Ayurveda Elements - Healing Principles of Health

In Ayurvedic philosophy, the Five Great Elements (Pancha Mahabhuta) make up our natural world. These Five Ayurveda Elements can also be attributed to the different manifestations of Human Consciousness because of their similarly clear, subtle, mystical and omnipresent qualities. The relationship between the Five Elements is a dance amongst themselves and originates from the First Element, Ether, otherwise known as Space. In turn, Ether becomes Air causing friction to create Fire, becoming denser into Water and finally coagulating into Earth. Therefore, all Five Elements become contained in Earth as one.

Just as the natural world provides macro-ecology, the individual experiences a micro-ecology reflected by the natural world around them. Ayurvedic principles provide the tools to unite our inner and external ecology to build harmony. The principles aim to bring focus and balance to the Five Ayurveda Elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth, Ether/Space) both internally and externally to restore and bring forth optimum mental and physical health emotionally and spiritually.

This article will highlight the five great Ayurvedic elements of the three doshas and your constitution, explaining why each is unique and how you can discover their qualities during an Ayurvedic retreat.

What are The Five Ayurveda Elements?

Akasha (Ether, Space)

Ether, known in Sanskrit as Akasha (“all-enclosing, omnipresent or all-pervading”), is considered the first and most subtle element. It permeates through the cosmos and is the omnipotent force for all life, sound, vibration and creation. It is the creative life force that gives drive and consciousness to existence. All the openings, pathways and movements in our body correspond to Akasha. There is space within our ears so we can hear sound. There is space within our throat so we can swallow. There is space between our joints so we can move. There is space within our hearts to keep the blood flowing. Akasha is more than just the absence of matter, it is the original form of existence to which everything and everyone formed and to which everything and everyone shall return to.

Vayu (Air)

Air, known in Sanskrit as Vayu, not only means air as a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and other gases but also as a dimension of movement. Out of all of the 5 Ayurvedic elements, Vayu is the most accessible and easiest element to gain some mastery of. Most yogic practices involve breathwork called pranayama. Prana means life force in Sanskrit and is available every moment of the day. Without Air, we have no breath or ability to move through life. The impact of the air that we breathe is very immediate. Most people can’t go without air for more than three-and-a-half to five minutes before causing serious damage or suffocation. The qualities of Air evoke movement, ease, lightness and speed but also unpredictability and flightiness.

Tejas or Agni (Fire)

Fire, known in Sanskrit as Agni, is essential for your health. Agni is the intelligent force of each cell, tissue and system within the physical body. It keeps us burning and moving. This fire directs the release of hormones via the endocrine system and oversees the digestive, metabolic and regulatory functions. Fire also resides in an even more subtle place: our minds. In our minds, fire provides clarity, illumination and truth. This subtle aspect of fire is called Tejas, and it directs all mental, emotional and spiritual activity, including the crucial mental actions of discernment and discipline. Fire is the element responsible for burning, clearing, transforming and illuminating, but also for destruction, rage, power, impatience and recklessness.

Apas (Water)

Water, known in Sanskrit as “Apas”, evolves from Ether, Air and Fire because it contains all aspects of the other three elements. Apas represents fluid matter and provides the body with basic nourishment and protection against dissolution, gives motion and soothes pain and inflammation. We as humans are made up of 70-75% water. It is the element that primarily protects our body and provides it with its most fundamental nourishment. By its qualities, water is cooling, hydrating, heavy, smooth, stagnant or inflow. It is the antidote to the symptoms that have the opposite of these qualities such as deep sensitivity, emotionally ungrounded, dehydrated, on-edge, low self-esteem or if your heart has become hardened.

Prithvi (Earth)

Earth, known in Sanskrit as “Prithvi” is the fifth and final great element. It is the final element because it evolves out of all five elements and contains the essence of all. Earth represents the densification of all matter until it becomes solid. Prithvi by its quality is stable, heavy, dry, dense, hard and tangible. When you are feeling ungrounded and unearthed you may feel flighty, chaotic or stuck in your head.

The Five Ayurveda Elements and their Relationship to the Doshas

The Five Great Elements exist within all of us, and they all combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as a dosha which forms your overall constitution. There are 3 doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which are predetermined from the moment of your conception. An Ayurvedic doctor at Sen Wellness can guide you to understand what your Dosha is based on a series of questions about your lifestyle, food habits and energetic levels.

Vata is formed from the Air & Ether Elements

Its primary principle is movement and flow. Vata is that impulsive, spontaneous ease that is light-footed and gone with the wind in your hair. Vata resides in the colon, large intestines, pelvis, lower back and thighs. It is the breeze that ignites your digestion, eliminating toxins and waste. Yet it is also responsible for the flowing movement in your body, the metabolism and cellular behaviour. It is the fuel to your fire (Agni), your intellect, your passions and your intuition as it is also an integral part of your nervous system. As described earlier regarding the movements of the elements and their relationship to one another – it also has a very key part in determining the other two Doshas; Pitta and Kapha.

Kapha is formed from the Earth & Water Elements

With its cooling and soothing properties, Water gives primary protection to the body against too much heat (Pitta) and movement (Vata). However, Kapha provides the underlying structure and foundation making way for the growth and development of matter and tissue in the body. As Kapha increases in the body, there is also an increase in thickening fluids alongside the structure of the body. Kapha provides protection and lubrication to all the body organs in the form of mucous, brain fluid and synovial fluid for the joints. Kapha mostly resides in the upper body including the respiratory system, upper stomach, mucous membranes, joints and head.

Pitta is formed from the Fire & Water Elements

The main attribute of Pitta is that of transformation. Its qualities are hot, light and flowing. Imagine Pitta as the caterpillar evolving into a beautiful butterfly out of its chrysalis or the boiling water that steams and evaporates. Pitta, like Agni, is passionate and sharp. It manifests in you as your inner confidence and passions. It is found within the body in the stomach and small intestine. It is the driving force behind your internal temperature, but also your intellect, intuition and emotions. Pitta is responsible for your metabolism, mostly impacting the blood, eyes, skin, liver, stomach, spleen and gallbladder.

The Doshas and their Imbalances

Vata is a combination of Air and Ether, it is without Fire, Water or Earth. Therefore, its properties associated with Vata dosha include dryness, coldness, mobility and lightness. It is responsible for the Central Nervous System, respiratory system and general mobility in the body. When Vata is in balance, it gives clarity, energy, enthusiasm and creativity. However, when it is out of balance it can cause nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia and digestion issues.

Pitta is a combination of Fire and Water. It has properties that include heat, a build-up of acidity or tartness and the ability to spread (think like Wild Fire). It is responsible for your metabolism, the endocrine system, speech fluency, motivation, intellect and good mental and physical digestion. When it is out of balance it can cause rage, irritability, impatience, stress and frustration. It can also cause skin irritations and gut problems.

Kapha is a combination of Water and Earth. Its properties include coldness, stability, weight and oiliness. It is responsible for the immune system and the lubrication of the body. When it is in good balance it supports strength, stamina, motivation, a healthy immune system and strong mental stability. However, when it is out of balance, there can be symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, stubbornness and depression.

How an Ayurveda Retreat can help Balance the Elements

If you keep the Five Great Elements controlled, vibrant and focused, health, well-being and success in the world is assured. If you want to live strong, you need to constantly be in touch with the Five Great Elements. Build resilience with the Elements.

Dr Harnika, Sen Wellness Ayurvedic Doctor

When you arrive at The Sanctuary, each guest will have a private consultation with our resident Ayurvedic Doctor. The primary focus for our practitioners at Sen Wellness is to discover the root cause of disease, whether that be due to certain lifestyle choices, stress, medical prerequisites or emotional imbalances. You will then be prescribed a comprehensive, personalised programme of treatments and herbal medicines depending on your constitution and any imbalances present. Ayurvedic practitioners share the belief that disease begins from within. The emotional and mental disease that forms in the guise of anxiety, depression or stress perpetuates a build-up of negativity in the system, which can lead to a manifestation of painful physical ailments such as muscle aches, digestion problems, lethargy or skin irritations. The symptoms of these ailments can be identified by our highly qualified Ayurvedic doctors who can diagnose even the most subtle issues forming in the body. These symptoms are then identified and addressed with bodywork treatments such as Ayurvedic treatments, diet, herbal medicine, yoga, meditation and breathwork exercises. This is the holistic approach that we create at Sen Wellness Sanctuary during your retreat to encourage your whole being to come into full balance with the Great Five Elements and your constitution.

Schedule at the Sanctuary

During your retreat at Sen Wellness Sanctuary, your daily routine revolves around the Ayurvedic principles known in Sanskrit as dinacharya, meaning “to be close to the day”. This routine is deeply in touch with the rhythms of nature, the cycles of the earth, moon and sun.

Waking at dawn with a refreshing herbal tea, alongside the animals and nature surrounding the Sanctuary allows you to tune in with the day from the beginning. Starting your day with a yoga class is the best way to kick-start your Agni (Fire) so that you feel energised for the day. The daily pranayama breathwork opens your Vayu (Air) and Akasha (Ether, Space) elements. After Yoga, you are welcome to swim in the Indian Ocean or the cool Sanctuary Pool, connecting with the water allows you to refresh and connect with your apas (Water).

A healthy but light breakfast is served after yoga. Food is the medicine of the Earth and brings you deeper into connection with your internal Prithvi (Earth) element. At the Sanctuary, your diet consists of a selection of home-cooked and raw vegetables and little-to-no dairy products.

The rest of your day is open to rest, relaxation, or a local excursion to the surrounding areas. All your treatments are scheduled during the day so you can enjoy your prescribed Ayurvedic massage and treatments in a peaceful, natural environment. This routine provides a structure that supports your internal system to restore balance and harmony to your biological and emotional balance. During your stay, this routine will support you with a greater toolkit of self-care practices that you will be able to integrate back home.

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Sen Wellness Sanctuary

4.7

Based on 165 reviews

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Janine van der M.

Situated between two bodies of water, a tranquil lagoon on the one side, and the powerful Indian ocean on the other, Sen Wellness Sanctuary is an oasis of tranquility, a place to slow down and connect with nature and yourself. I spent three weeks in this beautiful hideaway and thoroughly enjoyed my stay, including morning and evening meditation and breath work, daily yoga practice, personalised ayurvedic treatments and delicious, freshly prepared meals. I am immensely grateful to the friendly, dedicated and highly professional staff as well as all the beautiful people I was fortunate enough to meet during my time at the retreat. Deep nourishment of body, mind and spirit and a truly unforgettable experience.

Hima A.

Spent 7 days in this beautiful Sanctuary, and highly recommend. Dr Udari is incredible and the treatments truly made a difference. All the staff are so helpful, kind and responsive, from the manager Antonio, Francis and Tseyang and the therapists SenWellness is a true Ayurvedic retreat.

Eugene P.

One of the best vacations I ever had.I’ve been just meditating, doing yoga, breathwork and Ayurvedic treatments without touching my phone for a week.The sanctuary is a collection of very well thought out spaces: huts, main lounge, yoga room, pool, beach…Beach is in the natural preserve, where sea turtles come to lay eggs. No one around. Don’t swim in the ocean though, undercurrents are very dangerous here.The vibe is amazing, staff and service are superb and second to none.Definitely going to come back again.

pia

What a wonderful discovery! The retreat was so much more than we expected - on so many levels. Great yoga, excellent ayurvedic therapy and treatments, really good food - and amazing company. What a wealth of experiences we have taken home with us. Sam and his team were very kind and attentive and the other participants were all so special and warm hearted. We recommend this sanctuary to anyone who wants to enrich their lives and move forward.

cindy F.

A uniquely magical experience. From the moment you leave your shoes by the lotus pool to receive the warm welcome of a garland and king coconut, a sense of kindness and care envelops you.This is heartfelt. Every dish you eat is prepared with a knowledge of what will nourish your body and soul. Every treatment is administered by skilled practitioners who have taken the trouble to understand your individual physical and emotional state and to restore balance and harmony from the inside out.The sounds of this stunning enclave, hidden away down a winding track where peacocks strut and monkeys gambol, are those that evoke both stillness and awe. The sea declares its majesty and power on a peerless beach that nesting turtles call home. The constant and gentle swish of the lagoon and rustle of the trees that bound this space in natural seclusion, soothe and transport you to a deep place of calm.This is one of nature’s sacred spaces.Respect and honour for this is the ethos that guides life in this beautiful oasis which shines from the hearts of the remarkable team. Skilled in so many arts from Ayurvedic medicine and therapy, yoga, reiki, sound healing and, with simplicity and grace, a level of hospitality and care that is humbling.The mishap or the unusual request is met with unruffled efficiency. (My glasses broke and instead of facing a week in a blur and the prospect of navigating an airport when scarcely able to read a sign, an impeccably restored pair of spectacles was returned to me in the shortest possible time - leaving me to wonder if an optician had been spirited out of a ring or a lamp!)My experience at Sen Wellness will be an abiding memory. I will carry away in my heart the echo of the sea, the voices and faces of beautiful people who made such a soulful sojourn possible with huge gratitude to everyone of them for all the skill, knowledge, compassion and care that were the key ingredients of this delightful interlude.(And on the subject of ingredients, I will also carry away the tantalising Sen Wellness cookbook, so the adventure continues…)

Sarah S.

Sen Wellness Centre is a truly magical place. I came here in need of healing and I found it. The staff are incredible. The treatments are incredible. The food is incredible. The rooms are incredible.

Chithrananda De A.

Me and my wife spent three nights at the Sen Welness sanctuaryWell managed place , both Ayurvedic doctors and therapists are excellentExcellent food and service by all teams who involvedExcellent hospitality and great support by the manager TonyBoth yoga teachers Sandya and Anna are excellent , we both enjoyed all sessions from beginning until end.We both enjoyed though out our stay,Food , yoga , excellent Ayurvedic treatment (best compare to what we had in the past in many other places and countries ) We will come backSarah and Chithrananda De Alwis

Nerea C.

Arrive to the Sen Wellness Sanctuary is like to get into a piece of heaven. It’s much more than a place to relax, it’s a truly and deep journey. It awakes your feelings, heals your emotions and takes care of you nourishing from the amazing treatments to the delicious food.Surrounded by the purest nature, you will find calm and joy in this place. The yoga classes and the meditations were such an experience, all the activities were part of the learning and all the staff is the best you can imagine: kind, warm and with such a good energy.Sometimes you have to slap yourself to check that you are not dreaming. It’s such a magical place that you won’t leave never. It’s just possible to be grateful and hope to come back again.

abrar “Abrar” M.

Had the pleasure spending 10 days golden summer retreat , i cam all the way from Saudi arabia with open heart , However, the experience exceed my expectation.The resort well decorated full with love , peace and care .Antonio with his hospitality and his smile takes the experience to another level.Sam and Frances no word can describe the love and passion they have 🦋.The treatment team and the Doctor gave us all the attention and treatment team was amazing.Many thanks for all people who work at the kitchen and especially for the chef the food was delicious and healthyThank you Sam for this beautiful place and community.Definitely i will come back again and again to recharge my self and soul with love and peace 💓🦋

Adel H.

Had the pleasure spending two weeks at Sen Wellness. My wife and I had the best of time there with all starting from Sam, Frances, Antonio and the whole team. The treatment team the doctors gave us all the attention and treatment team were great. Rasanga was extra fantastic. Will come back again.

Angmo A.

I visited last year December in the end of my second trimester and it was probably the best decision I took . The retreat and personalised treatments were exactly what my body needed after working non stop through the year.The staff was very professional and the therapists were knowledgeable and prolly the best Iv experienced in my extensive travels across the world. The food was nutritious and flavoursome. The space was like a sanctuary for us like minded souls who had all gathered there to heal our bodies and minds.The rooms were beautifully and very thoughtfully done up. We absolutely loved our little cabana and loved walking on the private stretch of beach every day. All in all everything was top notch and we hope to be able to return someday again. Special mention to Dr Sam and Sudheera for arranging everything so seamlessly .

Sifra S.

I stayed at Sen for a 10 day signature retreat at the end of April/beginning of May and it was an absolutely life changing experience for me. If you are contemplating this and if you are able to go, I would definitely highly recommend just booking and going for it! It's the best gift you can give yourself.I set the expectations bar quite low since I was in deep grief after losing my partner 2 years earlier. I was heartbroken, traumatised, depressed and just completely worn out and in dire need of a shift. I booked this trip as some sort of last resort and was hoping to come away with at least some more energy.And boy, did it deliver. The location, the place itself, all members of the staff, and the immersion in nature are simply amazing. The treatments are great, the food is awesome and the vibe is oh so relaxed. The communal table was filled with laughter and lovely chatter at each delicious meal. The attention to detail and just the care of everyone working at Sen is truly amazing and very healing.You feel carried while you are there, not having to worry about what you'll prepare for dinner or booking a treatment, everything is arranged for you. You just have to decide what you'll wear to yoga and then you simply show up to yourself and to nature.I felt very much at ease being there on my own. Everyone lets each other be so if you want to spend time alone you absolutely can, but you can always join others at the pool or for an excursion if you feel like it. It never felt off or weird, it al just flowed naturally for everyone who was there.After a few days I started feeling a shift and really properly started feeling relaxed and at ease for the first time in ages. The excellent massages, my wonderful cabana room, the food, watching turtles hatching on the beach, the care of the doctors, resort manager and waiting staff, it was all heart warming and oh so powerful.When you are there everything is taken care of for you but thankfully I left with many tools on how to take things forward. Being able to sample various yoga and meditation styles and rituals gave me the bearings to integrate this more in my busy day to day Western life. I left with a new mindset, wonderful memories and more energy than I had in years. I'm now, two months later, still committed to following the Ayurvedic lifestyle guidelines as I feel a lot more relaxed, energetic and at ease in general.Thank you, Sen! I'm looking forward to coming back sometime soon to freshen up and rebalance again.Sifra

Rebecca T.

An experience that changed me forever!I can't even begin to thank Sen Wellness enough. I came to this retreat with the will to change, and it is here that I learned to inhale what's good for me, exhale all the toxins and past traumas, and let my body breathe and be free. Living in a nature reserve helped me reconnect with nature and overcome my fear of animals and insects. In this place, I found the link between my body and mind and reconnected on all levels.The treatments and medicines definitely aided in the healing process, and the food was nourishing for both the body and soul. The staff were phenomenal, and I can't thank them enough. Special thanks to Francis, who listened and took care of every detail, Irina, who made me fall in love with yoga, and all the professional therapists, especially Tini, whose smile brightened my day and whose positive energy boosted me into becoming a happier person.So much love for this place.Rebecca

Ute K.

My recent stay at the Sen Wellness Sanctuary in Sri Lanka was an extraordinary experience that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with warm smiles and exceptional service by the friendly staff, who went above and beyond to make my stay comfortable and memorable.The Sanctuary is nestled in a beautiful natural setting, with lush greenery and a stunning beach just a stone's throw away. Each morning, I woke up to the soothing sounds of nature, feeling completely rejuvenated and at peace.The cuisine at Sen Wellness Sanctuary was a highlight of my stay. The delicious local dishes, prepared with fresh, organic ingredients, were a true delight for the senses. Every meal was a culinary adventure, showcasing the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.The personalized Ayurveda treatments were simply outstanding. The expert practitioners took the time to understand my individual needs and tailored the treatments to promote healing and wellness. The therapies were not only incredibly relaxing but also highly effective, leaving me feeling revitalized and balanced.Adding to the holistic experience were the blissful meditation sessions and professional yoga classes. The meditation sessions provided a deep sense of tranquility, helping me to connect with my inner self and achieve a state of complete relaxation. The yoga sessions, led by a highly skilled instructor, were both invigorating and restorative, accommodating all levels of experience and enhancing my overall well-being.Overall, my time at Sen Wellness Sanctuary was a perfect blend of relaxation, natural beauty, and holistic healing. I highly recommend this sanctuary to anyone seeking a transformative and blissful retreat in Sri Lanka. I can't wait to return!

Marylyn W.

I visited Sen Wellness for the spring awakening retreat in early April this year.The retreat was very rejuvenating and I got to meet amazing women who had joined the retreat.It is my second time to visit the Sanctuary and I can't begin to explain how peaceful, rejuvenating the surroundings are.The diet follows Ayurvedic principles, mainly vegan, and vegetarian lots of herbs and indigenous vegetables. Good for the digestive system. You can immediately feel the difference.The spa treatments are very good too, I specially enjoyed the herbal steam bath.A very special thank you for the manager Sanath. He was very quick to solve any problems issues that arose and always followed up to ensure that the guests were satisfied and happy.The staff in general are extremely polite, attentive and very kind. As a solo traveller, this Sanctuary will make you feel at home.Hope to be back soon.!

The Final Word

Ayurvedic teachings aim to bring awareness to the Five Great Elements (Air, Fire, Water, Earth, Ether/Space) both internally and externally of ourselves, to restore and balance our internal and external health. They combine in various ways, in different proportions to form your individual body type and constitution. This constitution is then determined by the predominant Doshas (Vata, Kapha, Pitta) within you.

At Sen Wellness Sanctuary, we have not only specifically designed our treatment program but also the layout of our building to compliment your wellness journey. This exemplifies the importance of your external world mirroring your internal world and our intention to support you in finding total restoration and balance.