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Panchamahabhuta

The Pancha Mahabhuta are more than just Bhutas – they are expansive presences. In fact, all of creation is comprised of these 5 elements. For example, the human body consists of 5 basic elements. These elements form the mass of life. It is the mass of these five elements that expresses our existence. But what is the relationship between Panchamahabhuta and Dosha?

What are the Panchamahabhuta

The five-part system that comprises our human body, known as the Panchamahabhuta, is a fundamental unit of our existence. Each of the five elements has its own characteristics and gives rise to various structures and functions in the body. As a result, the concept of Panchamahabhuta is applicable to our everyday life. The concept of Panchamahabhuta is the foundation of Ayurveda.

The first element of the panchamahabhuta is the Earth, or Bhumi, in Sanskrit. We perceive this element through our five senses, including sight, hearing, and smell. We also perceive our physical body in terms of air and space, making them very essential elements of the body. Hence, the concept of panchamahabhuta is an important concept for understanding the human body and mind.

According to Ayurveda, the Pancha Mahabhuta consists of 5 elements – fire, water, earth, air, and ether space, the element of life. When these five elements are in balance, life can be manifested in the form of all five elements.

Panchamahabhuta relation with Dosha

In Ayurveda Panchamahabhuta and Tridoshas (three humors of the body) have a inseparable relation . When out of balance, these humors cause disease. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha all hold together to allow the different functions and movements of the body to work properly. This is the basis for the theory of disease and health in Ayurveda.

The relationship between the panchamahabhuta and dosha is complex. The relationship between the two is a key factor to understand what exactly is the fundamental base of Ayurveda. Panchamahabhuta and dhatus are also related with each other, allowing Physicians to understand the etiology of a disease and at the same time all these principles are also used to treat or manage a disease using medicines and diets.

Vata Dosha – Made of combination of Air and Ether

Pitta Dosha – Made of combination of Fire and Water

Kapha Dosha – Made of combination of Earth and Water

In Ayurveda, the five basic elements are classified according to their relationship with each other. These five elements are linked to each sense organ: the nose, the tongue, and the eyes. Ultimately the fundamental building base of both mother nature and human body is panchamahabhuta, Hence everything in the universe is composed of dravya, and each of the elements is responsible for a specific physical aspect.

Panchamahabhuta relation with Rasa

In Panchamahabhuta theory the combination of two elements produces the distinctive rasa. The relationship between Vayu and Prithvi is a good example. Vayu and Prithvi represent the earth and air, respectively. Solid substances will be salty, while bitter substances are made up of more air.

The relationship between the panchamahabhuta and Rasa is explained in the Ayurvedic generalization sarvam dravyam hi panchabhauticam. Panchamahabhuta and Rasa are interdependent, and the two elements work together to make each one rasa

Sweet taste – Made of combination of Earth and Water

Sour taste – Made of combination of Earth and Fire

Salt taste – Made of combination of Water and Fire

Pungent taste – Made of combination of Air and Fire

Bitter taste – Made of combination of Air and Ether

Astringent taste – Made of combination of Air and Earth

So now its clear that both Dosha and Food taste have combination of different mahabhuta, So now you can understand by yourself why a particular taste can trigger a particular dosha vitiation. Even another interesting fact is that the properties of these Rasa and the dosha’s which may get triggered by these Rasa have similar properties.

When Kapha dosha is increased – It can be treated with diet or medicines having Rasa of Pungent, Bitter and Astringent

When Pitta dosha is increased – It can be treated with diet or medicines having Rasa of Bitter, Sweet, Astringent taste

When Vata dosha is increased – It can be treated with diet or medicines having Rasa of Salt, Sweet, Madhura

The three-part theory of the body’s structure combines the doshas and Mahabhuta to form the physical structure of a living organism. This theory forms the basis of Ayurvedic physiology. Ayurveda’s idea of disease and health is based on the Panchamahabhuta. The concept is simple: each dhatu contributes to the formation of the different organs and tissues.

Panchamahabhuta in human body

The five constituents of the Panchamahabhuta form the physical components and anatomy of the human body. Each component has its own distinct attributes and gives rise to unique objects and matters. The five components are derived from the union of the tejas (earth), agnimahabhuta (life element), and ether (space). Each element governs a particular function or activity in the human body. The characteristics of each component are used for diagnosis and therapeutics.

Vayu, or air, is the second element. This element is responsible for movement, and it is represented in the human body as the lungs. Vayu gives movement to every body process, including breathing, nerve conduction, cell division, and bowel movements. Vayu also controls our ability to think quickly and creatively.

The Role of Rasa Dhatu in Ayurveda

If you have ever wanted to learn more about the role of Rasa Dhatu in Ayurvda, then you have come to the right place. Read on to discover the function of Rasa Dhatu, the symptoms of its deficiency and how to treat it. There is no better time to learn more about this ancient healing system than now. So, let’s begin!

Functions of Rasa Dhatu

The functions of Rasa Dhatu are to nourish all the other tissues, induce growth, keeping the tissues intact and live, prevents depletion of tissues, provides the lubrication to all joints, imparts strength to body parts. But all these functions of Rasa dhatu in Ayurveda are largely dependent on the health of the agni. if the agni is not functioning well, then the rasa dhatu is weakened and its quality becomes low.

Rasa dhatu can be defined as the nourishing extract of food essence produced after digestion process, which is similar to chyle. Since its from Rasa dhatu that all other dhatus get nourished and that only with that once Ojus or immunity will be in best conditions, Hence its important that you must eat fresh and warm food.

Symptoms of increased Rasa Dhatu

Lack of appetite and proper digestion, Salivation, Nausea, Vomiting, Lethargic lack of enthusiasm, Feeling of heaviness in the body, whitish discoloration of the body associated with intolerance to cold, loss of integrity of body parts, Dyspnea – difficulty in breathing, Cough, tendency to sleep all the time.

If you look at these symptoms all are similar to increased Kapha dosha in the body. Integrating proper exercise in your daily activities can help to overcome this condition. Also gradually one should change their diet. The digestive power should be brought back with this diet and medicines. Doing Shamana or Samshodhana treatment according to the condition will further help.

Symptoms of Rasa Dhatu deficiency

The amount of rasa in the body is nine anjalis, which is the measurement of something that fills the palms of one’s hands. When the tissues and organs are in proper balance, the body has the right amount of rasa. Similarly, it has the right amount of rasa when the physical, mental, and emotional functions are normal.

As we all know the deficiency of a Dhatu means that the function intended by the Dhatu will not happen properly. Symptoms of Rasa dhatu deficiency includes lack of nourishment to other dhatus, depletion of tissues, dryness of mouth and body parts, emaciation, thirst, tiredness, empty feeling in heart and mind, tachycardia, palpitation, cardiac pain, fatigue etc

How to treat Rasa Dhatu deficiency

The body’s capacity to produce rasa depends on digestive power, appetite, diet that one follows. Water alone cannot replenish this component, but drinking plenty of juices and sap-type fluids can help restore it. Herbal teas, which sweeten with sap are better than plain water. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent a deficiency as well. But what about when the lack of rasa becomes a chronic problem?

Deficient Rasa Dhatu can cause a lethargic state of the body. When this happens, the metabolic fire is suppressed, and the dhatus increase, leading to a feeling of lethargy. If the body is lacking Rasa Dhatu, it may also cause skin problems, such as dry and cracked lips.

Treatment can be done in a step by step manner in such a condition, first of all one should follow a light diet which is easily digestible and nourishing at the same time. Medicines should also intended to improve the appetite and digestion. Once the digestive capacity is back one can have rasayanas etc to bring back proper health.