“The Panchamahabhuta siddhanta “-The 5 elements principle. 

This is the basic but most important principle of Ayurveda. 

The 5 Elements are Prithvi –  Earth, Aap/Jala- Water, Agni-  Fire, Vayu-  Air, Akash-  Space

According to Ayurveda, this universe and every substance in it is consists of the combination of these 5 elements so the human body (Pinda) but with soul.

Panchamahabhutas also relates to the five fingers of human being.  Another principle of Ayurveda is about Tridosha- Vata, Pitta and Kapha . These doshas are consisting of different combinations of these elements. 

Every element has their own characteristic which represents itself. The 5 elements and nature functions are similar to our body functions. The balance of these 5 elements keeps the body healthy i.e. in balanced state. And imbalance in these elements can lead to disease in human body.   

There is correlation of 5 elements to Triodosha to Shadrasa (6 tastes). The food is also classified into this way. The properties- Guna of these elements are important to know so that we can make our food choices. The balance of these 5 elements keeps the body balanced.

5 Elements their Properties and Function

Panchendriya/ 5 senses – 

1. Shabda/Sound  

2. Sparsha/Touch 

3. Roop/Sight 

4. Rasa/Taste 

5. Gandh/Smell.

The 5 senses of body and 5 elements are inter-related to each other.

Prithvi/Earth- Stable, Dense, Dull, Gross.

Functions- Stability, Strength, Compact, Heaviness. 

It is Predominant in Smell- Gandha.

Aap/Water- Cold, Moist, Heavy, Soft, Slimy, Dense, Unstoppable.

Functions- Moisture, Unctuousness, Pleasant, Binding.

It is Predominant in Taste-Rasa

Agni- Hot, Sharp, Subtle, Dry, Rough, Light.

Functions 

Formation of heat, Digestion, Assimilation, Warm. 

It is Predominant in Sight-Roop

Vayu- Rough, Cold, Light, Dry, Subtle.

Functions-Lightness, Cleanliness, Movements, Dryness. 

Predominant in Touch- Sparsh.

Akash- Smooth, Soft, Porous, Spacy.

Functions-Softness, Porousness, lightness.

It is Predominant in Sound –Shabda

This whole nature is made up of 5 elements. We take all Panchamahabhutas from the Universe, maintain them in our body and release them again into the universe and the process continues.