The 5 Elements & the Body
Ayurveda teaches us that everything in the physical world (humans, animals, plants, food…etc) is composed of varying combinations of the 5 elements.
Our own physical bodies are simply a microcosm of the Earth’s macrocosm. The same way that the physical World is comprised of Ether (space) , Air, Fire, Water and Earth, so to are our bodies composed of the same 5 elements.
The 5 elements have a direct impact on our health. Understanding how these elements effect the body is one of the tools that Ayurveda employs when treating disease and strengthening immunity.
Ayurveda treats health imbalances, whether big or small, by applying the principle of opposites. This principle states that the most effective treatment makes use of qualities that are opposite to the qualities of the disease or imbalance at hand.
For example, to cool down an overheated body caused by the aggravation of heat (fire), we use bitter and astringent herbs (cooling), and use cooling foods such as salads, fruits or grains. Another example is the treatment of lightheadedness, which is connected to the elements of air and ether. The opposite treatment would use grounding, heavy foods such as particular nuts and seeds (soaked overnight in water) or root vegetables ( Earth) along with warming oils (Fire).
Each element holds defining qualities, and is connected to specific sense organs and senses. This knowledge has been attained through centuries of Ayurvedic testing and observation. The relevance of this knowledge is used as a diagnostic tool in determining the best method of treatment.
Each element houses the next element, in descending order, according to this list.
Now let’s get down to learning about the specific qualities of each one of these individual elements!
Air
Air keeps everything moving throughout the body, it gives direction to all processes and functions. Ex) Air moves food through our digestive tract.
Qualities: round, dry, light, cold, mobile
Sense: Touch
Sense Organ: Skin
Ether
Ether is the space between things. Ether/Space is the base element of all the other elements.
Qualities: subtle, soft, clear, smooth, expanding
Sense: Sound
Sense Organ: Ear
“Nothingness is the quality of space”- Kerala Ayurveda Academy
Fire
Fire is responsible for conversion in the body. All forms of conversion/transformation, including digestion of food, are carried out by the fire element.
Qualities: hot, sharp
Sense: Sight
Sense Organ: Eyes
Water
The function of water is to nourish and protect the body. Ex: Saliva is a component of water that mixes with food and gives the sense of taste to food. Saliva protects the mucus membrane of the oral cavity.
Qualities: flowing, wet, dull, soft, cloudy
Sense: Taste
Sense Organ: Tongue
Earth
Earth governs the shape, structure and strength of the body.
Qualities: gross, heavy, static, hard, dense
Sense: Smell
Sense Organ: Nose