Understanding Muladhara Chakra: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Anatomy

“If we remain humble and grounded in nature's wisdom, our mind will guide us safely through the confines of unawareness and the blindness of ignorance.” ― Erik Pevernagie

In my article "Introduction to Chakras: Our Specialised Energy Centres", a brief introduction about chakras was given. In this article we will learn about the first chakra i.e. the Root Chakra/ Muladhara Chakra which belong to our subtle body (Pranayama Kosha)

Quick Recap:

Chakras are concentrated energy centres that govern our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. Located along the spine, they absorb, store and transmit Prana (life energy) according to the body's needs. When the flow of Prana is disturbed, Chakras may become underactive, overactive, or blocked, leading to imbalance and reduced energy exchange.

A blocked Chakra can affect both mind and body, while balanced Chakras support health, confidence, harmony, and overall well-being.

Overview of Root Chakra/ Muladhara Chakra

The Muladhara, or Root Chakra, is the first chakra, and its name is derived from Sanskrit word: "Mula" meaning root and "adhara" meaning support.

When we hear the word "root" first thing that comes to our mind is roots of a tree, isn't it? What are the main functions of roots? They anchor it firmly, keeping it stable and absorb nutrients to feed the whole plant.

Our Root Chakra works in much the same way! It is responsible for our stability and that vital feeling of being grounded. Just like other chakras, it draws in cosmic energy (Prana) and, with the help of Nadis (subtle, invisible energy channels), distributes it throughout our system.

This base chakra is seen as the foundation of physical structure of our body and if the foundation is strong, then a person feels stable, grounded, confident and full of energy.

Muladhara Chakra and the Adrenal Glands

Muladhara Chakra is located at the base of the spine, between the genitals and the anus. Although no endocrine gland is physically present at this location, it is often associated with the adrenal glands, which are triangular-shaped structures situated on top of each kidney.

The adrenal glands consist of two parts: the outer cortex and the inner medulla. In the context of Muladhara Chakra, we primarily refer to the adrenal medulla, which is responsible for the body's "fight-or-flight" response when survival is perceived to be under threat.

Why is Muladhara Chakra associated with the adrenal glands?

Both Muladhara Chakra and the adrenal glands are connected with themes of:

• Survival

• Grounding

• Fear and security

• Instinctive responses

• Vitality and preservation of energy

Sacrococcygeal Plexus and Muladhara Chakra

Due to its location near the rectum, Muladhara Chakra is anatomically and physiologically associated with the sacrococcygeal plexus of nerves. The sacrococcygeal region refers to the area where the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone) meet.

Sacrum

The sacrum, also known as the sacral spine, is a triangular-shaped bone formed by the fusion of five vertebrae (S1–S5).

Coccyx

The coccyx or tailbone, lies below the sacrum and is formed by the fusion of three to five coccygeal bones.

Sacrococcygeal = Sacrum + Coccyx

The nerves arising from the sacral and coccygeal regions provide sensory and motor supply to the muscles, skin, and ligaments of the pelvis, legs, feet, and genitals. They also play an important role in bladder and bowel function.

The sacrococcygeal bones contribute to maintaining posture, bearing body weight, and supporting walking and movement. During pregnancy and childbirth, relaxation of the sacrococcygeal ligaments plays an important role in facilitating the birthing process.

The coccygeal nerve, often referred to as the tailbone nerve, is the last and smallest pair of spinal nerves. The coccygeal nerve joins with nearby nerves to form the coccygeal plexus, a small network of nerves that serves the area around the tailbone and lower pelvis.

Muladhara Chakra and the Earth Element

Muladhara Chakra is associated with the Earth Element. Many of us think that a chakra possesses the qualities of an element. Not exactly. A chakra is about the element itself. Because the Earth Element exists, there is Muladhara Chakra or the Root Chakra.

The Bija (seed sound) that activates the Earth Element is "Lam (Lum)."

Therefore, to truly understand the Root Chakra, it is necessary to understand the Earth Element.

Earth is the principle of holding. It is all about structure and stability. We have physical structure because of the Earth Element. However, we should not look at earth merely as forests, mountains, rocks and trees. It has a much deeper meaning than that.

Mother Earth is our home sustaining all forms of life i.e. humans, animals, insects, birds, and fishes. Similarly, our body is also our home.

As the base chakra, Muladhara lays the foundation for the expansion of consciousness.

What does this mean?

The more we identify only with the body, the more we become obsessed with "me" and "mine." But as consciousness expands, we become more empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive.

Let me give you an example:

Imagine a frog that has spent its entire life inside a well. If you ask, "What do you see around you?" it may reply, "Water, algae, some plants and the walls of the well."

If you ask, "What lies beyond?" it may say, "I don't know." For that frog, the well is the entire world.

Now ask the same question to a frog that lives on land.

It may say, "I see trees, gardens, houses, children playing, the sun, the moon and the stars. The world is vast."

This is expansion of consciousness.

When our true self becomes trapped in material things, whether physical possessions or mental constructs, our consciousness becomes restricted. Yoga asanas, pranayama, meditation and hand mudras are all ways of freeing ourselves from these limitations.

Understanding chakras and elements helps us move beyond physicality. If we believe we are only the body, our consciousness remains limited to the Earth Element, and we remain stuck at that level without moving upward.

Nature of the Earth Element

The Earth Element is:

• Stable

• Solid

• Hard

• Structured

• Grounding

• Restraining

Earth Element (Root Chakra) and Water Element (Sacral Chakra) work closely together. Let's understand this through physical and mental stability. We are able to walk, stand, and sit comfortably because the ground beneath us is stable and supportive.

Think of the sand on a beach, it holds you. Now imagine quicksand. Can it support you?

No. You begin to sink because there is too much water and not enough earth.

The same principle operates within us. When Earth Element is deficient, we may become physically lax and psychologically unstable. We may feel fearful, insecure and ungrounded.

When Earth Element becomes excessive, we become rigid both physically and mentally.

Think of barren land that receives very little water. The earth becomes hard, dry, and inflexible.

Excess Earth Element can also make us sluggish, lazy, and unenthusiastic about life.

The lockdown during the pandemic is a good example. Freedom of movement, which is related to the Water Element was restricted. As mobility decreased, the Earth Element increased. Many people became inactive and resistant to change.

Even after restrictions were lifted, some people found it difficult to return to their previous routines. This contributed to various physical and mental health challenges.

Earth Element and Apana

Too much or too little Earth Element can affect Apana Vayu (located in lower abdomen), the downward-moving energy responsible for elimination. Excess Earth Element may make Apana rigid, leading to constipation and a feeling of being stuck.

Deficient Earth Element may contribute to loose motions or diarrhoea. I remember that during my school days, I would become very anxious before examinations and had to visit the washroom repeatedly.

This clearly shows how closely our mental and physical states are connected.

Stability Creates Security

It is very important to become physically stable because physical stability creates a sense of mental security. Likewise, mental insecurity often manifests as physical insecurity.

Think about a child who's scared; they run to their parents for a hug, and that hug makes them feel secure. That's the earth element increasing, which boosts security.

Even something as simple as holding someone's hand when they're distressed can act as "earthing."

It reassures them that everything will be okay. These seemingly small actions, or even just comforting words, can truly change the configuration of our elements.

In today's stressful world, we really need these reassurances, don't we?

Earth Element and Physical Structure

Earth is the principle of holding, physically, it gives us structure. Our skeleton alone cannot maintain the body's shape. Muscles support and hold the bones and organs in place. This is why muscles are considered an expression of the Earth Element.

Strong and efficient muscles create stability in the body, and that stability translates into a feeling of security in the mind.

As we age, muscle mass naturally declines. This reduces the Earth Element in the body.

The less muscle mass we have, the less physically stable we feel. This is why many elderly individuals require walking sticks, walkers, or additional support.

Strength is an important component of stability & stability is a manifestation of the Earth Element.

Feet and the Root Chakra

Our only direct connection with the ground is through our feet. The way our feet connect and anchor to the earth sends important signals to the brain. Therefore, foot health is extremely important.

Our feet are our connection to the earth. When this connection is weak, the body tries to find stability elsewhere. As a result, the pelvic floor may start working harder and become tight or rigid. Since the body's centre of gravity lies around the pelvic region, which is associated with the Root Chakra, improving the strength and stability of our feet, ankles, calves and legs can help us feel more grounded, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

Physical Areas Associated with Muladhara

The Root Chakra is associated with:

• Feet

• Legs

• Bones

• Spine

• Colon

• Rectum

• Pelvic floor

• Immune system

Essentially, it relates to the body's support system. Imbalances may manifest as:

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Sciatica

• Varicose veins

• Arthritis

• Certain immune disorders

Physical Solutions

• Take care of your feet.

• Strengthen your calf muscles.

• Mobilise your joints and spine.

• Practice balance postures.

• Include strength training in your routine.

• Spend time walking barefoot on natural surfaces whenever possible.

  
  

Emotional Imbalances of the Root Chakra

When the Root Chakra is imbalanced, we may feel:

• Insecure

• Fearful

• Needy

• Ungrounded

Ungrounded people often keep moving from one thing to another, searching for something that finally makes them feel secure.

They may say, "Ah! This is it. I have finally found my purpose." Security creates grounding. People often say, "I know my boundaries." Boundaries are also structures, they are expressions of the Earth Element.

People who feel insecure may also become possessive. They hold tightly to people, relationships, or possessions, not necessarily because they love them, but because they fear losing them.

In one way or another, all of us need to work on our first chakra.

Psychological Solutions

• Take slow, deep breaths.

• Inhale through the nose, exhale through gently pursed lips to lengthen the exhalation. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps bring you into the present moment.

• Gradually work through your smaller fears.

• Spend time with loved ones.

• Practice gratitude.

• Stay committed to your sadhana (spiritual discipline).

• Connect with nature.

Most importantly, don't look at Earth Element only as solid structures in the body or in nature.

• See it in the cup holding your coffee.

• See it in the chair supporting you.

• See it in the walls of your home.

Then look within. Notice where you feel tight, rigid, stubborn, or stuck—physically and mentally. That too is Earth Element.

Move beyond simply seeing objects. Begin feeling the element itself. Increase the Earth Element by offering support, reassurance and even a simple hug to those around you. This is where expansion of consciousness begins. The more aware you become of the elements within and around you, the more clearly you see how they are reflected in your life.

Remember, the yogic journey is about liberating awareness, which means breaking free from physical restrictions and attachments to achieve true freedom. This is the true rise of Kundalini—not merely an energetic event, but the gradual liberation of awareness from the limitations of the five elements.