18 Mar Unlocking the Secrets of Health and Harmony: Understanding the Tattvas in Indian Philosophy
Tattvas are an important concept in Indian philosophy and are believed to play a crucial role in maintaining balance and harmony within the body and mind. They are associated with the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space, and are thought to have a profound effect on our physical and mental health.
The Tattvas and Their Importance for Health
According to Indian philosophy, each of the tattvas is associated with a specific time of day and affects different parts of the body and mind. For example, the earth element is associated with the sense of smell and affects the nose, while the water element is associated with the sense of taste and affects the tongue.
By understanding the relationship between the tattvas and the body, it is believed that one can maintain balance and harmony within the body and mind, leading to improved physical and mental health. This is achieved through various practices such as yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic medicine.
The tattvas are believed to exist because everything in the universe is made up of these five elements. They are not just physical elements, but also represent the five aspects of consciousness. By understanding the nature of these elements, one can gain a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it.
The concept of the five elements is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and is believed to be based on observations of the natural world. The elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space are thought to be the basic building blocks of the universe, and everything in the world is made up of these elements in varying combinations.
Each element is associated with specific qualities and characteristics. For example, earth is considered to be stable and grounding, while water is fluid and adaptable. Fire is seen as transformative and energetic, while air is light and mobile. Space or ether is considered to be vast and all-encompassing.
Together, the five elements represent a complete system that is believed to be the basis of all physical and mental phenomena. By understanding the interplay between these elements, it is believed that one can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of the universe and our place within it.
The concept of the five elements has also been adapted and used in various fields, including Ayurveda, yoga, and feng shui, to name a few. In these contexts, the elements are used as a framework for understanding the human body, mind, and environment, and for promoting balance and harmony in these areas.
Akasha (space or ether) – associated with the period from midnight to 2 a.m.
Vayu (air) – associated with the period from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Tejas (fire) – associated with the period from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Apas (water) – associated with the period from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Prithvi (earth) – associated with the period from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Akasha (space or ether) – associated with the period from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Vayu (air) – associated with the period from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Tejas (fire) – associated with the period from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Apas (water) – associated with the period from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Prithvi (earth) – associated with the period from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Akasha (space or ether) – associated with the period from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Vayu (air) – associated with the period from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Akasha (space or ether) – associated with the period from midnight to 2 a.m.
Effects: The mind and body are in a state of deep rest and rejuvenation during this time. The Akasha tattva is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and can help with mental clarity and intuition.
Physical parts and organs: Brain, nervous system, eyes, ears - Vayu (air) – associated with the period from 2 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Effects: The Vayu tattva is associated with the breath and the movement of prana (life force) in the body. This time is considered ideal for pranayama (breathing) practices and can help with mental alertness and clarity.
Physical parts and organs: Lungs, heart, circulation, nervous system - Tejas (fire) – associated with the period from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Effects: The Tejas tattva is associated with the digestive fire and metabolism. This time is considered ideal for practices that stimulate the digestive system, such as drinking warm water with lemon or doing yoga postures that target the digestive organs.
Physical parts and organs: Digestive system, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, metabolism - Apas (water) – associated with the period from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Effects: The Apas tattva is associated with emotions and the fluidity of the body. This time is considered ideal for practices that cultivate positive emotions and a sense of gratitude, such as meditation, chanting, or journaling.
Physical parts and organs: Urinary system, reproductive system, bladder, lymphatic system - Prithvi (earth) – associated with the period from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Effects: The Prithvi tattva is associated with stability and groundedness. This time is considered ideal for practices that cultivate a sense of stability and strength in the body, such as yoga postures that target the legs and core muscles.
Physical parts and organs: Muscles, bones, joints, spine, lower body - Akasha (space or ether) – associated with the period from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Effects: The Akasha tattva is associated with the space element and can help to clear mental clutter and promote mental clarity. This time is considered ideal for practices that involve visualization and imagination.
Physical parts and organs: Brain, nervous system, eyes, ears - Vayu (air) – associated with the period from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Effects: The Vayu tattva is associated with the breath and can help with mental focus and clarity. This time is considered ideal for practices that involve focused breathing or pranayama.
Physical parts and organs: Lungs, heart, circulation, nervous system - Tejas (fire) – associated with the period from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Effects: The Tejas tattva is associated with the digestive fire and can help with digestion and metabolism. This time is considered ideal for practices that stimulate the digestive system, such as drinking warm water with lemon or doing yoga postures that target the digestive organs.
Physical parts and organs: Digestive system, liver, gallbladder - Apas (water) – associated with the period from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Effects: The Apas tattva is associated with emotions and the fluidity of the body. This time is considered ideal for practices that cultivate positive emotions and a sense of gratitude, such as meditation, chanting, or journaling.
Physical parts and organs: Urinary system, reproductive system, bladder, lymphatic system - Prithvi (earth) – associated with the period from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Effects: The Prithvi tattva is associated with stability and groundedness. This time is considered ideal for practices that cultivate a sense of stability and strength in the body, such as yoga postures that target the legs and core muscles.
Physical parts and organs: Muscles, bones, joints, spine, lower body - Akasha (space or ether) – associated with the period from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Effects: The Akasha tattva is associated with the space element and can help to clear mental clutter and promote mental clarity. This time is considered ideal for practices that involve visualization and imagination.
Physical parts and organs: Brain, nervous system, eyes, ears - Vayu (air) – associated with the period from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Effects: The Vayu tattva is associated with the breath and can help with mental focus and clarity. This time is considered ideal for practices that involve focused breathing or pranayama.
Physical parts and organs: Lungs, heart, circulation, nervous system
Physical Well-Being
- Akasha (space or ether): Take a few moments each day to disconnect from technology and simply be in a quiet space. This can help cultivate a sense of spaciousness and openness in the mind.
- Vayu (air): Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or cycling, to cultivate flexibility and mobility in the body and mind.
- Tejas (fire): Eat foods that are easy to digest and avoid eating late at night, which can interfere with the body’s natural processes of digestion and energy.
- Apas (water): Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, and engage in activities that promote emotional well-being, such as spending time in nature or connecting with loved ones.
- Prithvi (earth): Engage in grounding practices such as spending time outdoors, gardening, or simply walking barefoot on the earth. Nourish your body with healthy, whole foods and prioritize getting enough sleep.
Mental Well-Being
- Akasha (space or ether): Take breaks throughout the day to clear your mind and focus on your breath. This can help cultivate a sense of mental spaciousness and openness.
- Vayu (air): Engage in breathing exercises, such as pranayama, to regulate the breath and calm the mind.
- Tejas (fire): Engage in activities that promote focus and concentration, such as reading or solving puzzles. This can help cultivate mental discipline and clarity.
- Apas (water): Practice self-compassion and engage in activities that promote emotional regulation, such as journaling or talking with a trusted friend.
- Prithvi (earth): Engage in practices that promote stability and grounding, such as yoga or tai chi. This can help cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience.
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can harness the power of the tattvas to promote health and well-being, even if you are unable to engage in traditional meditation practices.
