What is the root chakra?
The root chakra is called Muladhara in Sanskrit, which means “root support.” It sits at the base of the spine and is linked with grounding, safety and stability. When it's balanced, you feel steady, safe and at home in your body, like your feet are on solid ground.
| Root chakra | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit name | Muladhara (“root support”) |
| Location | The base of the spine |
| Color | Red |
| Element | Earth |
| Seed sound (bija) | LAM |
| Petals | 4 |
| Frequency | 396 Hz |
| Linked with | Grounding, safety and stability |
Root chakra color and symbol
The root chakra color is red. The rainbow colors used today are a modern addition: they were first added in 1927, and the old Sanskrit texts describe the chakras differently.
The traditional root chakra symbol is a yellow square (the sign for earth) inside a four-petaled lotus, with a downward-pointing triangle.
Root chakra frequency
Most modern chakra charts pair the root chakra with 396 Hz, one of the solfeggio frequencies. This pairing is modern: the solfeggio tones as we know them date from the 1970s, and pairings vary from chart to chart. Many people still find a steady tone a helpful focus for a few minutes of chakra meditation.
Signs of a blocked root chakra
In energy-healing traditions, a blocked or underactive root chakra is described as:
- Feeling anxious, unsafe or on edge
- Worrying a lot about money or basic needs
- Feeling scattered or “not in your body”
- Finding it hard to settle or stay put
How to heal and balance the root chakra
- Play 396 Hz for five minutes at a low volume, using the session above.
- Chant the seed sound LAM slowly on each out-breath, and feel it at the base of the spine.
- Try root chakra yoga poses: Mountain pose (Tadasana), Garland squat (Malasana), Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II), Child's pose (Balasana).
- Practice: Stand barefoot on grass, sand or the floor for a few minutes and feel your weight sink into the ground.
- Repeat a root chakra affirmation from the list below, morning and night.
Root chakra affirmations
- I am safe.
- I am grounded and steady.
- I belong here.
- I trust the ground beneath me.
- I have everything I need.
- My body is my home.
- I am supported.
- I am rooted, calm and secure.
Root chakra crystals and stones
Stones commonly paired with the root chakra are red jasper, hematite, black tourmaline and smoky quartz, mostly because of their red tones. Many people hold one during meditation as a reminder of their intention; there's no evidence the stones themselves have healing effects.
