Ayurveda Elements
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Ayurveda Elements
There are Five Ayurveda Elements: space/ether, air, fire, water, and earth. The Five Ayurveda Elements are also referred to as the Pancha Maha Bhutas. Pancha means “five”, maha means “great”, and bhutas means “elements”. The Five Elements are born of the unmainfest or avyakta, the unmanifested state of consciousness. From this unmanifested state, the subtle vibrations of the sound OM manifested and from that OM came the ether or space element. The space/ether element or akasha began to move which created the air element. The air element or vayu produced friction which created heat or the fire element. The fire element or tejas dissolved and liquified ethereal elements which created the water element. The water element or jala then solidified and created the earth element. From the earth element or prithvi, all organic and inorganic substances and living beings were created including plants, animals and people and minerals. Thus, the Five Ayurveda Elements exist in all matter.
Space/Ether Element
The space/ether element not only incompasses actual space, but also the space in our bodies. Examples include the spaces in the mouth, GI tract, respiratory tract, capillaries, and nose. This is the secondary element associated with Vata dosha, the sensory organ of the ears, and the tanmantra or objects of the senses of sound or shabda. The space/ether element represents the etheric form of matter. It is responsible for feelings of separation, isolation, emptiness, ungroundedness, insecurity, anxiety and fear as well as clarity, love and compassion.
Air Element
The air element is the element of movement and controls all movement in the universe and the human body. Examples include the pulsations and contractions of the heart and lungs, nerve impulses, and movements of the nervous system. It is also the main element associated with Vata dosha, the sensory organ of the skin, and the tanmantra or object of the sense of touch or sparsha. The air element represents the gaseous form of matter. It is responsible for feelings of nervousness, insecurity, anxiety and fear as well as creativity, happiness and joy.
Fire Element
The fire element is the element of transformation, digestion and metabolism and is the source of fire and light like the sun as well as digestive fires of the body. Examples include the digestive fire of the GI tract as well as of the gray matter of the brain as well as body temperature regulation, light perception of the retina, and intelligence of the thinking process. It is also the main element associated with Pitta dosha, the sensory organ of the eyes, and the tanmantra or object of the sense of form or rupa. The fire element represents the radiant form of matter. It is responsible for feelings of anger, hatred, envy, jealousy, ambition and competitiveness as well as courage, intelligence, comprehension and understanding.
Water Element
The water element is the element of hydration, lubrication and secretions. Examples include secretions of digestive juices, the synovial fluid of the joints and bones, salivary secretions that involve taste perception as well as the cerebrospinal fluid of the spine, the water electrolyte balance and olfactory perception or smell. It is also the main element associated with Kapha dosha and the secondary element associated with Pitta dosha, the sensory organ of the tongue, and the tanmantra or object of the sense of taste or rasa. The water element represents the liquid form of matter. It is responsible for feelings of contentment, love and compassion.
Earth Element
The earth element is the element of support, stability, growth, groundedness, repair and regeneration. Examples include the bones, cartilage, nails, muscles, tendons, skin and hair. It is also the main element associated with Kapha dosha and the secondary element associated with Kapha dosha, the sensory organ of the nose, and the tanmantra or object of the sense of odor/smell or gandha. The earth element represents the solid form of matter. It is responsible for feelings of attachment, greed, and depression as well as forgiveness and contentment.