As fluid as Water, As light as Air
As giving as the Earth, As Bright as Fire
In the unlimited Space, I find the Balance
This is my Existence and all I Desire
– Dipannita Sahai

The Universe is made of five elements, Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. As per Yogic sciences, for the creation of anything, Space is required. This is how the universe came into existence. First, Space appeared and in Space, Air and other gases came into existence. Then, Fire began to transform gases and elements. With the fusion of gases, Water came into existence. To hold everything together, Earth came into existence. This happened in no time, like a big bang.

As universe is created of 5 elements, everything in it, including human beings, constitutes of these five elements. A proper study and understanding of these elements is key to maintaining good physical as well as mental health. Each cell of our body has the presence of these five elements. Repercussions of the imbalance between the five are conspicuous and often addressable. Ayurveda is created on this concept of 5 elements.

What happens when there’s imbalance?

When the five elements are imbalanced, we face issues such as the climate change. Climate change occurs due to imbalance of Earth and Air element. We have extracted Petroleum, Coal, Wood, nuclear power etc. from the Earth, burnt and used them according to our needs, releasing the by-products in the atmosphere, thus creating Air imbalance.

The smallest unit of planet Earth is the element, Carbon. Everything around us, the land, the rocks, vegetation, or the air, abounds with carbon in some form or the other. Plants are the greatest absorbers of carbon. However, humans, through their industrial practices (development and usage of factories, automobile, rockets, nuclear reactors) have raised the atmospheric carbon levels to an extent where nature is unable to maintain its balance. Owing to human malpractices, the greenhouse gas CO2 is unable to leave the atmosphere of the earth, and hence is leading to a global temperature raise, which in turn is gradually making life conditions tougher on the planet.

The imbalance of the five fundamental elements, in the same way, can lead to alarming repercussions.  Our bodies are connected with each other and to the universe through these fundamental elements existing within us.  Let us now understand the five elements in detail.

1. Earth

Earth nurtures everyone and everything that lives on it. The Earth element symbolizes stability, permanence and rigidity. It is directly connected to the digestive system, and hence its imbalance causes digestive issues, and may lead to weight gain and lethargy and cause immense amount of stress. The excess of the earth element causes a condition known as brain fog where thinking is muddled and productivity drops.

2. Water

Water indicates eternel flow or fluidity, nurturing and unstable nature. Nearly 70% of our bodies is Water. All the fluids in our body are linked to the water element. The element is directly connected to the sense of youthfulness, taste, and the various fluid substances inside our body – blood, lymph, urine, intracellular fluid, and even emotions. The imbalance of water element directly leads to kidney function issues, further leading to digestion, energy imbalance, and blood-related disorders. With issues in relationships, and instability in life, the imbalance also leads to extreme anxiety, fear, nervousness, and fatigue.

3. Fire

 Fire element, as its name suggests denotes passion, vitality, the power to transform, burn (anger), and self-esteem. Fire gets transformed into tissue and energy. In our mind, it is fiery intelligence and fiery emotions. In our eyes, it creates vision. Fire imbalance can lead to either extreme depression and lethargy or anxiety and sleeping problems.  Hot flashes and skin irritations are indicators of excessive fire element. It is extremely important when it comes to mental health and happiness.

4. Air

Air is the element that is eternally dynamic, flexible and mobile. Respiration, sensation of touch, movement, contraction and relaxation, all subtle movements, including that of nerves in our body are air dominant in nature. Air element lets you take the flights of fantasy. However, air imbalance can trap you inside your head, leading to over-thinking and depression. As long as you’re able to keep your imagination in control and make good use of your thoughts, your air element is balanced. Relationship and commitment issues  and problems in decision making arise when the air element is imbalanced.

5. Space

The Space element is the foundation of your relationship with the universe. The vacant spaces inside the body, big and small channels, along with sound and auditory channels are predominant in Space by nature. Moreover, the manifestation of all your desires, creativity, wisdom, dignity, knowledge and compassion, are all regulated by the space element and hence it is the essence of life. Space is important in relationships, as well as in each and every cell of our body. Proper rest and meditation have been regarded as the most important components of leading a healthy life. Meditation helps new ideas and thoughts to make space in your mind.  The balance of Space element is primary for achieving success in life.

A perfect balance of Yin-Yang, harmony between the body and the mind, and between one and the universe, is essential for a happy life. Following certain food habits, as well as meditation, are few of the many ways which can help you achieve the perfect balance required for happiness and success. In the upcoming blogs, I shall take you on a journey of realization, helping you recognize the imbalances in your body and eventually overcome the same.

Till then, Stay Balanced, Stay Healthy and Stress-free!!!