Earth

Prithvi: The Earth Element

Earth (Prithvi) in Ayurveda is one of the five Panchamahabhutas. Associated with the nose and smell, this solid element governs the body's structural components like bones, teeth, and skin. Prithvi provides strength and stability while influencing emotions ranging from groundedness and growth to attachment and depression. When imbalanced, it can manifest as weight gain, nasal septum issues, and mucous accumulation. When the qualities of earth are dominant in a substance, it is classified as parthiva.

What is Prithvi?

Earth is a loose translation of the term Prithvi. On a conceptual level, Prithvi is the Panchamahabhuta and encompasses all of space, air, fire, water, and earth. For ease of communication, we're using the simplified translation of Prithvi as earth.²

Key Associations

• Organ associated: Nose¹
• Sense associated: Smell¹

🌍 Some of the distinguishing characteristics of the earth element are that it is solid, non-sticky, and has an odour.

Effects of the Earth Element

When we increase our intake of elements rich in earth, we experience:

• Obesity - when the element increases and gets out of balance
• Increased body weight and fat
• Built muscles which provide strength and support

Bodily Connections¹

The earth element is associated with solid structures in the body:

• 🦴 Bones
• 💅 Nails
• 🦷 Teeth
• 💇 Hair
• 🧑 Skin

Emotional Aspects¹

The earth element is associated with various emotions:

• 🏞️ Groundedness
• 🌱 Growth
• 🤝 Forgiveness
• 🔗 Attachments
• 💰 Greed
• 😔 Depression

Common Imbalance Issues²

Imbalance of the earth element in the body can lead to:

• 👃 Deviation of nasal septum
• 🫃 Excessive weight gain leading to obesity
• 🤧 Congestion and mucous accumulation

References:

1. Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar - Ayurveda - Ancient wisdom for a Modern Lifestyle
2. School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes