According to the Hindu beliefs, we are one with all life in the process of eating, and by eating, we participate in the cycle of life. In this tradition (as in many other Earth-based spiritual traditions), our world is made up of five elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth and balancing these elements is the key to mental and physical health. Disease can usually be traced to things we eat, thus Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on herbs, right foods, and right living habits — all aligned with one’s constitutional type, or dosha. In this post, we will discuss the elements.

The Elements should not necessarily be considered as literal, but as philosophical principles or correspondences which enable us to understand the world around us. As such, the element of water does not necessarily imply liquids. Rather, it is a symbol for characteristics that are often associated with water.

Ether (Aether)
In Ayurvedic terms, Ether or Akasha means “space” or “emptiness” and is the empty space between atoms. As we know from quantum physics, matter is much less solid than it appears, and is mostly composed of empty space. Ether also corresponds to what many call the undifferentiated cosmic force, the unified field, or the one mind. One characteristic of Ether is sound or vibration; its main characteristic is lack of resistance. It is the lightest of the elements.

Air
In Ayurvedic terms, Air or Vayu means both air as we think of it, the wind, and also the “backdrop” of our environment (the surroundings that we may not always notice). Air is the second lightest element next to ether, in that we can perceive it both visually, and tactilely (in tree branches moving in the wind or in the feel of it on our skin). The main characteristic of Air is movement. In the body, air corresponds to both oxygen and gas.

Fire
There are five different types of fire or Agni in Ayurveda, which make up the characteristics of this element: eyes or Alochaka, digestion or Pachaka, colouring or Ranjaka, heart or Sadhaka and radiance or Bhrajaka. Fire is the transformative element. It is form without substance, and the engine of all processes. According to Ayurveda, the location of Fire in the body is the small intestine.

Water
In Ayurveda, water or Ag represents both time and change. Without it the universe would be formless and lack cohesion. Water is the binding element; it is the conductor of all the other elements. It is substance without stability and is formed from the lighter elements, through heat (fire).

Earth
In Ayurveda, Earth or Avani is the heaviest or most dense of the elements and represents the foundation of life and rootedness in physical life. It is steadfastness of mind, faith, persistence and dependability. It also represents advancement towards a goal. Its main characteristic is stability.

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