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The Five Elements Of Ayurveda

Written by John Immel, Asheville, NC
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Observe the Natural World

Much like the periodic table of elements in modern times, most historic cultures believed the world around them was made up of elements.

Elements simply refer to the basic kinds of matter. The modern periodic table of elements includes many kinds of atoms.

Ayurveda's theory of the elements, like most Ancient/Medieval cultures, evolved from observing the most basic qualities of natural materials. Thus there are far fewer elements in Ayurveda than in the periodic table of elements.

There are only 5 elements in Ayurveda - ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Chinese medicine also adds metal and wood elements.

Can you identify which elements might be increased or decreased in your body from the following?

Importance of the Five Elements

Our five senses have evolved in the context of the natural world. Thus, our bodies are well attuned to interpret and assess the environment using the concept of these five elements.

The ancient founders of Ayurveda watched how other species defended themselves against dampness, heat, wind, dryness, and other basic qualities of nature. From them, they learned how to strengthen the body's defenses.

The body uses the elements to interpret the seasons and determine the appropriate foods to eat. Modern materials, such as concrete, may be confusing to the senses.

Ether

Ether correlates with form, nature, or shape (as in Plato's 'ideas' or 'forms'). Objects have both substance and shape. When this shape disintegrates or is reformed into another shape, there is a change, not in substance, but of ether. For example, reshaping clay from a statue of a bird into a bust of Napolean is a change in ether, not in substance.

Excess ether correlates to identification with things out of proportion to one's nature / form or shape. An etheric person spends too much time in the dream world, imagines they are something they are not, is disconnected, or has a distorted perspective on reality. On a physical level, excess ether could include everything from excessive weight loss, to excessive weight gain - any departure from one's true nature is an excess of ether.

Balanced ether in the body can look like:

  • Appropriate feelings of empathy, connection
  • Good flow of creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Ability to consider more subtle topics eg: philosophy
Deficient ether element can present as stubbornness, preoccupation with one's self (egoic nature), and inflexibility.

Ether is characterized by nonresistance, space, and receptivity. It is subtle, soft, and light. Weight loss increases ether element. Isolation, loneliness, drugs, and/or spiritual practices that increase spaciness have ether element. It is associated with the spirit, sound, and the ears.

Air

Air correlates with movement, direction and the process of change (of ether). It is light, dry, subtle, cold, and dispersive. Substances that increase air include caffeine, pungent spices, exercises, and mental stimulation. It is associated with thoughts, nerve impulses, breath, touch, peristalsis, and the musculo-skeletal system. Air is linked to Vata dosha.

In the body, balanced air can look like:

  • Easy, smooth breathing
  • Graceful, agile movement
  • A balance of movement and rest.
However, excess air in the system can cause:
  • Dry, rough skin
  • Gas, bloating, hiccups, cramping, irregular digestion
  • Anxiety, insomnia
  • Erratic movement eg: ticks, twitches, spasms
  • Scattered thinking, inability to organize thoughts
  • Talking without thinking, going on tangents
Deficient air element can look like excess stable quality.

Fire

Fire correlates with energy, visible light, and the appearance of things. It is hot, penetrating, subtle, light, and dry. Alcohol, pungent spices, and analytical activity increase fire. It is associated with the eyes and brightness of the skin. Fire prioritizes truth and clarity over relationships.

Fire is generally linked to Pitta dosha and transformation in the body. It helps break down and process everything we come into contact with. Healthy, balanced fire element looks like intelligence and balanced heat:

  • Regular, healthy appetite and thirst
  • Easy digestion
  • Healthy, rosy glow to skin, ruby lips
  • Bright, sparkling eyes
  • Resilience, courage
  • Intellectual sharpness
Excess fire in the body can look like excess heat:
  • Bounding pulse behind belly button, in head
  • Rashes, acne
  • Flushed skin, excess sweat
  • Voracious hunger with inability to gain weight
  • Yellow coloring in eyes, skin, tongue coating
  • Anger, hostility
  • Infection, inflammation
Deficient fire element can show up as excess cold.

Water

Water provides cohesion and relationship. It is fluid, sticky, and soft. It is associated with sweetness, emotion, and fertility. Water sacrifices righteousness for relationship. It is associated with tastebuds, the heart, reproductive organs, and fat tissue.

Cool, heavy water is linked to Kapha dosha, while hot acid and bile are more Pitta-type fluids. Healthy, balanced water element often looks like:

  • Dewy, supple skin
  • Sufficient digestive enzymes, GI lubrication
  • Healthy, easy-flowing blood
  • Appropriate thirst, hunger, urination
  • Formed, easy to pass stool
  • Stable, protected nerves

However, excess water can present as:

  • Edema
  • Feeling heavy, fatigued, dull
  • Excess mucus secretion
  • Diarrhea, loose watery stool
  • Hydrocephalus
Deficient water element can present as dryness.

Earth

Earth is heavy, solid, and dense. It gives our body substance and solidity. All solid parts of the body are an expression of the earth element. Earthy people are grounded, stable, stubborn, and hard. It is associated with smell, muscle, the base of the spine, and the soul.

Earth is a Kapha element, giving stability and grossness. Balanced earth element will look like:

  • Strong bone, muscle, fat formation
  • Overall strong, sturdy constitution
  • Good stamina
  • Reliable, nurturing
  • Ability to stick with a task, project
If there is excess earth element in the body, it can appear as:
  • Weight gain, low muscle tone
  • Bone spurs
  • Stagnation/obstruction of blood, lymph
  • Feeling sluggish, unmotivated, 'stuck in a rut'
  • Slow, sluggish digestion
  • Stubborn, unable to adapt to change
Deficient earth element can look like excess ether element or lightness.
READ MORE ON THIS TOPIC
An Easy Introduction to an Ayurvedic Diet
How to Choose an Ayurvedic Diet: Exploring Your Biocharacteristics
How to Restore Gut Health After an Eating Disorder
 

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About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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