Space

Akash: The Space Element

Space (Akash) in Ayurveda is one of the five Panchamahabhutas. Associated with the ears and hearing, it governs hollow spaces in the body including the chest cavity and respiratory tract. This homogenous and vocal element promotes lightness and porosity while influencing emotions ranging from peace and freedom to anxiety and isolation. When imbalanced, it can manifest as tinnitus, wheezing, and osteoporosis. When the qualities of space are dominant in a substance, it is classified as akasiya.

What is Akash?

Space is a loose translation of the term Akash. On a conceptual level, Akash is the Panchamahabhuta and encompasses all of space, air, fire, water, and earth. For ease of communication, we're using the simplified translation of Akash as space.³

Key Associations

• Organ associated: Ears¹
• Sense associated: Hearing¹
• Perceived via: Sound³

🌌 Some of the distinguishing characteristics of the space element are that it is homogenous and vocal.

Effects of the Space Element

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

• Tenderness
• Lightness
• Motility
• Porosity
• Kinetic energy

Bodily Connections¹

Space correlates with spacious places in the body, including:

• 🧑‍🦱 Abdomen
• 💓 Chest cavity
• 👄 Mouth
• 👃 Nose
• 🍽️ Gastrointestinal tract
• 🫁 Respiratory tract²
• 🫀 Thorax²

Emotional Aspects¹

The space element is associated with various emotions:

• ☮️ Peace
• 🕊️ Freedom
• 🤲 Compassion
• 🏝️ Isolation
• 🕳️ Emptiness
• 😰 Anxiety
• 💔 Separation²
• 😟 Insecurity²
• 🌀 Ungroundedness²
• 😨 Fear²

Common Imbalance Issues³

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

• 👂 Tinnitus (Pain and ringing in the ears)
• 🌬️ Wheezing
• 🩹 Anal Fistula
• 🦴 Osteoporosis

References:

1. Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar - Ayurveda - Ancient wisdom for a Modern Lifestyle
2. Dr. Vasant D. Lad - The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies - Part 1
3. School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes