From Soil to Soul- Deepening Our Root Chakra Connection
- Neelu Sunil Kalra
- Aug 9
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Neelu Sunil Kalra
Yoga Instructor, Yoga Institute, Mumbai
What are Chakras?
Chakras, a Sanskrit word meaning "Wheels," are concentrated energy centres that governs our mental, emotional and physical well-being.
These spinning vortices provide passage for energy to enter and exit our body and help to regulate all types of energy flow i.e. physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
They constantly absorb universal life energy (Prana) which is stored, assimilated and transmitted, according to the body’s needs.
In our subtle body, there are seven main chakras located along the spine starting from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
Any obstruction in the flow of Prana indicates that there is a blockage in a chakra.
When energy flow is deficient, chakra is said to be underactive, when it is excess, chakra is said to be overactive and when energy wheels are completely blocked, then the chakra is in a closed state.
This leads to imbalance of chakras and any imbalance will lead to distress, illness and lack of mind body coordination.
What affects our Chakras?
Factors like stress, ego, our belief system, anger, unhealthy lifestyle and holding on to negative emotion scan lead to imbalance in the chakra.
If chakras can be blocked, they can definitely be unblocked through yoga sana, pranayama, meditation, mindfulness and visualisation, observing and reflecting on our behaviour.
Overview of Root Chakra/ Muladhara Chakra
The Muladhara, or Root Chakra, is the first chakra located at the very base of the spine, right between the genitals and the anus.
Its name derives from Sanskrit: "Mula" meaning root, and "adhara" meaning support.
When we hear the word "root" first thing that comes to our mind is roots of a tree, isn't it? What are the main functions of roots?
They anchor it firmly, keeping it stable and absorb nutrients to feed the whole plant.
Our Root Chakra works in much the same way! It is responsible for our stability and that vital feeling of being grounded.
Just like other chakras, it draws in cosmic energy (Prana) and, with the help of Nadis (subtle, invisible energy channels), distributes it throughout our system.
This base chakra is seen as the foundation of physical structure of our body and if the foundation is strong, then a person feels stable, grounded, confident and full of energy.
Muladhara Chakra and Earth Element
Muladhara Chakra directly represents the earth element. It is not just that chakras have the quality of an element; instead, each chakra is about its element.
Because there is an earth element, there is Muladhara Chakra.
To understand Root Chakra, we need to understand the very nature of earth i.e. stable, hard, solid, rigid, structured, grounding, and restraining.
Earth represents the core principle of holding; it is all about structure and stability. Physically, it provides our very framework.
Imagine a skeleton without muscles—it would simply collapse. To hold the organs and bones we have muscles, and this is why muscles are earth element, which are also responsible for our physical structure.
Efficient muscles that hold body steadily, will create security in your mind. As we grow old, there is natural degeneration of muscles which reduces earth element.
The more muscle mass we lose, the less physically stable we feel, which is why older individuals often rely on aids like sticks or walkers.
Hence, earth element is all about stability, with strength being its key component.
Our only connection to the ground is our feet. The way our feet anchors to the ground sends signal to the brain, hence feet health is very important.
If our connection to the ground is weak, pelvic floor will have to take the pressure and it will become rigid because our centre of gravity is somewhere near the pubis, the area of our first chakra.
So, if we want to stabilise our root chakra, at physical level, we start working on strengthening our lower body which includes our feet, ankle and hips. We will feel stable not only in our body, but in life as well.
It is very important to build this physical stability because it leads directly to mental security. On the flipside, mental insecurity can actually cause physical instability.
Think about a child who's scared; they run to their parents for a hug, and that hug makes them feel secure. That's the earth element increasing, which boosts security.
Even something as simple as holding someone's hand when they're distressed can act as "earthing."
It reassures them that everything will be okay. These seemingly small actions, or even just comforting words, can truly change the configuration of our elements. In today's stressful world, we really need these reassurances, don't we?
Simple Solutions to Balance Our Root Chakra
Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, especially practice "earthing" by walking barefoot on the ground.
Practice Grounding Yoga Poses: Incorporate poses like Mountain Pose (Tadasana), Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I) and Child's Pose (Balasana) into your routine.
Eat Root Vegetables: Nourish your body with grounding foods such as beets, carrots, and potatoes.
Use Affirmations: Regularly repeat phrases like, "I am safe," "I am grounded," and "I trust in life."
Practice mindful breathing: When you feel anxious, take deep breaths. Inhale slowly through your nose, then gently purse your lips as you exhale, making the exhalation longer. This simple technique activates your parasympathetic nervous system, helping you feel more present and calmer.
Confront small fears: Start by addressing minor anxieties. Overcoming these smaller hurdles builds confidence and a sense of security.
Seek connection: Spend time with loved ones. Their company provides a sense of safety and belonging.
Cultivate gratitude: Actively practice being thankful for what we have. This reduces the fear of loss and helps us appreciate our current blessings.
Embrace expansion: Go beyond just seeing solidity; feel the element and its potential for expansion. Increase your earth element by giving hugs to friends and family. This kind of physical connection is a powerful form of "earthing."
Hand Mudra: Apply Prithvi Mudra for 20 minutes a day (10 minutes morning and 10 minutes in the evening)
Energetic Philosophy
In yogic and tantric traditions, earth is considered the densest of the five elements, symbolizing the very foundation of life.
The Root Chakra governs our connection to physical existence and sense of security which are the characteristics of earth element.
When our Root Chakra is balanced, we experience a powerful feeling of being anchored, capable, and safe in the world.
Neelu Kalra
Certified Yoga Instructor, YouTuber & Author
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