The First Chakra
Element: Earth 
The first chakra is the Root Chakra associated with the Sacral-Coccygeal nerve plexus governing the reproductive system and the gonads in the endocrine system. The major issue is Survival. The information contained in the first chakra in addition to survival relates to being in a physical body, safety, security, the ability to stand up for oneself, tribal information and relating to the material world. The first chakra is usually perceived as a disc of red light. 

Signs of Deficiency in the First Chakra 
1. Feeling disconnected from your body
2. Difficulty maintaining a health weight (underweight)
3. Feelings of fear, anxiety and difficulty feeling settled
4. Difficulty focusing and following through
5. Difficulty with finances
6. Poor boundaries 

Signs of Excess in the First Chakra
1. Overeating and obesity
2. Hoarding and greed
3. Overly focused on material possessions
4. Feeling lazy, tired, fatigued
5. Fear of change
6. High need for security
7. Rigid Boundaries

The imbalance of the subtle energy around the body shows up in the chakras. Remember they are like computers that receive and analyze all the information that comes in. This imbalance affects us emotionally and ultimately affects the physical health of the body. 

Emotional issues Related to the First Chakra 
Ability or inability to feel safe, secure and trusting.
Ability or inability to provide for oneself and others and to prosper.
Ability or inability to stand up for oneself, to be grounded in clear beliefs.
Ability or inability to feel settled, to nest and feel safe and connected to home.
Inappropriate connections or inability to make connection with social norms, laws and order.
Experiences of depression and/or anxiety.

Health Issues that may arise from First Chakra Imbalances 
Immune related disorders
Frequent illness
Eating Disorders such as obesity or anorexia 
Disorders of the bones and teeth
Disorders of the bowel, anus, large intestine, such as rectal tumors and cancer
Problems with the Legs including varicose veins
Lower back pain and sciatica
Problems with the base of the spine, buttocks, legs, knees and feet.



Grounding Exercises to help Balance the First Chakra
1. Sit and image a grounding cord going down from the base of your spine into the center of the earth. This grounding cord can be like a waterfall, a tree trunk or a beam of light. Sense the grounding cord going down all the way through the earth to the fiery center of Mother Earth. Release Energy down your grounding cord starting at the top of your head, down your neck and the channels on either side of your spine, all the way down your grounding cord to the center of the Earth. Take a deep breath and continue to release energy keeping this grounding cord attached near the base of your spine and the center of the earth. With practice you will begin to stay grounded. (You can get my CD for a more extensive grounding practice as well as to learn to clear your chakras.) 

2. Spend some time in nature. Be around the trees or the water. Sit yourself down on the earth and breath. Take your shoes off and feel the earth under your feet.

3. For calming and self soothing, Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is helpful. With your fingertips tap gently on the outside of your right leg and then on the outside of your left leg and back and forth. You can do this on the top of your thighs if you would like as well. The tapping can be done at the pace of your heart beat (da, dum…da, dum…). This tapping on your legs is called puppy pats. You can also cross your arms gently around your chest and tap on one arm and then the others. 

4. Eating root vegetables is helpful for grounding although root vegetables are best when they are organic as they take their nutrients from the soil in which they are grown. Root vegetable that are cooked on a grill or roasted in the oven are helpful and delicious. Eating proteins in general is grounding. If you are a meat eater, then eating meat is grounding as well.

5. Exercise in general is helpful for grounding. Be aware of being in your body when you do the exercise; be aware of the bottom of your feet when you walk or run, have your awareness in each movement when you do aerobics or dance. Yoga, Tai Chi and Qigong are all helpful for grounding. 

6. Receiving in a healthy way is very important to first chakra healing. Allow yourself to get massage, Reiki or reflexology. If you have difficulty being touched, find a massage therapist who specifically works with people who have abandonment, or abuse issues from childhood. Cuddle with a good friend, a spouse or lover, a child, grandchild or a treasured pet.