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JALA (Water) Element

The water element, or Jala, is one of the five elements that make up the universe and the human body. It is responsible for the cohesion and fluidity of matter and energy, as well as the nourishment and emotion of life. It is also the source of taste, liquid, and love in the world.

 
In the human body, there are five types of water, each with a specific function and location. They are:
 
1)Bodhaka: The water that moistens the mouth and tongue, and enables the sense of taste. It is located in the oral cavity and the throat.
 
2)Tarpaka: The water that lubricates the brain and the eyes, and supports the sense of sight. It is located in the head and the eyes.
 
3)Kledaka: The water that dilutes the food and aids the digestion. It is located in the stomach and the intestines.
 
4)Avalambaka: The water that protects the heart and the lungs, and regulates the breathing. It is located in the chest and the back.
 
5)Shleshaka: The water that cushions the joints and the skin, and maintains the smoothness and elasticity of the tissues. It is located in the joints and the skin.
 
The balance of water is essential for health and well-being, as it affects the hydration, circulation, immunity, and emotion of the individual. When water is balanced, it leads to proper nourishment, elimination, and lubrication of the body, as well as satisfaction, compassion, and love of the mind. When water is imbalanced, it can lead to various disorders, such as:
 
A)Low water, or Alpa Jala, which is caused by excess intake of dry, light, or bitter foods, or by emotional factors such as fear, grief, or loneliness. It leads to dehydration, dryness, cracking, and roughness of the tissues, as well as loss of taste, appetite, and emotion.
 
B)High water, or Ati Jala, which is caused by excess intake of sweet, sour, or salty foods, or by emotional factors such as attachment, greed, or jealousy. It leads to edema, congestion, accumulation of toxins, and heaviness of the tissues, as well as loss of clarity, discrimination, and self-esteem.
 
C)Irregular water, or Vishama Jala, which is caused by irregular intake of hot, cold, or spicy foods, or by emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, or anger. It leads to inflammation, infection, ulceration, and bleeding of the tissues, as well as loss of stability, harmony, and peace.
 
To maintain or restore the balance of water, one should follow a healthy diet and lifestyle that is suitable for one’s constitution and the season. Some general tips are:
 
1)Drink pure, filtered, or boiled water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your mind calm.
 
2)Avoid drinking water that is too cold, too hot, or contaminated, as they can disturb or damage your water element.
 
3)Eat fresh, juicy, and natural foods that are rich in water and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and nuts.
 
4)Avoid eating foods that are too dry, too oily, or too processed, as they can deplete or aggravate your water element.
 
5)Include spices and herbs in your cooking, such as fennel, cardamom, mint, coriander, and licorice, as they can balance your water element and improve your digestion and taste.
 
6)Practice yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to relax your body and mind, and to balance your emotions. Avoid activities that can cause fear, grief, or anger, as they can disrupt your water element.