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PRITHVI (Earth) Element

The earth element, or Prithvi, is one of the five elements that make up the universe and the human body. It is responsible for the solidity, stability, and structure of matter and energy, as well as the nourishment and security of life. It is also the source of smell, taste, and the sense of being grounded in the world.

 
In the human body, the earth element is associated with the Kapha dosha, which governs the physical structure, stability, and nourishment of the body and mind. The earth element is also present in the bones, muscles, skin, hair, nails, teeth, and other solid tissues of the body. It gives the body strength, endurance, and resistance to diseases. Earth element is present in the bones, muscles, skin, hair, nails, teeth, and other solid tissues of the body.
 
The earth element has five subtypes, each with a specific location and function in the body. They are:
 
1)Asthi: The bones and teeth, which give strength and support to the body.
 
2)Majja: The bone marrow and nervous tissue, which fill the cavities of the bones and transmit impulses.
 
3)Kapha: The mucus and fluids, which lubricate and protect the organs and tissues.
 
4)Shukra: The reproductive fluids, which carry the essence of life and fertility.
 
5)Ojas: The vital essence, which is the subtlest form of the earth element and the source of immunity and vitality.
 
The earth element can be balanced or imbalanced, depending on the diet, lifestyle, environment, and season. 
 
The balance of the earth element is essential for health and well-being, as it affects the digestion, metabolism, immunity, and emotion of the individual. When the earth element is balanced, it leads to proper nourishment, stability, endurance and lubrication of the body, as well as satisfaction, compassion, and love of the mind. 
 
When the earth element is imbalanced, it manifests as diseases, heaviness, dullness, attachment, and greed and can lead to various disorders, such as:
 
1) Low earth, or Alpa Prithvi, which is caused by excess intake of light, dry, or bitter foods, or by emotional factors such as fear, grief, or loneliness. It leads to weakness, emaciation, cracking, and roughness of the tissues, as well as loss of smell, taste, and emotion.
 
2) High earth, or Ati Prithvi, which is caused by excess intake of heavy, oily, or sweet foods, or by emotional factors such as attachment, greed, or jealousy. It leads to obesity, congestion, accumulation of toxins, and heaviness of the tissues, as well as loss of clarity, discrimination, and self-esteem.
 
3) Irregular earth, or Vishama Prithvi, 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 balance the earth element, one should follow an earth-pacifying diet and lifestyle, which includes:
 
A) Eating light, dry, warm, and bitter foods, such as grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and spices.
 
B) Avoiding heavy, oily, cold, and sweet foods, such as dairy, meat, wheat, rice, and sugar.
 
C) Drinking warm water, ginger tea, or honey water.
 
D) Practicing regular, gentle, and stimulating exercises, such as yoga, or walking.
 
E) Avoiding excessive sleep, rest, or comfort.
 
F) Following a varied and dynamic routine of waking up, eating, sleeping, and working at different times.
 
G) Engaging in creative and challenging activities, such as learning new skills, traveling, or volunteering.
 
H) Seeking novelty, diversity, and excitement in one’s environment and relationships.