The element of ether or space, is the first of the 5 great elements. It comes first because it is the most subtle. It’s other qualities are light, dry and clear. Ether represents the space in which everything takes place. It’s the essence of emptiness, the space the other elements fill. Ether is also the most expansive, without form or boundaries, it has no limits.
In the body, ether relates to all hollow or empty places like channels, pores and the ears that perceive sound. The hollow of the empty intestines, blood vessels, bladder, and the lungs are filled with ether. It manifests as cracking joints, stiffness, pain, dryness of membranes and skin, constipation, lack of appetite, being underweight, excess movement, twitches, tremors orconstant gestureslike tapping one’s foot.
Vitiation of ether in the body results in an increase of space and a decrease in structure. This leads to the destruction of tissue. Parkinson’s disease is an example of a condition where space is created in the body where once there was cellular structure.
In the mind, too much ether shows up as nervousness, anxiety, fear, restlessness, inability to concentrate or finish a task, insomnia, being forgetful, excessive speech and feeling ungrounded.
We can prevent ether from increasing by filling the emptiness in our lives. We become full not by being busy, but by being properly nourished both physically and emotionally. Heavy, moist, sweet, oily, grounding and satisfying foods pacify ether as the empty space of the digestive system becomes full.
Emotionally, love is the highest form of nourishment. By taking in the other elements, the natural tendencies of ether are pacified.
In the cycle of life, death is the time of ether. The body disintegrates, and the elements flee the body and its boundaries. All that remains is the subtlety of our spirit.
By knowing the qualities and effects of each of the 5 elements, we can begin to develop more practical tools for understanding and addressing our own health and well-being.
A few simple guidelines to help balance ether:
- Stay warm. Keep your head covered when it’s cold.
- Practice gentler forms of exercise that enhance balance and flexibility.
- Have a regular routine, sleep, work and meal times.
- Drink ginger teaand use other warming spices to aid digestion.
- Be sure your bowels are moving regularly on a daily basis.
- Listen to soothing, calming music.
- Avoid caffeine, nicotine, stimulantsand hard alcohol.
- Eat less dry and raw foods and more cooked vegetables and fruits.
- Touch and be touched regularly by the people you love.
- Schedule regular massage treatments.