Water Element

Water manifests in the body as the secretions of digestive juices, in the mucous membranes, and in plasma and cytoplasm. Water is vital for the functioning of all the systems of the body. Dehydration resulting from diarrhea and vomiting must be treated immediately to protect the patient's life.

Water is related to the sense of taste, and the sensory organ of taste is the tongue — without water the tongue cannot perceive different tastes. The related organ of action is the reproductive system. In Ayurveda, the tongue is closely related in function to the genitals; the person who controls the upper tongue has control over the lower tongue and vice versa. Water emerges from shabda, sparsha, rupa, and rasa tanmatras (sound, touch, sight, and taste).

Apas (Water) is associated with chemical energy and functions as the universal chemical solvent. All biochemical functions in the body are governed by the Water element. It is necessary for assimilation and for maintaining electrolyte balance throughout the body.

The plasma in blood is composed of approximately 90 percent water. This fluid carries nutrients, oxygen, food particles, and subtle mineral molecules from one cell to another, from one system to another, functioning as a continuous river of life. The body's lymphatic system is also governed by the Water element. Within the medium of Water, all other elements maintain their function — it is rightly called the Water of Life.

Qualities (Gunas): Cool, liquid, dull, soft, oily, slimy.
Actions (Karmas): Downward movement, cleansing, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, percolation.
Tanmatras: Sound, touch, form, taste.
Type of Energy: Chemical energy.

When the Water element increases beyond its natural proportion in an individual, it can lead to conditions such as edema (fluid retention). Maintaining one's unique elemental balance is essential for health.