Panchamahabhutas – The Five Great Elements

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Earth (Prithvi)
Our physical body, a tangible part of this world, is connected to the element of earth, from which it is formed. However, life is not breathed into it until the other elements are integrated. Just as multiple components are essential in the creation of anything, the formation of living beings also requires four additional elements beyond earth.
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Water (Apas)
From both Vedic and scientific perspectives, water is considered the most vital component of human existence. Around 70% of the human body is composed of water, mirroring the three-fourths of the earth covered by it. Water circulates through the blood and permeates the entire body, making it crucial for survival. It is often said that while living beings can go days without food, survival without water is impossible.
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Fire (Tejas)
Fire, believed to have arisen from water, plays a vital role in the body as a source of energy. Just as water fuels our life force, the fire element provides the necessary heat and energy for movement. It symbolizes warmth, power, and strength. The heat within our body is derived from this element, which is essential for maintaining health and vitality, empowering both body and spirit.
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Ether (Akasha)
The sky element encompasses all other elements earth, water, fire, and air. It serves as the vessel for the soul and is regarded as paramount for meditation. Just as the sky stretches into infinity, so too does the mind, which knows no bounds. The sky contains clouds, dust, and light, reflecting the vast spectrum of human emotions, joy, sorrow, and peace, all of which arise in the mind.
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Air (Vayu)
Air is regarded as the most crucial element for sustaining life. Fire itself is said to originate from the presence of air. Our body is considered alive only as long as it breathes oxygen; once air departs, life ceases. Every living being, whether humans, animals, or plants, requires air to thrive. For this reason, air is often referred to as the essence of life.
The Doshas Your Unique Mind-Body Blueprint


VATA


PITTA


KAPHA
Your Inner Blueprint for Balance
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Balance
- Creative
- Flexible
- Adaptable
- Energetic
- Quick-thinking
- Expressive
Unbalance
- Anxious
- Restless
- Forgetful
- Fatigue
- Overthinking
- Unfocused
Body Physique
- Lean and often tall or short
- Light, delicate bones and prominent joints
- Long, slender fingers and toes
- Thin body, even in childhood
- Gains weight unevenly, often around the middle
- Skin tends to be dry and prone to wrinkles
- Sparse body hair, often fine and dry
- Small, irregular-shaped teeth that may shift
- Thin neck, slightly long
- Rounded or receding chin
- Hair is often dry, curly, and prone to split ends
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Balance
- Confident
- Passionate
- Courageous
- Focused
- Disciplined
- Intelligent
Unbalance
- Angry
- Manipulative
- Critical
- Controlling
- Impatient
- Judgmental
Body Physique
- Moderately athletic build.
- Medium bone structure.
- Fingers and toes of medium length.
- Medium build in childhood.
- Gains weight moderately and evenly
- Skin tends to be dry and prone to wrinkles
- Skin is warm and may be prone to rashes or redness.
- Moderate body hair of medium texture.
- Even-sized teeth of medium proportions.
- Moderate neck that is proportionate.
- Moderate-sized, well-defined chin.
- Hair is medium in texture and can be prone to premature graying.
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Balance
- Patient
- Content
- Generous
- Calm
- Loyal
- Grounded
Unbalance
- Stubborn
- Greedy
- Insensitive
- Lethargic
- Depressed
- Sluggish
Body Physique
- Solid and often overweight build.
- Sturdy and heavy bone structure.
- Fingers and toes are broad and robust.
- Larger or stockier build in childhood.
- Tends to gain weight, especially in hips and thighs.
- Skin is oily and smooth, may be prone to congestion
- Abundant, thick body hair.
- Large, strong teeth with well-developed gums.
- Thick and strong neck.
- Prominent and square-shaped jaw.
- Thick, lustrous hair that may be oily.