Root Chakra

What the root chakra governs

At the very tip of the tailbone, the root chakra, which keeps us in contact with the ground, is associated with physical problems such as arthritis, constipation and bladder and colon complaints. When the root chakra - which affects our sense of security, our basic needs and our overall wellbeing - is balanced and flowing, we feel grounded and safe both physically and emotionally. It lies between the tailbone and the reproductive organs and is linked to the earth element: bones, flesh, skin, hair and nails are made of earth. It is connected to the nose and the sense of smell. The earth element's qualities are patience and greed and its nature is fixity; it brings out the will to survive. It vibrates in red. The root chakra is linked to the planet Saturn and to the signs Aquarius and Capricorn; its yantra is a square and the principle it stands for is gravity. Through the root chakra a person feels stronger and more secure about their own identity and senses their feet on the ground. It is the first step of human development. When it is blocked, physical vitality decreases, energy drops and the fear of loss comes to the fore.

Signs it is out of balance

Emotionally, you begin to feel anxiety and insecurity about your financial needs not being met. Physically the classic complaints are: bladder and colon complaints and constipation.

Working with it

The traditional approach combines posture work, breathing, meditation and stones: aragonite and fluorite are the crystals most often used for the root chakra. None of this replaces medical treatment - it sits alongside it.