10 signs your root chakra is blocked and how to heal it

You have multiple chakras in your body and each of them promotes energy flow. The root chakra, located in the base of your spine (similar to the roots of a tree), is responsible for keeping you grounded, confident, trusting, secure, and rational. When this chakra is balanced, you navigate the physical world comfortably and easily; you feel in touch with reality and safe in your body. When a chakra is blocked (or flowing too much), it’s not able to function properly. This occurs when something is not working as it should on either a mind, body, or spiritual level. In this article, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of a blocked root chakra, and learn practical ways to restore balance using meditation, affirmations, and diet.

Signs your root chakra is blocked

1. Decision paralysis

A blocked root chakra can put us in a permanent state of hesitancy. Therefore, making decisions (even inconsequential ones) can quickly become panic-inducing. Merely determining which coffee shop to go to at the weekend might feel too stressful and consuming to handle.

2. Disconnection from your loved ones

You might struggle to feel at ease around your loved ones if your root chakra is blocked. Meeting up with friends may be enjoyable but also utterly draining (not because your friends make you feel unsettled but because you generally feel unsettled day-to-day). Feeling on edge and never truly present (because of your wandering mind) will prevent you from feeling close to people.

3. Fear of money 

When your root chakra is blocked, you may become fixated on what is missing from your life and a scarcity mindset may manifest, stopping you from experiencing happiness and gratitude. This mindset revolves around an obsession with what you do not have (and an ignorance of what you do have). 

You may act as if your basic survival needs are under threat most days (when they are not). You might have access to money, food, and shelter but constantly fear losing it. Discussing or simply thinking about these matters may trigger anxiety and unease within you. If a root chakra blockage puts us in survival mode (even though we do not have to be), we may end up navigating from a place of discontentment and greed.

4. Lack of drive and enthusiasm 

When the root chakra is unable to work efficiently, a lack of natural energy and passion may result. Activities you once loved doing may now feel like a great effort to carry out. Apathy may cloud your days.

5. Inability to remain focused 

When the root chakra can do its job properly, we’re empowered to work calmly and efficiently. However, when this chakra is blocked, we struggle to get things done properly — simple tasks feel impossible to complete.

6. Anxiety and depression 

If you already suffer from anxiety and depression, a blocked root chakra will likely make matters worse. This chakra keeps us connected to our rational thoughts. When it’s not able to do this for us, we end up spending a lot of time in our heads worrying about everything that ‘might go wrong.’ 

A blocked root chakra can have us living in ‘what if’ land — ‘What if this horrible scenario happens?’, ‘What if they end up hating me?’, ‘What if I say the wrong thing?’ We might spend a considerable amount of time dwelling on worst-case scenarios (that never actually happen).

7. Fear of change

As humans, we’re programmed to want to stay in our comfort zones. It’s normal to fear change. However, people with blocked root chakras might sabotage themselves by avoiding healthy change. Challenging ourselves is important if we want positive change in our lives. But if we lack confidence or fear we’re not able to adapt to change, avoidance may become a harmful coping mechanism.

8. Feeling unsafe

One of the most common symptoms of a blocked root chakra is an inability to feel safe. You may have trust issues — constantly feeling suspicious and vulnerable. This can show up physically as well as mentally. Clenched fists, stiff shoulders, and sweating are a few bodily indications of feeling unsafe.

9. Bedtime anxiety

Bedtime, for many of us, is the only quiet moment we get to ourselves in the day. Whilst many enjoy this peaceful time, some individuals can dread being alone with their thoughts. This can cause increased heart rate, sweating, tensing of the muscles, and anxiety. Sleep apprehension is typical for anyone with a blocked root chakra.

10. Constipation 

Our root chakra is responsible for keeping us physically secure (as well as mentally). When it’s not able to function properly, digestive issues and constipation can result. 

3 ways to address a blocked root chakra

1. Meditation 

One of the most profound methods for balancing the root chakra is through regular meditation practice. Meditation is the perfect antidote to a blocked chakra as it facilitates inner peace and trust. 

The idea of meditating every day may feel daunting, which is why it’s worth reminding yourself that you can, and should, ease yourself into it. You do not have to force yourself to jump in the deep end and do an hour-long session today. Five minutes for your first few sessions is enough, and then you can gradually increase the amount of time as and when it feels right for you. Do not push yourself to do too much too quickly.

2. Eat chakra-friendly foods

We can eat certain foods to instigate the energy to flow successfully in the root chakra. High-protein foods and root vegetables are commonly recommended (by chakra experts) to anyone wanting to experiment with food healing. 

High in protein foods:

• pulses 
• nuts 
• peanut butter 
• tofu 
• dark leafy greens
• tempeh 
• chickpeas

Root vegetables:

• ginger
• fennel 
• potatoes 
• onions 
• parsnips 
• carrots

3. Practice root chakra-friendly affirmations

Repeating affirmations daily, perhaps whilst you get ready in the morning, is a great way to challenge some of the limiting thoughts a blocked root chakra can cause or reinforce. Here are some root chakra-friendly affirmations:

• I am safe.
• I am financially secure.
• I have access to everything I need.
• I am supported.
• I am capable.
• I embrace change.
• I trust that life will unfold the way it’s meant to.

How long does it take to heal chakras?

Healing a blocked chakra warrants different methods for different people. Additionally, it can take some people years to balance a chakra, and others establishing a healthy flow of energy can happen after just a few weeks of work. 

It really does depend on the individual, so, it’s wise to focus on your journey rather than comparing yourself to others. Some individuals are able to heal quicker if they have access to emotional support, a comfortable living situation, and money to spend where they like and need to. These social factors are important to take note of. We all heal at different rates (sometimes due to circumstances beyond our control).

Why is it valuable to understand our chakra systems?

When we look into our chakras to see what is in balance and what is out of balance, we get a moment to self-reflect. It can be daunting to take a moment to think deeply about oneself, but chakra studying provides us with focus points and guidance. It helps us identify our core issues and see ourselves clearly. We can grasp what’s holding us back when we examine our chakras. Chakra balancing can not only help us come to terms with our core issues but also help us find the answers so we can be happier and healthier.

If you’re ready to learn more about the chakras and how to heal or balance them, here are some articles you might like:

• Ask the experts: What are chakras?
• Chakras and why they need clearing and balancing
• The chakras and the emotions