The Fifth of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – EARTH
The fifth element of Ayurveda is earth. Having a better understanding of the five elements can help you understand Ayurveda and your world better.
In Sanskrit, the earth element is called Prithvi, and it is the fifth and last of the five elements of Ayurveda.
The earth element evolves from the first four elements; ether, air, fire, and water, and earth contains all of the first four elements. All the elements arise from ether and all the elements contain some earth.
Earth is the solid substance that makes up the universe. It is the element that gives form to all of creation, including the physical body. It provides the human body its shape, and it is present in the bones, teeth, nails, hair, skin, muscles, tendons, and organs.
It is the densest and the most solid element of all. Compared to ether, air, fire, and water, the earth element is the hardest and heaviest, and most stable.
The earth element has a calming and grounding effect. It brings stability and firmness and expresses itself as inertia, or inactivity.
The qualities of the Element of Earth
- It is cool
- Stable
- Heavy
- Dry
- Rough
- Gross
- Dense
- Dull
- Clear
- Hard
The Element of Earth and the Physical Body
A significant amount of the mass of the body consists of the earth element. This element is responsible for all the solid structural components of the body. It provides the body with structure, stability, strength, and stamina. The entire body depends on the earth element for perfect health and optimal well-being.
The earth element is closely related to the nose and is responsible for the sense of smell. Loss of smell means there is an imbalance in the body of the earth element.
Proper elimination of the earth element is vital to balance the earth element for optimal health and well-being and a superb sense of smell.
Because the earth element and the sense of smell are so closely related, both diarrhea and constipation can harm the ability to smell. When one has diarrhea and too much earth exits the body , the body’s structure tends to weaken. When one is constipated and holds on to the earth element in the body, the body becomes toxic.
The earth element enters our body through the food that we eat. When we overeat and have too much of the earth element in our body, the excess earth is stored in our body as fat, our entire structure becomes bulkier, and we increase in size.
People with large amounts of the earth element in their body have thick skin and hair, large muscles, and strong nails. And a lack of the earth element in the body may result in body fragility, weak bones, fewer muscles and more fat, constant cold flashes, and feelings of insecurity.
When you are feeling ungrounded and stressed-out, with low-self esteem, irritable and vulnerable, disorganized and unfocused, it means you’ve got to add some earth to your diet.
How to balance the Earth Element
The best way to balance the earth element is to consume large amounts of the earth element.
Most foods contain some of the earth element.
- Grains, nuts, meats, and legumes have the most significant quantity of the earth element.
- Dairy products have a relatively good amount of the earth element.
- Spices, vegetables, and fruits have just a small amount of the earth element.
The Season of the Element of Earth is Late Winter, Early Spring
Late winter, early spring is the season of the earth element. The earth element is in its prime late winter when the weather is relatively dry and static, and nature is more or less dormant.
As the snow begins to melt and the water starts to flow in the early spring, the earth element provides the substance for new life.
During winter, it is essential to be conscious of having the proper balance of the earth element in our diet. Ayurveda suggests consuming less of the earth element during this time compared to the other seasons.
The perfect amount of the earth element in our diet during winter keeps our body temperature intact. Too much of the earth element in our diet during the chilly winter may increase body fat. TIn contrast, too little may make the body weak.
Ayurveda recommends avoiding fasting and hardcore detox programs during the wintriness.
The Element of Earth and the Dosha
The Kapha dosha consists of the earth and water element.
The water element is responsible for protecting the body from the heat of Pitta and the movement of Vata, and the earth element provides the basis for the tissues’ growth and development.
To learn more about Ayurveda and your dosha please refer to An Introduction to Ayurveda and Ayurveda Lifestyle and Daily Routines for a healthy Ayurvedic routine.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Introduction to the Five Elements of Ayurveda
- The First of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – ETHER
- The Second of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – AIR
- The Third of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – FIRE
- The Fourth of the Five Elements of Ayurveda – WATER
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