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.

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. are descriptions of the qualities of the five mahabhutas. We’ve included the associated senses because the sensory organs are the channels through which our bodies interact with the elements. For instance, sound or music might be incorporated for balancing the Space element, or scented oils (aromatherapy) might act upon the Earth element. We experience the world through sound, sight, taste, touch, and smell, and these sensory perceptions influence hormones and other biochemical functions in the body.

1. 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
   

2. 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
   

3. 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
   

4. 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
   

5. 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