Water

Jala: The Water Element

Water (Jala) in Ayurveda is one of the five Panchamahabhutas. Associated with the tongue and taste, it provides moisture and softness to the body. Jala governs bodily fluids including plasma, saliva, and sweat. When balanced, it promotes love, contentment, and compassion while bringing calmness and determination to one's character. When the qualities of water are dominant in a substance, it is classified as jaliya.

What is Jala?

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

Key Associations

• Organ associated: Tongue¹
• Sense associated: Taste¹

💧 One of the distinguishing characteristics of the water element is moisture.

Effects of the Water Element

When we increase our intake of water element-rich items, we experience:

• Moisture and softness in the body
• Increased determination
• Calmness and happiness

Bodily Connections¹

The water element is associated with various bodily fluids and conditions:

• 🩸 Plasma
• 💦 Saliva
• 🧠 Cerebrospinal Fluid
• 🚽 Urine
• 💧 Sweat
• 🫃 Obesity
• 🦵 Edema
• 🥤 Thirst

Emotional Aspects¹

The water element is associated with nurturing emotions:

• ❤️ Love
• 😌 Contentment
• 🤲 Compassion

References:

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