Ayurveda aims at striking a balance between the nature’s five elements i.e. air, water, earth, fire and space, and their roles in human health. In Ayurveda, healing is done with the help of herbs, minerals and plants and emphasis is on striking a balance between body and mind.Ayurveda also lays stress on eating a balanced and nutritious diet that contains whole grains, fresh and locally produced, seasonal food.
Air (Vayu) – Air is the driving force behind all movement and is essential for proper functioning of skin, which is the largest sense organ in the human body and to our nervous system. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is believed that imbalances in Vayu lead to health problems such as anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders, and joint pain. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend lifestyle changes, including diet to cure these imbalances. For example, certain herbs such as fennel, ginger and cinnamon help regulate vayu and bring about overall wellbeing.
Water (Jal) – Water not only transports nutrients and blood throughout the body, it also helps eliminate toxins and waste from the system. It maintains the balance of vata, pitta, and kapha doshas and soothes the body, spirit and mind. Therefore ayurvedic treatments use therapies such as Panchkarma and Shirodhara that use water to promote emotional and physical balance. Drinking warm water improves digestion and boosts metabolism.
Earth (Prithvi) – In Ayurveda earth element is associated with kapha dosha and represents groundedness. A balanced earth element provides a sense of security, stability and a solid physical foundation. Ayurveda recommends eating root vegetables, nuts, grains and seeds to maintain this balance.
Fire (Agni) – Just as fire transformseverything it touches, it also transforms the food we eat into fuel and energy that is a source of vitality for our body.If agni is balanced, the body will enjoy good health. Moreover, agni is also associated with emotional health and helps process thoughts, emotions and emotional stability.
Space (Akash) – The akasha element is associated with self-expression and communication and believes that meditation, yoga and healthy diet helps soothe the mind and connects one to the inner self.
In conclusion, ayurveda emphasizes the connection with nature and relies on harmony between the five elemnents and our body.
