- Symbolism
- Ayurveda
- TCM
- Spiritual context
- Functions
- Excess of water element
- Deficiency of water element
- Practices to Balance
Our body is made up of 5 elements – ether, fire, air, water, and earth. They are also called Pancha tatva or Pancha Mahabhutas in Ayurveda. Out of these 5 elements, 4 are physical components with which the entire world is also made of. While ether is more of a spiritual element, which literally translates to “the fifth element” in Latin.
Looking at the chronological order, water is the fourth element and is said to be derived from the ether, air, and fire. Ether, space or spirit as it is also called, gives the space to exist. The air gives rise to the heat of fire with its friction and when this fire cools down, it takes a denser form, which is the water element.
The water element is called apas in Sanskrit and is one of the most important elements for your physical and mental well-being. It has special meaning and relevance in many cultures.
In this article, let us have a deeper look at the water element and how it helps in maintaining harmony between the mind-body.
The symbolism of Water Element
Water is available in the most abundant form on earth and even in our bodies. Geographically, 71% of the earth’s surface is water, which includes all forms of oceans, lakes, streams, rivers, etc. Even our body is made up of 60-70% water.
So it is safe to say, that water plays an important role in the functioning of not only our planet but also of our body.
Talking about the qualities of the water element, it is cool, stable, heavy, moist, smooth, gross, flowing, dull, cloudy, and soft. It is also a well-known natural antidote to counter most elements that try to overpower your emotions and behavior.
Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the Kapha Dosha has the water element as its dominant element. This dosha is made up of water and earth elements, the water element acts as a foundation to the heavy and stable qualities of the earth element.
The water element is present in our bodies in five places; chest, stomach, head, mouth & tongue and joints. These five places are referred as five Kapha types;
- Avalambaka Kapha (chest) – It is responsible for protecting the heart and lungs and providing strength to the back and chest muscles.
- Kledaka Kapha (stomach) – It is responsible for breaking down food into digestible portions and protecting the lining of the stomach from acids.
- Tarpaka Kapha (head) – Its main function is to protect the sensory organs, lubrication to the nerves, and provide calmness, happiness, and stability.
- Bodhaka Kapha (mouth and tongue) – It helps in perceiving taste and producing saliva to lubricate and moisten the food to make it digestible.
- Sleshaka Kapha (joints) – The main purpose is to keep the joints moist. It protects them from wear and tear by providing stability and strength.
The main season for dominance of the water element is the spring season when everything seems to come to life.
On your hands, the pinky finger represents the water element. You can practice specific hand mudras to increase and decrease the water element in your body. For example, Varun mudra stimulates water element in the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM links water element to wisdom, stamina, endurance, modesty, and sensibility. According to TCM theory, the season for water element is winter as opposed to spring in Ayurveda. The emotion most commonly linked to water is ‘Fear’. It can be fear of an insect such as a spider, snake, or fear of heights, fear of not being good enough, etc., or any fear that manifests as survival anxiety or fear of extinction.
The kidney and urinary bladder are the organs where the water element resides. The kidney is said to be the powerhouse of energy that helps in digestion and reproduction. Thus an imbalance in water element can lead to kidney problems which eventually results in a reduction in stamina, strength, fertility, and other digestive problems.
Spiritual, Historical and Cultural symbolism
In different cultural references, water is also linked with feminine energy and the moon. It symbolizes emotions, healing, friendship & love, purity, mystery, dreaming, flowing, fluidity, stability, strength, change, fertility, devotion, and receiving. This is why a water dominant personality is said to be calm, pure, full of compassion and love, loyal, etc.
In the spiritual context, death and rebirth are symbolized by the water element. The rain is considered life-giving whereas floods and droughts often cause death and destruction.
Historically speaking, most civilizations were established near water sources, the Nile is called the lifeline of Egypt, and the Greeks worshipped the water god Poseidon.
In Hindu culture, the river Ganga is considered spiritual in India and people take a dip in it to purify themselves, Christians perform a baptism in holy water, ancient Jewish traditions ask its people to spiritually cleanse in a bath on special occasions, and Muslims perform ablution or wudu with water before their prayer.
Many cultures have used water as a source of cleansing or purification along with its importance of being a source of life.
Thus it doesn’t come as a surprise that water has been given immense importance in maintaining our well-being. From following a liquid diet to Jal Neti (Nasal cleansing technique in yoga), you will notice that in some way or the other, water is being used to bring about a balance in our body.
When water is deficient, your body immediately starts feeling and showing effects. Most ailments can be partially resolved with proper water intake. Water makes your body function in a fluid manner and also helps in activating the hormones needed to keep you healthy.
Functions of water element in the body
Water performs a plethora of important functions from detoxification, maintaining our body temperature to carrying oxygen to cells and the nervous system. You can get water element in your system through drinking water and beverages and food items.
Let us have a look into the functions of the water element in detail.
Regulates Body Temperature
Water element makes up the majority of our body composition hence it also works as a temperature controller. The sweat you produce when you work out, have been doing any intense physical activity, or suffering from fever helps keep a check on the body temperature from rising.
Producing sweat also means you are losing water from your body. This loss of water can also be caused due to vomiting or diarrhea. You also need to replenish this loss of water by drinking plenty of water or juices to keep you energized and prevent dehydration.
Produces Saliva
Saliva is one of the main components of digestion. The water element in our body helps in producing saliva to break down the food into minute digestible pieces. Moreover, it is also important in keeping your mouth healthy as it contains various enzymes and electrolytes in small amounts.
This is why it is important to take note of any dryness in the mouth or whiteness in the tongue. It can be an indication that your body needs more water content.
Aids in Digestion
While saliva is the first step of breaking down the food pieces, the major work is done in the stomach and intestines. Water helps in absorbing the nutrients you get from your food and the water you drink. It is passed on to the bloodstream. It also works towards digesting the soluble fiber.
Lubricates the joints, tissues, and spinal cord
One of the kaphs dosha, the Sleshaka Kapha, is said to be present in the joints. These joints are supported by various tissues, which are kept moist through the presence of water. The bones and joints are kept lubricated which is beneficial in keeping away ailments such as arthritis. Your spinal cord can also work optimally if you keep yourself hydrated.
Detoxifies your body
The best way to detoxify your body is through the water. You must have seen various concoctions been suggested to be imbibed in your daily routine to aid in detoxification. The body naturally keeps removing toxins from the body through sweat, urination, and defecation.
Water helps the kidney to filter toxins from the blood and the digestive tract removes unwanted substances from the food. Keeping yourself properly hydrated will also prevent constipation and kidney and bladder stones.
Helps in the optimal function of your brain
Did you know that the brain contains 75% of the water present in our body? This is why when your body loses water, it also loses electrolytes, which are one of the key elements for your brain to function properly.
This loss can cause fogginess in the brain which also manifests as weakness, tiredness, and...