By Atul Vyas
“By energies of consciousness, brahma is messed; from that matter is born and from matter life and mind and the worlds”: Mundaka Upanishad
The root chakra is the building block on which all other chakras must rest-so this chakra is of crucial importance. It relates to the element earth. In this chakra system, earth represent solidity – our most condensed state of matter and lowest end of our chakra spectrum.
As per yogic philosophy, one who is continually plagued by health problems or constantly struggling with financial crisis, insecurity is said to be caught on this chakra level. Some unresolved conflict, whether it be physical, circumstantial or psychological is keeping their consciousness trapped at this level.
So, the first task of mastering or balancing the first chakra is to understand the body, by learning to accept our body, feel it, validate it, and love it. Because, it is only through the body we can have an experience of mind within matter.
There are many yogic poses to balance and activate this root chakra and one of them is Gajasana, the elephant pose.
Technique
- Keep the feet and hip width apart or wider
- Bend over with your knees slightly bent and touch your palms to floor
- Now move about in this position forward and backward slowly like an elephant for 10-30 seconds,
- Breathe normally
- Then continue bending on inhalation, and bend your knees to about 45 degrees and straighten them on exhalation
- Repeat for three minutes till you feel surge of energy in the legs
- Now, slowly come back to standing position and shake the legs one by one few times
Benefits
- Balances root chakra which create a sense of security and gives anchor
- Keeps stomach healthy and helps in gastritis
- Relieves constipation
- Helps to activate pancreas
- Makes legs and knees strong
Note of Caution
People suffering from vertigo, high blood pressure and lower back ache should avoid this pose.
Atul Vyas likes to be called a “Yoga Scientist”. He is a celebrity yoga trainer and has trained several top Hollywood and Bollywood stars. He has trained for years under many eminent yoga gurus including his illustrious mother Daya Vyas, the first lady yoga guru of India.
