In Ayurveda, the tri-doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) govern our physical, mental, and emotional functions. These tri-doshas are made up of a combination of the five elements and have their own unique properties and expressions. Although our dominant doshas may not contain all of the five elements, understanding each element individually helps us better understand how the doshas form, interact, and can be brought into harmony.
What are the Five Elements?
In Ayurveda, the five elements are known to support all of life and maintain harmony on both small and large scales. When out of balance, it is believed that they can threaten well-being on an individual and global scale. This is why we aim to harmonize the five elements within our mind, body, spirit, and way of life.
Ether (Space)
Ether is known as akasha in Sanskrit. In Ayurveda, ether is considered the element that creates the foundation of all life by providing the freedom for the mind, body, and spirit to move within space. Ether is expansive, open, empty, and full of potential. Its qualities are clear, light, subtle, soft, and immeasurable (Vasant, 13). When in harmony, ether can foster spiritual connection and clarity. When out of balance, it can lead to disconnection or isolation.
Air
Air is known as vayu in Sanskrit. In Ayurveda, air is believed to be a vital life force that allows the body’s systems to stay in motion. Air is light, mobile, and dry. When in harmony, air can foster flexibility and an easygoing nature. When out of balance, air can lead to anxiety, ungroundedness, and restlessness.
Fire
Fire is known as agni in Sanskrit. In Ayurveda, fire is responsible for all transformative processes in the mind, body, and spirit and is necessary for processing sensory information (sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch). Although it is most commonly understood as being responsible for physical metabolism, digestion, and absorption within the body, it is responsible for these processes on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level as well. When in harmony, fire can foster passion, ambition, and intelligence. When out of balance, it can lead to inflammation, anger, and burnout.
Water
Water is known as apas in Sanskrit. In Ayurveda, water is responsible for fluidity, lubrication, cohesion, and all biochemical functions in the body. When in harmony, water can foster calmness as well as soothing and nourishing energy. When out of balance, it can lead to attachment, congestion, and lethargy.
Earth
Earth is known as pruthivi in Sanskrit. In Ayurveda, earth is responsible for holding and providing resources for all living creatures on earth. Earth is believed to make up all dense tissues and muscles, and hard structures such as bones, within the body. Earth is solid and dense, providing stability and structure. When in harmony, earth can foster groundedness, strength, and reliability. When out of balance, it can lead to resistance to change, depression, and physical, emotional, and mental heaviness.
The Tri-Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha
Now that we understand the individual properties of each element, we can more easily understand how they each express themselves within the three doshas:
Vata is made of ether and air. It is cold, mobile, dry, and light. It is responsible for creativity and communication and brings adaptability and enthusiasm when in harmony. When out of balance, it can lead to insomnia, excessive dryness, and anxiety.
Pitta is made of fire and water. It is oily, intense, quick, sharp, and hot. It is responsible for intellect and digestion and can foster focus and leadership when in harmony. When out of balance, it can lead to criticism, irritability, inflammation, and anger.
Kapha is made of water and earth. It is slow, stable, heavy, and soft. It is responsible for immunity, emotional calmness, structure, and stability, and can foster compassion and stability when in harmony. When out of balance, it can lead to excessive weight gain, sluggishness, over-attachment, and depression.
Balancing the Elements Through Harmonizing the Doshas.
In Ayurveda, true health comes from balancing the doshas, which is ultimately a goal of balancing the five elements within us through their interactions with one another. Each person has a unique constitution (prakriti in Sanskrit) of natural balances of the three doshas within them. When we experience symptoms of imbalance within the doshas, it often points to an elemental imbalance. By understanding these elements and their expressions when in harmony, we can more easily recognize imbalances within ourselves and make informed decisions about our lifestyle, diet, and other choices using the Ayurvedic principles of “like increases like, and opposites create balance.” By aligning with the elements, we are able to restore balance and harmony to the doshas, and as a result, to our entire being.
Takeaways and Practices for Balancing the Five Elements
Here are a few simple, actionable practices you can start today to bring balance to each element:
- Ether (Space): Take time for stillness. Try meditation or a few minutes of deep breathing each day to create mental space and clarity.
- Air: Practice deep, conscious breathing with pranayama exercises, or engage in light physical activity like yoga or walking to help ground excess air.
- Fire: Cultivate fire by getting moving! Try high-intensity exercises to invigorate digestion and metabolism, or eat foods that are warming and nourishing (think spicy or fermented).
- Water: To balance water, hydrate with warm herbal teas and focus on emotional self-care. Creative activities like painting, journaling, or dancing can help release stagnant energy.
- Earth: Ground yourself by spending time in nature, walking barefoot on the earth, or adopting a stable daily routine. Eating root vegetables, whole grains, and proteins can also nourish earth energy.
When you start integrating these practices into your daily life, you’ll begin to feel more connected to your inner balance and the elements that shape your being. Try focusing on one element at a time, or combine them for a holistic approach to harmony!
References:
Vasant, L., Textbook of Ayurveda Fundamental Principles, The Ayurvedic Press, Published 2002, Accessed 08/14/2025.
Published 08/14/2025
Written by Eliana Nunez
