Muladhara (the root chakra) is commonly represented as a red flower with four petals.

Let's kick off this chakra series at the 'root' of it all:  Muladhara, the root chakra.

Firstly, what are the main elements associated with this chakra?

The root chakra is connected to the phrase "I am!" Located at the base of the spine, this chakra is associated with grounding and allows us to connect to the earth's energies. The physical influences of the root chakra include the spine, legs, feet, bones, immune systems, adrenal glands, colon, kidneys, and the coccyx. Emotionally, it is about intuition, confidence, and survival. It is commonly associated with the color red, which offers a healing vibration for emaciation, depression, or lethargy.

So how do you know if your root chakra is unbalanced? Physically, you may experience symptoms such as lower back pain, constipation, fatigue, immune disorders, or foot/leg injuries. Emotionally, you may feel fearful, violent, angry, insecure, disconnected, or unstable.

If you believe your root chakra is unbalanced or blocked, there are a variety of things you can do to help. 

Carrying, wearing, and meditating with crystals such as hematite, red jasper, black onyx, and smokey quartz, can help as they carry positive grounding energy. I have quite a few friends who have found it extremely helpful during stressful times to wear hematite bracelets or rings.

A chakra directly influenced by physical activity, exercise (such as a brisk walk or yoga) can help open up your root chakra. In particular, focus on yoga poses that help to ground, stabilize and connect, such as standing forward bend, mountain pose, or squatting. Throughout your yoga practice, visualize roots growing from the base of your spine, down your legs, and through your feet to the floor, imbedding in the nurturing soil beneath the earth's surface.

You can listen to Tibetan or crystal singing bowls, specifically the note "C", which is known for its grounding qualities. Check to see if someone in your area does singing bowl therapy, or track down a CD and listen with headphones in to get the full effect.

Additionally, warming essential oils, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, myrrh, and patchouli can be helpful used as aromatherapy.

And finally, find a grounding mantra to repeat to yourself during times of stress, meditation, or savasana. If possible, find time to mediate outside and/or in the morning. Try using the mantra "LAM" (a cleansing, clearing mantra to open the root chakra), or find another suitable mantra for yourself such as "I am grounded. I am balanced. I am safe. I am calm. I am strong. I am centered. I am worthy of all things beautiful."

Up next on the chakra series is the sacral chakra, so stay tuned!