Yoga Medicine for the Root Chakra

The root chakra or Muladhara is the first chakra, or energy center, of seven in the body. A balanced and open chakra allows for chi, your vital energy or life force, to flow freely while a blocked chakra can manifest symptoms of physical and emotional imbalance.
The root chakra is located at the base of your spine and governs feelings of safety, security, confidence, and being grounded. Tension stemming from the coccyx and first three vertebrae in the spine can be associated with ailments such as sciatica, leg cramps, digestive concerns, and inflammation. (see The Chakras).
Yoga is great medicine for your root chakra. Through each of these poses, envision a red light at the base of your spine and breath through your pelvic floor.

Flow between Warrior 1, Warrior 2, Reverse Warrior, Extended Side-Angle, and Triangle asana while focusing on centering your pelvic floor.

Tadasana or Mountain Pose is easy to rush through during a flow but stay here for at least one minute. This pose is great for bringing awareness to your center of gravity and to encourage the healthy “S” shape of an aligned spine. You can do this pose against a wall as a modification.

Malasana or Garland Pose is an important resting position in human evolution that is great for your ankles, groin, and lower back. Due to our modern lives, the seated squat can be a difficult pose for some, so ease into the pose with variations. Shift your weight by flattening one foot at a time, frog legging your way to stillness, and hold for at least 30 seconds. You can sit on a block for extra support, or rest your heels on a folded towel or blanket if they don’t reach the ground.

Originally published at https://www.mukhayoga.com on August 9, 2020.