First Chakra

1st Chakra

The 1st chakra is also referred to as the "root" chakra. The Sanskrit name for it is "muladhara" which means root/base. It is located at the base of the spine. There is an energy stored under this chakra which is often referred to as the "coiled serpent." Kundalini yoga focuses on stimulating this energy.

The 1st chakra is the one that helps to keep you grounded and centered. It is associated with survival, instincts and basic communication. The concerns associated with this chakra involve food, clothing, shelter - practical things. The emotion associated with this chakra is fear. The less we are connected to the earth, the more fear we have. To ground yourself, go for a walk, be out in nature.

The organs and glands associated with the 1st chakra are:

• Adrenal glands
• Organs of elimination (kidney, skin, colon), bones, hair, nails, legs
• If the 1st chakra is sluggish, you might have constipation.
• If the 1st chakra is overstimulated, you might have diarrhea.

The colors associated with the 1st chakra are red and black. Red is the color of blood, of life. Black, the secondary color, helps to reground us with the earth. Having black stones nearby helps to reground.

If your 1st chakra is sluggish, wear red to stimulate it; black will pull it down. Very often people who live in cities will wear black; it helps to ground them.

The sense associated with the 1st chakra is the sense of smell.

The element for this chakra is earth. This chakra grounds us to the earth.

The foods for this chakra are protein-rich foods and red foods.

If the 1st chakra is congested, we may have a tendency towards hoarding things, being materialistic. To get the energy moving, let go of things, give them away, and release them. This pertains to mental and emotional things as well as material things. Holding on to things keeps the energy from flowing freely.

In yoga, standing poses balance and strengthen the 1st chakra, which helps the body become more grounded.