All living things need a strong foundation. They cannot survive otherwise.

Chakra means ‘wheel’ in Sanskrit. We have seven wheels of energy running along our spine, from the base to the crown. Imagine each chakra in our body as a swirling wheel of energy, where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy, called Prana, is a vital life force, which keeps us vibrant, healthy and alive.

These swirling wheels of energy correspond to massive nerve centres in the body. Each of the seven main chakras contains bundles of nerves and major organs, as well as our psychological, emotional, and spiritual states of being. Since everything is moving, it’s essential that our seven main chakras stay open, aligned and fluid. If there is a blockage, energy cannot flow.

An imbalance of our chakras might be caused by external situations (pressure, stress) or internal habits (poor physical alignment). Chakras can be overactive or underactive. Only if all chakras are balanced will we experience harmony and balance throughout.

The root or base chakra, Muladhara, represents the Earth, the densest of the five elements that make up life. Muladhara chakra is our source of power. When it is out of balance, this affects everything related to your personal stability and security. Muladhara controls how you deal with money, your body, and your family: your roots. Muladhara chakra is clearly related to questions of financial security and body image, but it can also involve issues to relating to family.

In order to determine whether you have an imbalance in Muladhara chakra, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I find it difficult to make decisions?

• Do I suffer from financial insecurity?

• Do I feel poor, even though I have a solid bank account?

• Do I suffer from obesity, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia?

• Do I have ongoing problems with my parents, children, or other family members?

Muladhara chakra is located at the base of the spine, in the middle of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is influenced and affected by the muscles of the legs, and for this reason Muladhara chakra is also associated with the legs and feet, which act like the roots of a plant. We need our feet and legs to be firmly balanced in order to find grounding and stability.

Asanas (yoga postures) are the first step towards aligning our body and balancing each chakra. In asana practice it is very important to bring the Muladhara chakra into alignment: to build a solid life, we must start with a solid base.

When you find the balance of yoga in Muladhara chakra, there is an amazing feeling of lightness and stability, as though you can stand forever. Try it out!

Namaste!

_{This post was first published on Saakalya blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.
Edited by Nedda Chaplin
Image credit: Shutterstock}

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