The Base Chakra in Grief & Trauma

The Base Chakra in Grief & Trauma - Essential Oils - The base chakra and is associated with our most basic needs of survival, safety and security, including our biological need for food, water, shelter and procreation. 

It's also associated with the sense of safety that comes with knowing we belong to a community, a tribe, a place and a planet - consciously or unconsciously. 

The base chakra's main function is to channel energy upwards from the earth into our feet, legs and spine to help us remain grounded, stable and connected, and this is what happens when it is functioning optimally. 

When it isn't functioning optimally, we don't feel safe and able to trust our own experiences.  In grief, our ability to enjoy basic sensory pleasures is diminished.   

It's also associated with the sense of safety that comes with knowing we belong to a community, a tribe, a place and a planet - consciously or unconsciously. 

The base chakra's main function is to channel energy upwards from the earth into our feet, legs and spine to help us remain grounded, stable and connected, and this is what happens when it is functioning optimally. 

When it isn't functioning optimally, we don't feel safe and able to trust our own experiences.  In grief, our ability to enjoy basic sensory pleasures is diminished.   

We may feel a sense of guilt when we find ourselves enjoying life, as if this somehow betrays the memory of our loved ones who will ever again experience these sensations of pleasures.  We might feel that we shouldn’t enjoy life or anything that feels good, tastes good or smells good.  We may find it difficult to reconcile those feelings. We may wish we could enjoy those feelings but feel unable to do so.   

I remember when I laughed for the first time after my husband died and I immediately felt an overwhelming rush of emotions – I felt ashamed and felt like a bad wife  - had I forgotten him? how could I even think about laughing, or having fun or doing anything enjoyable when my husband was dead?  I felt guilt, shame, insecurity, confusion and then sadness just overwhelms you and then you start wondering will it ever feel okay to laugh again?  

Essential oils that support the Base chakra are usually the heavy oils that tend to be grounding and offer strength and support.  

Cedarwood is one of my favourites and always first on my list of recommended oils for anyone experiencing grief and trauma.  I love the description of Cedarwood by Gabriel Mojay (a leading name in Aromatherapy), he says 

‘the oil’s deeply virile woody-balsamic aroma is one that helps us to take a negative or threatening situation and transform it into an experience from which we can derive strength and wisdom’.

Myrrh is known for its sedative effects and for its gentle, calming, meditative and grounding energies.  It can induce tranquility, reduce mental anguish and worry and calm a distracted mind. 

The energy of Myrrh is of peace and stillness and it supports a sense of self-acceptance and love.  

Patchouli helps to ground and stabilise the mind.  This makes it an ideal essential oil for overthinking, excessive worry or nervous overactivity of the mind.  In grief, this is a common state, as near-constant questioning, wondering, and reviewing can cause a great deal of mental strain and fatigue.  

Patchouli is also known for its antidepressant qualities and for being able to uplift and inspire both mood and mind.  

Next time I will write about semi-precious stones that help with the grounding your base chakra - 

carnelian, red garnet and smoky quartz.

Until next time

Suzie Webb - Clinical Aromatherapist and Nutrition Consultant