The Base chakra is located at the base of the spine by the coccyx or tail bone. It’s tied to the functions of the circulatory system and reproductive system…gonads ovaries and testes. It is also tied to the function of the lower extremities legs and feet.
The base chakra is connected to the most solid element form; earth and resonates the shape of a square. A square is the base foundation of all building blocks. That’s not the shape of the chakra but is representative of the element earth.
The base chakra also known as the root chakra is the slowest moving of all seven and is our basic life force center. The focus is on physical survival, and basic necessities such as food, drink and sleep. In Sanskrit, the religious and classical literary language of India, the name means foundation and as such supports all higher activities.
The base or root chakra also grounds us and keeps us connected to the earth. If a person is lacking physical energy the base chakra is blocked or depleted.
This chakra also is linked to the adrenal glands and the fight or flight response when faced with a life threatening situation.
Base chakra: grounding
Shape: Square
Color: Red
Element: Earth
Tone: G
Affirm: I AM
The root chakra
The root chakra is the first of the seven main chakras. It is associated with the color red and is the source of our survival instincts and being in touch with our physical experience of self. The root chakra keeps us grounded and allows us to tap into intelligent and natural instincts to create a life for ourselves that meets all of our needs.
The root is located at the base of the spine, around the tailbone area. This chakra is also called the Muladhara chakra, which translates to “base”, “foundation” or “root support”. While it is most commonly known for its connection with our physical body, the root chakra is also associated with our strength, vitality and safety as well as courage and resourcefulness.
The root chakra relates to the “roots” of our body, particularly the lower digestive system, legs and feet. However, this chakra also governs our finances, career and the way we relate to fear (fight, flight or freeze!), and helps us to build a foundation for our lives that gives us the stability to expand. It’s where our connection to the Earth and our ancestors resides. When the root chakra is balanced and moving smoothly, we feel grounded, safe within our lives and strong in making decisions concerning our career and money as well as in tune with nature.
When energy within this chakra is underactive or overactive, we can become extremely fearful, feel unstable in our lives and paranoid about our financial status and career. We can also become overly greedy and slip into “scarcity mindset” or the idea that there “isn’t enough for everyone”. Those who are experiencing imbalance in the root chakra also frequently notice symptoms such as depression, anxiety and nightmares. Physically, symptoms such as lower back pain, leg and feet issues and bowel issues can occur.