10/12/2025
Grounding into root chakra will release your shoulders. Here’s the science:
In yoga, the root chakra (Muladhara) is located at the base of the spine and pelvic floor, and is associated with safety, stability, and support.
From a neuroscience perspective, grounding awareness in this area (along with the feet and legs) increases sensory input from the lower body and signals safety to the nervous system.
When the brain perceives safety, it down-regulates the fight-or-flight response. This reduces unconscious bracing patterns that often show up as tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders.
Under stress, the body tends to organise upward: the shoulders lift, the breath becomes shallow, and muscles stay subtly contracted. This isn’t a posture issue— it’s a protective response.
To ground into your root chakra, become aware of the bottoms of the pelvis— the perineum specifically, between the genitalia and abus (tee-hee!). But seriously— feel the weight of the pelvis. Breathe into these areas. Notice what happens.
As the body feels more supported from below, the nervous system no longer needs to brace from above.
When the signal of safety arrives, the shoulders can soften naturally.
This is why grounding practices in yoga have such a profound effect on both tension and emotional regulation.
