Everyday Ayurveda

The science of Ayurveda can be viewed as an umbrella discipline or ‘mother’ of many modern-day alternative therapies. An important aspect of Ayurveda lies in its ability to understand and describe the subtle energies and intelligence flowing through our bodies. We will know about different body types, various cycles of Ayurveda, Lifestyle and behaviour etc.

The ancient science of Ayurveda has as much relevance today as it did to people of ancient India, where it originated at least 5,000 years ago. In the 21st century, we use Ayurvedic wisdom as a tool for balancing our lives—whether we want to have more energy, lose weight, improve our moods, or simply feel healthier.

Ayurveda is based on the principles of living in harmony with the cycles and rhythms of nature. As, you will see, its concept is natural and simple, yet highly effective.

The Five Mahabhutas (Elements)

In Ayurveda, the universe, the world, all matter, and all living things (including people) are comprised of combinations of five elements: Space (or “Ether”), Air, Fire, Water, and Earth.These five (pancha) are called the mahabhutas, or panchamahabhutas.

Knowing the physical and energetic characteristics of each of the mahabhutas is key to understanding Ayurveda because these elements combine in infinite variety to create our personal mind/body constitutions, and they are the building blocks for creating balance.

When the body is out of balance, mahabhutas with opposite qualities are used to return that imbalance to balance (ie., health and well-being). The Panchamahabhutas are fundamental to Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment.

· SPACE (akash in Sanskrit) is empty, formless, weightless, and clear. Sometimes called “Ether,” Space refers to the sky rather than “outer space.” In the body, Space correlates with spacious places such as the abdomen, chest cavity, mouth, nose, and gastrointestinal tract. Psychologically, Space gives rise to feelings of peace, freedom, compassion, isolation, emptiness, and anxiety.

Sense: Hearing (sound) Organ: Ear

· AIR (vayu in Sanskrit) is dry, cold, light, clear, and full of motion. A harsh wind is a good example of this mahabhuta. In the body, air moves through the lungs (respiration), brain (synapses and nerves), muscles (heart and circulatory systems), and through the intestines (elimination). Emotionally, Air expresses as happiness, excitement, fear, and anxiety.

Sense: Touch Organ: Skin

· FIRE (tejas in Sanskrit) is hot, changeable, dry, and illuminating. In nature we see Fire in the sun, which provides light and warmth. Anatomically, Fire is associated with metabolism, sight, and the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. Fire is the emotional source of anger, hatred, ambition, and drive.

Sense: Sight Organ: Eyes

· WATER (aap in Sanskrit) is flowing, wet, heavy, cold, and cohesive like the ocean. In the body, Water is represented by plasma, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, sweat, obesity, and edema. Emotionally, Water creates contentment, love, and compassion.

Sense: Taste Organ: Tongue

· EARTH (prithvi in Sanskrit) is heavy, cold, dense, stable, and solid—just think of the characteristics of dirt. Earth manifests in the body as all the anatomical structures: bones, nails, teeth, hair, and skin. In terms of emotions, Earth is associated with groundedness, growth, forgiveness, attachments, greed, and depression.

Sense: Smell Organ: Nose