If you’re reading this, chances are you’re familiar with the Chakra system. Chakra means wheel. These wheels of energy lie along the Nadis. Nadis are lines that allow Prana, life force energy, to circulate through the body. In Ayurvedic, traditional Indian medicine, there are an estimated 72,000 nadis. The seven main Chakras are concentrated centers of energy along the middle of the body that spin and circulate, much like a wheel.
The lower three Chakras, the root (Muladhara), sacral (Svadhisthana), and solar plexus (Manipura), together make up what’s called the “lower triangle”. Having a balanced lower triangle is crucial to living a harmonious life. Unfortunately, imbalances are becoming all too common. Let’s take a look at what these three Chakras do individually, how they operate together, and how to treat imbalances.
The first chakra, root, or Muladhara Chakra lies at the base of the spine and pelvic floor. It is represented by the color red and the element of Earth. It gives us our foundation, and sense of security. An imbalance may cause lower back and leg pain, a lack of trust that your basic needs will be met, and a general feeling of being uprooted.
The second chakra, sacral, or Svadhisthana Chakra is in the sex and reproductive organs. It is represented by the color orange, and the element of water, and gives us fluidity in expression, creativity, and our ability to move our life force in a circular motion. Imbalances may include UTIs or other vaginal infections, a lack of creative inspiration, and a disconnection from the sensations of pleasure.
The third chakra, solar plexus, or Manipura Chakra is in the navel center. It is represented by the color yellow, and the element of fire, and gives us our personal power, self will, and internal agni, or flame. Imbalances may look like digestive issues, a lack of motivation and confidence, and an inability to tap into your personal power.
These three chakras together make up the lower triangle. This lower triangle sets the foundation of our lives in this Earthly realm. To be balanced humans, we have to feel rooted and sturdy, have a fluid flow of expression and sexuality, and have the confidence and self will to move through life with our own driving force. A balanced lower triangle allows us to feel embodied. From there we are able to move into the space of the heart, and spirit realms.
When the lower triangle is imbalanced there’s a sort of incongruence in someone’s behaviors. In anything they are doing whether it be work, communication, or relationships- there seems to be a lack of resonance. There’s a sturdiness when the triangle is balanced, and without that, things just feel off.
We don’t live in a society that promotes this harmony. Too many of us carry generations of trauma in our bodies that manifest as imbalances. We live disconnected from the Earth and from each other, while often neglecting our true strengths and wishes.
There’s a tendency in spiritual communities to brush off our human needs or desires. That they are “less than”. We are in these human bodies, because we have lessons to learn within them. To minimize the needs of our primal instincts and desires, is to disregard part of the human experience. We need to be in touch with these desires. We need to have our basic needs met in order to tap into esoteric realms from a grounded place.
These bodies are made of minerals and compounds that allow us to magnetize to the Earth. To maintain our connection to the planet and the elements within us is an act of reverence to the many layers of living a life of gratitude and devotion.
Now that we have an understanding of what the lower triangle is, let’s go over some useful tools to help maintain balance in the Chakras…
- Kundalini Yoga is a system of thousands of Kriyas and meditations that work to balance the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as the brain and spirit. Compiled by Yogi Bhajan, this system for “householders” allows people to live an optimal life while going about their normal lives. Teachers put a strong emphasis on balancing the lower triangle, and many exercises and breathing techniques strengthen the naval center and lower body.
- Yin Yoga involves using props and bolsters to support the body in poses that allow the gentle unraveling of the connective tissue, or fascia, of the body- and the stories that it holds. The potent practice gives us the chance to slow down and drop into the body.
- Dance. Movement, fluidity, expression. It gives us the chance to feel how our feet connect to the ground beneath us and how our internal flame ignites and allows us to create art from our lower center.
- Chinese medicine: Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other tools used by Chinese medicine practitioners balance the Qi, or life force within the body.
- Connect with the Earth: Spending time in nature allows us to connect our roots to those running beneath our feet. Much of the dysregulation we feel within us comes from being disconnected from the Earth. Hiking, swimming, gardening- anything that gives us the chance to deepen this connection.
- Community: Whether it be your blood or chosen family, connecting with community allows us to feel grounded. We can drop into our bodies and feel the interconnectedness between each other. It also gives us an open space to practice our self will and expression.
Living with a balanced lower triangle allows to come to peace with unresolved anger, to live a life full of pleasure, and to go after our dreams and desires with the container to hold them. We are able to create a life that feels deeply satisfying and fulfilling, from which our spirit can pour forth.
with balanced bliss, Alilia Rose Grace, CEO Mahina Menstrual Cup