Ayurveda and Five Elements

According to Ayurveda five element concepts is everything behind all creations in this universe. From a grain of sand to the complex anatomy of human being is made up with 5 Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas). When we look at the beauty of nature around us, these Elements (Pancha Mahabhutas) form the basis for all materialistic creation. We get nourishment for our body with foods which are generated from these elements, and eventually, our body returns matter from which it came. And at last when we die, our bodies return to these elements. Ayurveda recognizes these elements–
• Ether, Space (Akasha)
• Air (Vayu)
• Fire( Tejas, Agni)
• Water (Jal, Neer, Apa )
• Earth (Prithvi, Dhara )
Ayurveda discover the theory of five elements in ancient time. Ayurveda also observes the connection between these five elements within the human body physiology. The elegance of five element concepts lies in its simplicity of the basic principles, and the powerful analytical tool for body-mind and environmental assessment.
Each and Every element having its own importance and function in our body, Water is our life-sustaining nectar, making more than 70% of total body mass. Fire provides heat exists within all metabolic and chemical actions. Air element flows throughout the body, give movement to biological functions and feeding every cell with oxygen. “Space” (ether) is the essence of emptiness and main in all other elements. Ether is the most expansive without any form or boundaries, creates space for the other elements to fill. Human mind is also composed of ether. Ether is like an ocean on which thoughts and emotions ride like waves. Proper nourishment and emotional support acts as a container for ether. Satisfying and foods according to mood pacify ether as the empty space of digestive system. Emotionally, love is the best form of nourishment for all elements. These five elements also play roles in the different phases of life.
In Childhood, during the physical growth-water and earth elements,
In Adulthood when activity and change occur- fire,
And in old age when mobility impaired and the body begins to weaken- space and air element. Death is the time of ether. The body disintegrates and the elements flee their boundaries. All that remains is the subtly of our spirit.

Article Source:
http://www.4ayurveda.com/health.asp?aid=8 

HEALTH AND PEACE OF MIND

The term for perfect health in Ayurveda is Swastha. Literally translated Svastha means "to be fully established in the Self.” Hence, when we are fully established in knowing our true nature, we express our full potential. This represents optimal health for each person.

Ayurveda is a journey to perfect health, peace of mind and, ultimately, to enlightenment. By the very laws of Sankhya philosophy, human incarnation is disharmonious. Once incarnated, humanity forgets its true nature as spirit and lives as a physical being guided by the senses. This journey is one of the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain and suffering. This simplistic and, as some writers have stated, animalistic existence brings about both physical and emotional pain and suffering.

The process of healing is the process of remembering. When a person remembers their true nature as spirit, they become empowered to master the senses and make choices that bring harmony, not pleasure. The fruit of this action is peace of mind and well-being.

When we live out of harmony we suffer. In the physical body suffering takes the form of pain and symptoms of disease. Ayurveda understands that these symptoms are simply the body’s voice communicating that we are living out of harmony. When we change our life and re-create a life of greater harmony, our bodies reflect this change. There is less suffering. The greater the change toward harmony, the more radiant the body becomes.

The mind is no different. It is subtler, but the same laws apply. Symptoms of a diseased mind include unhappiness, depression, sadness, anxiety, anger and any other emotion other than peace of mind. These symptoms are also communicating that we are living out of harmony, that some aspect of our life is disharmonious.

Healing is the process of returning to harmony. Once back in harmony the body and the mind have no reason to communicate symptoms. The body becomes at ease; the mind becomes at peace. In this state, awareness reawakens to its true nature as spirit. Self-realization has occurred and the individual soul continues its advance toward enlightenment. When Self-realization occurs twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, the door opens to becoming a Jivan Mukta; a liberated soul, and enlightenment ensues.

Ayurveda teaches us that we are all unique individuals. We were conceived with a unique constitution or fundamental balance of energies that define who we are on the physical level. It defines what we are naturally attracted to and what causes us to move out of balance and experience disease. Depending on our constitution, we thrive in a particular environment.

We take our environment in through the senses, which are the portals to our body and consciousness. The energies we take in either blend with us or disrupt our harmony. Proper diet (taste), aromas (smell), sounds (hearing), colors (vision), and touch are essential to maintaining internal equilibrium. When harmonious impressions are taken in, the body is healthy and the mind peaceful. When disharmonious impressions are taken in, the body and mind suffer.

Hence, Ayurveda focuses on helping individuals understand themselves as unique beings. With that understanding, a person can become empowered to make choices that are in harmony with who they are. Ayurveda teaches us that nothing is right for everyone but everything is right for someone. Ayurveda is the path of understanding what is right for you.

Ayurveda also teaches us that it is not only the intake of sensory impressions that determines our well-being it is our lifestyle as a whole. Proper daily regimens are essential: a regular schedule that includes meditation, yoga practices, daily massage (morning application of body oil), proper eating habits and proper hygiene brings about good health and peace of mind. When combined with proper intake of sensory impressions, the depth of the peace and well-being we experience is infinite.