The first chakra is known as the root, or base chakra. It is found at the base of the spine, and its energy affects the lower spine, the feet and legs, and the reproductive system.

The root chakra vibrates to the colour red, and is concerned with drawing up energy from the Earth to stabilise the feet, legs and to help establish a purpose in Earth that is expressed in this physical reality and resolves karma on a spiritual level.

The base chakra represents our foundations, and if it is unbalanced it may lead to us feeling "all over the place", fearful, anxious, untrusting, and unable to let go of past hurts. We may feel as if we are unsupported and don't belong.

This chakra can be balanced by exercises that use the legs and feet. Going barefoot is helpful to connect back to the Earth when feeling ungrounded. Yoga poses that activate and balance the root chakra include Sukhasana (cross-legged pose), which brings the root chakra into connection with the ground; Malasana (yogic squat); which activates the leg and feet muscles and the lower back; Anjaneyasana (low lunge), which helps with strength, balance and stability, and Savasana (corpse pose), which helps to calm us and bring us into connection with our body.

You should always be supervised by a qualified yoga teacher when trying new poses.

Meditations and activities that focus on grounding, fostering a sense of belonging and security, and inviting abundance and gratitude help to balance the root chakra.