5 Elements of Nature and their Connection to Health

 

Hinduism began around 2300 B.C. Unlike other religions, Hinduism is a fusion of firm beliefs and faith in karma, reincarnation, and a life of honor and devotion. Hinduism gave rise to Ayurveda, which is a traditional method of medical treatment.

Ayurveda believes that everything in this universe comprises 5 elements. These five elements are mentioned as Akasha, Vayu, Aap, Prithvi, and Teja. In modern science, these nature's elements are known as Space, Air, Water, Earth, and Fire. But there’s more to this study.

The relevance of 5 Elements of Nature

Nature's 5 elements organize all natural phenomena into five significant groups. Each of them includes limitless categories such as seasons, climate, development, organs, emotions, body tissues, human senses, soul, etc. In a nutshell, these five elements reflect a profound understanding of the universe.

People believe that the human body is a combination of these five elements. If these elements are seamlessly balanced, a person lives a happy and fruitful life. Yoga and meditation are based upon the same idea and help in balancing the human body. No wonder why yoga and meditation are so calming and soothing.

Let's dive a little deeper into this concept and understand how each element mirrors our body and health.

1. Space: Akasha is the element where everything happens. All the vacant spaces inside our bodies lie in the Space element. The chief characteristic of Space is sound and affects the entire spectrum of vibrations.

If the space element is imbalanced in the body, it can lead to problems like thyroid, speech disorders, throat illness, epilepsy, etc. The key is to eat right and introduce yoga into your life. Techniques like pranayama can help in managing this element.

2. Air: Vayu is generally associated with subtle movements of nerves like respiration, breathing, and relaxation. An imbalanced level of the air element in the body leads to anxiety and stress, and mental health issues. It also affects blood pressure and lungs and generally leads to nervous disorders, deformities, depression, etc.

To maintain the Vayu element, eat light and raw foods such as sprouts, nuts, and seeds. Drink lemon water in the morning, and exercise regularly. Also, form an early to bed and rise routine for better results.

3. Water: Aap is a liquid state that resembles body fluids–blood, urine, lymph, and intracellular fluids. Water element flows through our body and distributes nutrition, carries waste and regulates body temperature.

An imbalanced level of the water element leads to conditions like asthma, cold, sinus, blood thinning, and problems related to urine and reproductive organs. To avoid such problems, drink water regularly, include soup in your diet, and devour whole grains, roasted nuts, and ginger tea. Opting for yoga positions like Tai Chi and Qigong is likewise beneficial.

4. Earth: Prithvi is perceived by our 5 senses that are smell, taste, hear, touch, and see. Earth reflects our muscles and body, particularly the parts that are thick and stable. The things we consume have a direct impact on this element.

Consider the Earth element like late summers. Choose the sugars and level of carbs wisely. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, and pay attention to what you eat and how.

5. Fire: Teja is referred to as the power of transformation. Everything inside our bodies, be it solid or fluid, is converted into tissues and energy by the fire element. Our visionary senses are also influenced by this element.

A disproportion of fire element can culminate in problems like cold, fever, loss of vital energy, acidity, diabetes, and skin diseases.

Maintain the fire element by consuming cucumbers, sprouts, watermelon, corn, and rice. Eat power lunches and increase cardiovascular exercise.

Nature is a curious thing. It affects our surroundings and our bodies as well. If everything around us is in great sync with our body, leading a healthy and happy life becomes easier. Slight changes in your routine can lead to great advancements. Therefore, balancing these 5 elements of nature helps in maintaining good health.