Air is the second of the 5 great elements and evolves from ether. Its qualities are mobile, dynamic, cool, light, dry, rough, subtle, flowing, sharp and clear. Although air is subtle, its effects are observable, so we have a sense of what it is.
Air represents motion or kinetic energy and gives flight to our ideas and goals. It’s responsible for all movement necessary in the processes of conception and creation, representing all forces and the movement that comes as a result of those forces.
Externally, air is seen and felt as wind. Internally, it’s the motion of breath, circulation, and nerve impulses. The air element governs all movements in the body, inhalation, exhalation, opening and closing of the eyelids, extension and contraction of joints and other motor functions. It is the force allowing blood to circulate, breath to move, nerve impulses to glide, thoughts to flow, and joints to propel our movement through life. Air and wind connect to the skin which perceives touch.
People whose primary composition is air tend to be thin, quick thinking, and fast moving. When the air element is out of balance, this leads to dryness of the skin, tissues and joints, excessive coldness and increased sensitivity to drafts. It can also cause poor circulation, gas, bloating, constipation, hiccups, excessive burping, lethargy, insomnia, muscular aches, spasms, stiff or painful joints, dry cough, sudden weight loss, perhaps from not drinking enough water, skipping meals and emotional stagnancy.
Mentally and emotionally, a predominance of the air element manifests as anxiety, worry, fear, panic, nervousness, restlessness and a feeling of being spaced out or ungrounded.
The season associated with the air element begins in autumn and continues until early winter. With the arrival of the cooler season and increased wind, our bodies tend to dry and deplete. Therefore, a shift in our diet to include more nourishing, toning and building foods is advised. Soups, proteins, seeds, nuts, steamed vegetables and spices such as ginger, pepper, basil, cinnamon, which are natural in our autumn seasonal traditions, and are most helpful
When air is made to circulate through the body and the other elements, it automatically purifies us. Certain techniques can be used to identify where imbalances lie in the elements of the body, and then to consciously rebalance these.
A few simple guidelines to help balance air:
- Emphasize warm, cooked foods.
- Use plenty of high-quality oils (sesame, sunflower, olive and ghee).
- Limit foods that have a dry quality (dried fruits, beans, popcorn, crackers or toast).
- Incorporating a pranayama practice, which is the proper use of breath, into our daily routine increases both our lightness and our inner power.
- Avoid deep-fried foods, as well as cold and carbonated drinks.
- Engage in gentler forms of exercise that enhance balance and flexibility.
- Have a regular daily routine, sleep, work and meal times.
- Enjoy sweet, soothing music, smells, scenes and company.
- Feel the healing power of touch. Schedule regular massage treatments.