Anatomical Foundations of the Human Body in Relation to the Pañchamahābhūta (Five Element Theory)
Keywords:
Pañchamahābhūta, Ayurvedic Anatomy, Five Elements, Ayurveda Physiology, Elemental Theory.Abstract
The Pañchamahābhūta theory—comprising Ākāśa (space), Vāyu (air), Agni (fire), Jala (water), and Pṛthvī (earth)—forms the philosophical and physiological foundation of Ayurveda.¹ While modern anatomy describes the body using physical structures and systems, Ayurveda explains the same through elemental principles that govern structure, function, and sensory perception.² This review explores the relationship between human anatomy and the Pañchamahābhūta, highlighting how each element contributes to the formation of tissues, sensory organs, motor organs, and physiological processes.³ The article integrates classical Ayurvedic references with modern anatomical understanding to present a holistic view of the human body.
References
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