There are seven main chakras in the body. The first chakra is the Root Chakra, or Muladhara. Each chakra corresponds to a particular part of the body and governs characteristics within us.
The spinal column begins to develop from the bottom (root chakra), rest of the organs begin to develop after that. Root Chakra begins at conception and continues dividing the cells during Embryogenesis, laying the foundation generation of the body and energetic field (4) Its energy is based element of the Earth, helping us feel grounded and safe within ourselves and the world around us. Balancing the root chakra creates the foundation for opening the chakras above. (2)
Location:
Base of the spine, the pelvic floor, and the first three vertebrae.
Characteristics That Govern The Root Chakra:
Security, safety
Survival
Basic needs (food, sleep, shelter, self-preservation, etc.)
Physicality, physical identity and aspects of self
Grounding
Support and foundation for living our life (3)
Imbalances in the Root Chakra
Imbalances in the root chakra may manifest as anxiety, fear, not feeling safe in your own body, or feeling like you have to control outcomes because it is too challenging to trust and feel safe. Physical imbalances may manifest with disturbances in the colon, bladder, elimination, or lower back, leg, or feet issues. (2)
Balanced Root Chakra
However, when the Root Chakra is balanced and energy can flow freely, it helps us increase the sense of belonging, feeling secure in our actions and choices, and have the ability to hold an increased sense of self-worth. One can also experience improved concentration and focus, clear thinking, ability to set goals.(4)
Foods that help balance the Root Chakra
Foods that grow beneath the ground root and ground our energy. Adding in foods like carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips, rutabaga, ginger, turmeric, radishes, onions and garlic can have a soothing effect for our root chakra.
A healthy root chakra radiates at the color red. Red foods you can add to your meals are tomatoes, strawberries, apples, pomegranates and cherries. (5)
References:
1. https://www.yogiapproved.com/om/the-base-chakra-how-it-impacts-your-quality-of-life/
2. https://chopra.com/articles/the-root-chakra-muladhara
3. https://www.chakras.info/root-chakra/
4. https://spacioustherapy.com/1st-chakra-root-muladhara/
5. https://www.gaia.com/article/root-chakra-foods-ground-and-strengthen