Panchtatva is a Sanskrit word that means “five elements” or “five principles”. It is a concept that is central to many Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Ayurveda and Yoga.
The five elements of Panchtatva are:
Akash (Sky or Space): This element represents the space in which everything exists. It is the most subtle of the five elements and is associated with the sense of hearing(Shabda).
Akash represents the vastness, openness, mind and body cavities. Characteristics of Akash are; it is clear, light and immeasurable.
Vayu (Air): This element represents movement and is associated with the sense of touch(Sparsha). All the motions in body are governed by Vayu.
Vayu represents movement, mobility, motion. Characteristics of Vayu are light, dry, mobile and cold
Jal (Water): This element represents fluidity and is associated with the sense of taste(Rasa). Jal binds all cells and tissues of body, moistens, lubricates and smoothens.
Jal represents fluidity, liquidity and binding
Agni (Fire): This element represents transformation and is associated with the sense of sight(Roop). Characteristics of Agni are hot, dry, sharp and light
Agni represents the transformation of one form of matter or energy into the other, like digestion of food. Agni not only brings out digestion of food but also of thoughts and perception.
Prithvi (Earth): This element represents solidity and is associated with the sense of smell(Gandha). Prithvi is associated with nourishment for the tissues, provides hardness, heaviness, stability and strength
Characteristics of Prithvi are solid, dense, hard
These five elements are believed to be the building blocks of the universe and are present in all living and non-living things. They are also believed to be present in the human body and are associated with different organs and systems.
Balance of the five elements is essential for harmonious functioning of human organ systems. That’s why when there is any complication or problem with the health; it reflects the imbalance of the basic elements.
Traditional ayurvedic diagnosis uses Tri-doshas as the basis of diagnosis. Panchbhoutik ayurved chikitsa (पाँचभौतिक चिकित्सा ) takes the diagnosis a step further and looks at the balance of five elements when diagnosing health afflictions. Panchbhoutik chikitsa aims at restoring health by restoration of the five basic elements or the building blocks of the human and the universe we live in.