How To Open Your Root Chakra

If you've ever attended a yoga class, meditation, or wellness retreat, it's likely that you've been at least introduced to chakras. According to the Chopra Center, chakras are spiritual energy centers within the body that run along the spine, neck, and up through the crown of your head. This chakra system first originated in India hundreds of years ago. "They each correspond to specific organs as well as physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual states of being and influence all areas of your life," reiki healer Fern Olivia told Well + Good. "Within these chakras is 'prana,' or the ultimate pure healing energy, that's all around us and within us, to keep us healthy, happy and vibrant."

There are a total of seven chakras in the human body: the root chakra, located at the base of the spine; the sacral chakra, located "slightly below the navel"; the solar plexus chakra, located "slightly above the navel"; the heart chakra, located in the "heart region"; the throat chakra, located near the throat and neck; the third-eye chakra, located in the middle of the forehead; and the crown chakra, located at the top of the head, according to Holistic Harmony. Certain emotional and physical ailments can be traced back to chakras that are blocked or not balanced properly. By observing your body and mental state, you can put in the work to open each chakra that might be blocked.

Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is the foundation of your body. Physically, the root chakra provides balance and support to the body, while, emotionally, it provides a sense of security and survival, according to Well + Good. The root chakra helps you secure basic physical and emotional needs like food, water, shelter, safety, and security. The outlet notes that your root chakra is blocked if you are feeling especially anxious, or suffer from an anxiety disorder, having nightmares, or experiencing issues with your colon, bladder, lower back, legs, or feet. According to Holistic Harmony, you might also find that you're having trouble setting healthy boundaries in your life if your root chakra is blocked.

To open your root chakra, Well + Good spoke to two reiki masters who suggested a number of remedies that include rubbing a metal spoon on your foot to activate grounding energy. You can also activate this energy by using black, green, or red grounding crystals like onyx, hematite, and red agate, and grounding essential oils like sandalwood, eucalyptus, and ginger. Simply spending time in nature could also do some good. "These connections to the earth and nature often help the root chakra tone itself, strengthening and releasing any stuck energy that it's holding," Reiki master Brian Brunius said. And finally, if those solutions don't work, saying positive affirmations about your body and self might also help your root chakra remain open.