, also known as our connective tissue. This webbing of tissue surrounds and supports all our organs, blood vessels, bones, nerves and muscles.

Combining long-held restorative poses such as Legs Up The Wall (Viparita Karani) and Supported Child’s Pose (Salamba Balanasana) with deep, slow breathing can help to release tension and stuck energy within this tissue.

Stronger poses that involve deeply rooting your feet to the ground and strengthening your core are also a great way to bring your first chakra back into balance. After all, a strong core is a strong foundation.

Try poses such as Warriar II (Virabhadrasana II), Yogi Squat (Malasana) and Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana). Remember that deep, conscious belly breathing is essential to reaping the benefits of each pose.

So, there you have it, with a little bit of work we can harness and return our internal energy to its natural free-flowing state.

2020 has truly been one for the books, and we’re only halfway through. The events of this year have called us to look inside and question our health, beliefs and all that is important to us.

We are at a turning point in time, and it is essential for us to address our internal imbalances so that we can be of positive and meaningful service to the world.

After all, energy is life. And if our energy isn’t flowing the way it should be, how can we be the best version of ourselves?