Muladhara Chakra is the root chakra and the first of the seven major charkas.

Shantimurti explains that muladhara is primary an instinctual energy centre. When this energy centre is functioning on the low side it brings depressed states, negativity, a tendency towards uncontrollable emotional fluctuations, fear of losing security like material possessions and attachments in general.

Muladhara is associated with unrefined unconscious emotions and depending on the person involved, it can lead to blind rage rather than conscious rage which is swadhisthan (the second chakra). Muladhara responds on a very instinctive, basic level to situations.

Functioning on the high side includes awakening of the psychic, intuitive consciousness. The person becomes aware of their psychic nature and is no longer dependent on the materialistic level for their security. The person becomes more secure within himself or herself. They also become more aware of their emotional condition and gain the ability to work with it.

Regardless of what chakra a person is at, if they have fear of losing things, including children, money, security, they are still involved at the muladhara level of consciousness. If this occurs, even infrequently, then it needs to be sorted out in order to evolve.

Muladhara is located two inches below and just forward of the tailbone in everyone. For women, this is the area where the cervix meets the uterus and for men it is between the testicles and anus.

Shantimurti recommends Mula Bandha as a fantastic technique for the health of muladhara. Mula Bandha is a contraction of the muscles around muladhara. It directly stimulates muladhara and also ajna chakra – the third eye. This turns the energy upwards through the pranic system which affects ajna and promotes mind over matter.

Shantimurti also suggests yoga postures as a really good way to aid muladhara because they are physical. Mantras and pranayamas are great too. For most people 10-15 minutes of Salute to the Sun is the best option, followed by some postures. In general, moving exercises are really good because they free up the dense energy.