What follows is a basic overview of the Root Chakra. The written summaries, exercise recommendations, and recommended Yoga asanas are based on my personal understanding of the chakras; my experience working with them for both personal healing and client work; and the widely accepted beliefs about the modern chakra system.

The essential oil, herbal, and crystal recommendations are suggestions only, and do not represent an exhaustive list. These recommendations were chosen because they represent a close energetic match to their particular chakras; always defer to your intuition when working energetically. Only work with herbs and essential oils if it is within your scope of practice, and if it is advised by your primary healthcare professional.

For a general introduction to the chakras, please read Chakras 101 and Chakra Therapy 101.

A Healthy Root Chakra

When your Root Chakra is balanced, you feel comfortable and safe in your body and in your life. You are aware of the interconnectedness between yourself and Mother Earth. You feel rooted in your place of residence and you feel connected to your local community. You are financially secure, fulfilled in your chosen career, and enjoy your livelihood. You are capable of providing for yourself, your family, and all those in your care. You are able to manifest your material needs easily, and people trust you to deliver on your word. You are generally healthy, have an established fitness and wellness routine, and have good digestion and elimination.

Root Chakra Correspondences

Colour: Red

Mantra: Lam

Element: Earth

Planet: Saturn

Location: Base of the body, pelvic floor, base of the spine, legs, glutes, knees, feet

Health: General physical health, immune system, skeletal system, bowels, teeth

Essential Oils and Herbs: Any tree-based oil, such as Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Pine, Frankincense, or Spruce. Herbalism in general is an earth-based practice, so any herbal practice resonates strongly with the Root Chakra.

Crystals: Red and Black Stones, Agate, Red Jasper, Black Tourmaline, Jet, Hematite, Smoky Quartz, Pyrite, Petrified Wood

Physical Exercise: All physical activity will help to stimulate, balance, and clear the Root Chakra, however movements that focus on building strength and flexibility in the legs, glutes, and lower back will target the Root Chakra directly (e.g., Spin Classes, Walking/Jogging/Running). Seated asanas that allow you to “feel into” your sit bones and your tailbone can also bring awareness and healing to this chakra. The priority should be having a regular fitness routine.

Yoga Asanas: Chair, Knees-to-Chest, Standing Forward Fold, Vrksasana (Tree Pose), Hero, Janu Sirsasana (Head to Knee Pose), Balasana (Child’s Pose)

Inquiry Time…

When it comes to Chakra Therapy, I often see people focusing on what they are missing, or how they are “deficient” in a particular chakra. Let’s focus on the positive!

In what ways do you know that your Root Chakra is balanced? Journal at least 5 things in your life – from circumstances to personal attributes – that are evidence of a healthy Root Chakra. 

P.S. Are you a Yoga/Fitness Instructor, Holistic Health Practitioner, Bodyworker or Wellness Enthusiast who’d like to learn how to work with the chakras – professionally? You may be interested in my Chakra Therapy Certification course!

For a general introduction to the charkas, please read Chakras 101 and Chakra Therapy 101.

This post was originally published on May 4, 2019.