Essential Oils and the Chakras: the First or Root Chakra (Muladhara)

This is the first of a nine blog series, Essential Oils and Chakras. The series starts with a short blog on “What Are Chakras?,” then moves on to the first chakra, continues up through seventh or crown chakra and ends with the soul star chakra (or what some people refer to as the eighth chakra).

Lots of my students, clients and fellow practitioners ask me if there is a connection between essential oils and the chakra system. Few of them realize that essential oils have amazing energetic or vibrational qualities (see our webpage on vibrational aromatherapy). In fact, the therapeutic (biophysical) attributes of essential oils and aromatherapy are also relevant to energy work because energetic imbalances tend to eventfully manifest in the physical body. Because of this, essential oils and aromatherapy can be said to be inherently multi-dimensional and in essence integrated. For me, this makes them a wonderful bridge between energetic and biophysical (clinical) modalities that promote healing, balance and wellness.

This series of Essential Oils and Chakras will give just a snap shot of how essential oils and aromatherapy relate to each chakra. Of course, energetic imbalances and other health issues are complex. Typically when one chakra goes out of balance, others do too. And, chakras tend to be just one part of the energy and holistic puzzle. This blog is meant to open the door just tiny crack to give the reader a glimpse of a much bigger body of information and practice.

Be sure to check out the rest of the series and look for future blogs that will cover the application of essential oils to other aspects of energy work such journeying and path finding.

See: What Are Chakras?, First Chakra, Second Chakra, Third Chakra, Fourth Chakra, Fifth Chakra, Sixth Chakra, Seventh Chakra, Eighth Chakra (Soul Star).

The Root Chakra – Muladhara

The root chakra is located at the base of the central light column, or the spinal column, in the groin area or perineum: the area between the sex organs and the anus. The location is noted on the above diagram – the glowing red light at the base of all the other chakras.

The root chakra is associated with fulfillment of basic needs, physical survival and safety. It is also related to the sense of belonging – belonging to a clan, tribe, ethnic group or some other group. Within the body, the root chakra is closely affiliated with structure, bones, nervous system, adrenals and the sense of smell. The nose is this chakra’s sense organ.

Imbalances of the root chakra are associated with physical manifestations of the bladder, prostrate, testicles, lower intestines and rectum, knees, legs and lower back.

Typically, sluggishness and the sense of being stuck is connected to root chakra. Fear and alienation are common emotions associated with the root chakra.

Some people associate the chakras with the life cycle. In this case, the root is about our first experiences and becoming aware of ourselves as separate from the world around us or the ages zero to three. Some say this is the seat of our ego.

Essential Oils and the Root Chakra

Based on their attributes, I can match essential oils to a chakra based on the energetic, emotional, mental and physical attributes of the chakra. But, when I select them for an individual, I select them based on how the imbalance in that particular chakra manifests within the person. Alternatively, I select the essential oils according to the specific situation or the intention of the person.

I’m not of the opinion that a specific essential oil is always good for a particular chakra, e.g., vetiver, a classic root chakra essential oil, is NOT alway helpful when working with the root chakra. For me, it depends on the manifestation of the imbalance and the specific intentions.

Essential oils for the root chakra tend to ground, center, unify, align all chakras, protect and reconnect one with earth. Many offer a sense of calm, confidence and security.

The essential oils closely associated with the root chakra tend to be made of heavier molecules, and are characterized as base notes (see our blog on fragrance notes), which are deeper, slowly unfolding, long lasting scents.

• Angelica (Angelica Archangelica)
• Cedar, Atlantic (Cedrus altantica)
• Cedar, Himalayan (Cedrus deodora)
• Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
• Linden Blossom (Tilia vulgares or T. europeae)
• Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
• Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi)
• Veitver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

Depending on the situation or intention, many other essential oils may be appropriate or even more relevant than these classic root chakra essential oils. For example, a person experiencing a great deal of anxiety that manifests in excessive worry, over thinking and sleeplessness will likely be restless and ungrounded. Such a person may benefit from Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) or Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), which address the underlying emotions. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is helpful where these feelings are accompanied with migraines and nervous exhaustion. Some essential oils that address fear are Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Melissa (Melissa officinales), Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica) and Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata). If the person is stuck, a nice addition to a blend is Black Pepper (Piper nigrum). It unblocks and gets energy moving.

The choices are endless. In general, the selection of essential oils should be made with an holistic assessment of the person, his/her intentions and the context in mind.

Tags: chakra and essential oils, Chakra Raindrop Technique, essential oils to balance the root chakra, Masage Therapy in Myrtle Creek Oregon, Myrtle Creek Massage Therapy, WDT
Filed under: Essential Oil Articles