Sanskrit for 'Muladhara' or 'Root Chakra' literally translates to 'Root and Basis of Existence'
In Ayruvedic medicine, specifically Budism, Hinduism and Jainism, the root chakra located at the base of your spine, is red in colour and helps the soul anchor itself within the body and earth. The root chakra is associated with survival, finances and masculine traits. As a society we are becoming very disconnected from nature (via shoes, cars, houses/apartments etc.) and thus less grounded as individuals. Just going out barefoot on fresh grass or a walk in nature can help clear your root chakra and decrease stress from the energetic/emotional body.
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
It is important to incorporate at least one or two days a week in nature for at least one hour. Even if your backyard or local park is all you have access to, just take your shoes and socks off, feel the fresh grass or soil between your toes, close your eyes, open your chest, arms wide open, take a deep breath of fresh air, hold for a few seconds then exhale all your worries. It is important to thank Mother Nature, Gaia and Earth for her beautiful gift of life and all that exists.
What does the research have to say?
Walks in nature have been shown to decrease blood pressure and cortisol levels
High blood pressure is a cardiovascular risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. And chronically elevated cortisol levels due to everyday life stressors have negative effects on the immune system, digestion, sleep, mood, energy and more. Some emerging research has shown that forest bathing or walks in nature can reduce blood pressure and salivary cortisol levels.
Interestingly enough, many cognitive behavioural therapy programs will include meditative practices or mindfulness based therapies focusing on roots growing from the body and anchoring into the earth. These therapies have been shown to decrease anxiety and depression after just 8 weeks.
Although more research is warranted as limited data is available, these preliminary studies are only beginning to confirm what many Naturopathic Doctors and other natural healers have already known about getting connected with Mother Nature.
References:
Antonelli, M., Barbieri, G., & Donelli, D. (2019). Effects of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on levels of cortisol as a stress biomarker: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Biometeorology, 63(8), 1117–1134. doi: 10.1007/s00484-019-01717-x
Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M. S., Gould, N. F., Rowland-Seymour, A., Sharma, R., … Haythornthwaite, J. A. (2014). Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018
Ideno, Y., Hayashi, K., Abe, Y., Ueda, K., Iso, H., Noda, M., … Suzuki, S. (2017). Blood pressure-lowering effect of Shinrin-yoku (Forest bathing): a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 17(1). doi: 10.1186/s12906-017-1912-z
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