Written by John Immel, Asheville, NC

Observe the Natural World

In every corner of the globe and every ecological niche, plants and animals have adapted to life in the natural world. Humans have also adapted. Our health is directly correlated to our ability to withstand the seasons. Some of us feel strong in winter, others in summer. The body evolved in nature, and to an Ayurvedic practitioner there is no separation of medicine and nature. Ayurveda's origins come from observation of the natural world. 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. Thus, Ayurveda begins with the basic five elements in nature.

The Five Elements

To Ayurveda, the elements of nature are not forces in themselves, but rather states. The five elements are the most common qualities one encounters in nature. They include ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Chinese medicine also adds metal and wood 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 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 the Western concept of a vacuum - a volume of space that is void of matter (including air). Ether is characterized by nonresistance, space, and receptivity. It is subtle, soft, and light. Weight loss increases ether element. Isolation, loneliness, and drugs or spiritual practices that increase spaciness have ether element. It is associated with the spirit, sound, and the ears.

Air

Air correlates with movement and direction. It is light, dry, subtle, cold, and dispersive. Substances that increase air include caffeine, pungent spices, exercises, and mental stimulation. It is associated with the mind, breath, touch, and the musculo-skeletal system.

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 relationship.

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.

Earth

Earth is heavy, solid, and dense. Earthy people are grounded, stable, stubborn, and hard. It is associated with smell, muscle, the base of the spine, and the soul.

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