The Panchamahabhutas
According
to Ayurveda everything in life is composed of the Panchamahabhutas
– Akash (Space), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water),
Agni (Fire) and
Prithvi
(Earth). Omnipresent, they are mixed in an infinite
variety of relative proportions such that each form of
matter is distinctly unique. Although each element has a
range of attributes, only some get evident in particular
situations. Constantly changing and interacting with each
other, they create a situation of dynamic flux that keeps
the world going.
Within
a simple, single living cell for example the earth element
predominates by giving structure to the cell. The water
element is present in the cytoplasm or the liquid within
the cell membrane. The fire element regulates the
metabolic processes regulating the cell. While the air
element predominates the gases therein. The space occupied
by the cell denoting the last of the elements.
In
the case of a complex, multi-cellular organism as a human
being for instance, akash corresponds to
spaces within the body (mouth, nostrils, abdomen etc.); vayu
denotes the movement (essentially muscular); agni controls the functioning of enzymes (intelligence,
digestive system, metabolism); jal is in all
body fluids (as plasma, saliva, digestive juices); and prithvi
manifests itself in the solid structure of the body
(bones, teeth, flesh, hair et al).
The Panchmahabhutas therefore serve as the
foundation of all diagnosis & treatment modalities in Ayurveda
and has served as a most valuable theory for physicians to
detect and treat illness of the body and mind
successfully.
|
Panch
Mahabhutas
|
Sense
Organs
|
Sensory
Faculty
|
Properties
|
Actions
|
|
Space
|
Ears
|
Hearing
|
*Creates
natural void in the body
*
No distinct taste
|
Produces
softness, lightness and porosity
|
|
Air
|
Skin
|
Touch
|
*Light,
clear and dry.
*Governs
inhalation, exhalation, opening and closing of
eyelids, extension and contraction of joints,
locomotion and other motor functions.
*slightly
bitter taste
|
Creates
dryness, lightness and emaciation.
|
|
Fire
|
Eyes
|
Visual(Sight)
|
*Rough
& bright eyes
*Controls
temperature and luster of body colour.
*Pungent
taste
|
Helps
in digestion, maturation, improves eye sight
|
|
Earth
|
Nose
|
Smell
|
*Heavy,
immobile, compact & rough.
*Controls
organs as teeth, nails, flesh, skin, tendons &
muscles.
*Sweet
taste.
|
*Increases
firmness & strength of the body
*Acts
as a nutrient, emollient and purgative
|
|
Water
|
Tongue
|
Taste
|
*Cold,
heavy fluid
*Slimy,
fat and sweat by nature
*Sweet
& astringent, sour & saline taste.
|
*Imparts
glossiness.
*Enhances
fluid content & purgative
*Acts
as nutrient, emollient and purgative.
|
Introduction
| Panchamahabhutas | Tridoshas
| Trigunas
| Agni
| Dhatus
| Malas
|
