What is the First Chakra (Muladhara) in Kundalini Yoga?

May 19, 2020 / Kundalini Yoga

Whether you’re new to Kundalini Yoga or have been practicing for some time, there’s one thing you will have come across: the chakras. Understanding the importance and power of them will enable you to move forward in your journey and balance your energy. Want to find out more? Let’s start at the beginning with the First Chakra. Within this guide, we’ll touch on the main things you should know, why you should balance it, and how to do so.

What is the First Chakra in Kundalini Yoga?

The system of chakras can be seen as a symbolic representation of the spiritual progress of a human being, they are centers of energy in the body.

Located at the base of the spine, the First Chakra in Kundalini Yoga has a couple of names. In Sanskrit, this chakra is known as Muladhara. To break that down, mula means “root” or “base” and adhara means “support”.

However, you may also hear it being referred to as the Root Chakra. In simple terms, this chakra represents our most instinctual level, i.e. our desire to have food and shelter, and to feel safe and secure in the world. Much like a tree, we want to feel grounded and stable, which is the reason why the natural element of the root chakra is Earth.

While there are eight different Kundalini Yoga chakras, you should know that each one is unique and serves its own purpose. The First Chakra is linked to our first phase as a child. When we are born, we question everything and the fundamental question is: Do I belong here? The Root Chakra is used to ground you to the world and support you.

Needless to say, the First Chakra in Kundalini Yoga is symbolized one color, elements, planets, and more. As you delve into your chakra education, you may find it helpful to understand some of these symbols. Here’s a short breakdown to get started:

Color: Red

Element: Earth

Planets: Earth and Saturn

Plane: Physical Plane

Psychological Function: Self-Preservation

Challenge: Fear

Crystals: Tiger’s Eye and Bloodstone

Incense: Cedar

Identity: Physical Identity

Sensory Organ: Nose

Shape: Square

Seed Sound: LANG

Endocrine Gland: Adrenal Cortex

First Chakra Affirmations

When engaging and balancing the First Chakra in Kundalini Yoga, you can use positive affirmations. These are simplistic phrases or words that enable you to tap into the Universal Energy and use it in balancing your chakra. While there are countless affirmations you may choose to use, here are some for inspiration:

“I am safe and secure”
“I am connected and supported by Mother Earth”
“I feel at home in my own body”
“I am open to life’s possibilities”
“I let go of my fears and doubts”
“I am home”
“I am kind and compassionate to myself”
“I am grateful for the challenges I face and grow stronger”
“The earth supports and nourishes me”
“I trust myself and my own mind”
“I believe in the goodness of life”
“I nurture and respect my body”
“I stand for my inner values and honesty”
“I make healthy choices that are good for me”
“I am connected to my body”

As you may note from the above affirmations, many of them are centered around grounding yourself. Since the Root Chakra is tied intrinsically to the earth, this theme follows through in many areas of your Kundalini Yoga practice. When balancing this chakra, you need to consider how the earth supports you physically and mentally.

Signs Your First Chakra is Out of Balance

Should you find that your First Chakra is out of balance, it can negatively impact all areas of your life. Make no mistake, this change will impact you physically, socially, and mentally. If you’re concerned that your Root Chakra is out of balance, you should look out for the signs of this problem. Understanding the underlying reason for these symptoms will help you deal with the challenge head-on and make a positive change swiftly.

Anxiety
Depression
Constipation
Stress
Pelvic Pain
Incontinence
Weight Gain and Loss
Fatigue
Lethargic
Exhaustion
Burn-Out
General Unease

Of course, any one of these signs alone may not mean that you have a blockage or imbalance in your Root Chakra. However, as you notice a combination of above, it’s worth considering ways to balance your first chakra and restore a level of neutrality.

Signs Your First Chakra is In Balance

Before we take a look at how you can balance your First Chakra in Kundalini Yoga, you may be wondering what the benefits of doing so are. When you take positive steps toward keeping your energy in balance, you will reap mental and physical rewards. Here are some of the striking transformations you may expect when you use Kundalini Yoga technology:

Increased Self-Worth
Improved Concentration
Clear Thinking
Positive Goal Setting
Courage
Resourcefulness
Better Prioritizing
Sense of Belonging
Passion and Love

As you can see, there are many ways in which you can balance your First Chakra. Many of the benefits you will experience are linked to a clearer outlook and better sense of self. Regardless of where you are in your Kundalini Yoga journey, you can utilize this power.

How to Balance Your First Chakra

Worried that your First Chakra is out of balance? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways in which you can balance your Root Chakra. From small, daily habits to larger practices that are a part of Kundalini Yoga, here are some of the processes you will want to try:

Consciously eat red food, such as berries, tomatoes, and beets
Walk around barefoot and connect yourself to the earth
Place gemstones, such as bloodstone, on your chakra
Use essential oils including cedar, black pepper, and ginger
Meditate in the Lotus Pose in Kundalini Yoga
Follow the kriya to balance the first chakra
Engage in positive meditation practices regularly
Ensure that you are exercising physically on a daily basis

Learn More and Continue Your Journey!

Now that you’re well-versed on the First Chakra in Kundalini Yoga, it’s time to further your understanding. Getting to understand all of the central chakras will help you in your education. The more time you spend researching this area, the more equipped you will be to utilize its power. Continue your Kundalini Yoga journey today and move forward.