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|title=Jala mahabhuta

|title=Jala mahabhuta

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|keywords=Jala mahabhuta,ap mahabhuta,Jala mahabhuta defination,Jala mahabhuta in ayurveda,Jala mahabhuta meaning,Panchamahabhuta,Jala Importance in clinical practice

|keywords=Jala mahabhuta,ap mahabhuta,Jala mahabhuta defination, Jala mahabhuta in ayurveda, Jala mahabhuta meaning, Panchamahabhuta, Jala Importance in clinical practice, water element, fundamental elements, deole y.s., basisht g.

|description=The word jala literally means water or any fluid.It is also known as ap mahabhuta

|description=The word jala literally means water or any fluid.It is also known as ap mahabhuta

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|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg

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The word ‘jala’ literally means ‘water’ or ‘any fluid’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, jala, Page 414</ref>  It is also known as ‘ap mahabhuta’. The word ‘ap’ also means ‘water’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, ap, Page 47</ref>  It is one among the [[panchamahabhuta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 01/27]. The fluid content inside and out of the cell corresponds to the jala mahabhuta in the human body. </div>

The word ‘jala’ literally means ‘water’ or ‘any fluid’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, jala, Page 414</ref>  It is also known as ‘ap mahabhuta’. The word ‘ap’ also means ‘water’.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, ap, Page 47</ref>  It is one among the [[panchamahabhuta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 01/27]. The fluid content inside and out of the cell corresponds to the jala mahabhuta in the human body. </div>

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==Etymology and definition==

==Etymology and definition==

 

That which have the sensations of vision (rupa), taste(rasa), touch (sparsha), sliminess (snigdha) and is in the form of liquid (drava) is called ‘ap’ [Vaisheshika sutra].<ref>Dr K P Sreekumari Amma,editor. Padartha Vijnanam. Trivandrum:Ayurveda college Trivandrum; 2001.chapter 2,Jala nirupana;p.18.</ref>  It is cold on touch [Tarkasangraha].<ref>Dr K P Sreekumari Amma,editor. Padartha Vijnanam. Trivandrum:Ayurveda college Trivandrum; 2001.chapter 2,Jala nirupana;p.19.</ref>  

That which have the sensations of vision (rupa), taste([[rasa]]), touch (sparsha), sliminess (snigdha) and is in the form of liquid (drava) is called ‘ap’ [Vaisheshika sutra].<ref>Dr K P Sreekumari Amma,editor. Padartha Vijnanam. Trivandrum:Ayurveda college Trivandrum; 2001.chapter 2,Jala nirupana;p.18.</ref>  It is cold on touch [Tarkasangraha].<ref>Dr K P Sreekumari Amma,editor. Padartha Vijnanam. Trivandrum:Ayurveda college Trivandrum; 2001.chapter 2,Jala nirupana;p.19.</ref>  

==Synonyms==

==Synonyms==

The term ap denotes the following meanings

The term ap denotes the following meanings

#Jalamahabhuta

#[[Jala mahabhuta]]

#Water present in the external world

#Water present in the external world

#Water/aqueous content in the body (udaka)

#Water/aqueous content in the body (udaka)

==Evolution==  

==Evolution==  

In the sequence of evolution, it is formed from [[agni]]mahabhuta.Shabda, sparsha and rupa tanmatra unifies with rasa tanmatra to form jalamahabhuta. [Su.Sa.Sha 1/4]

In the sequence of evolution, it is formed from [[agni mahabhuta]]. Shabda, sparsha and rupa [[tanmatra]] unifies with rasa [[tanmatra]] to form jala mahabhuta. [Su.Sa.Sha 1/4]

==Types==

==Types==

Ap is present in two forms:<ref>Dingarilakshmanachary.Acharya’sAyurvedeeyapadarthavigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter08, Jala nirupana;p.57.</ref>

Ap is present in two forms:<ref>Dingari lakshmanachary. Acharya’s Ayurvedeeya padartha vigyana. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit pratisthan;2012.Chapter08, Jala nirupana;p.57.</ref>

#Nitya (eternal)

#Nitya (eternal)

#Anitya (ephemeral)  

#Anitya (ephemeral)  

==General characteristics==

==General characteristics==

   

   

A substance with predominance of jalamahabhuta possess the following characteristics[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/11]

A substance with predominance of jala mahabhuta possess the following characteristics[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/11]

*Fluid (drava)

*Fluid (drava)

*Unctuous (snigdha)

*Unctuous (snigdha)

*[[Shukra]] (seminal fluid) has predominance of apmahabhuta. Hence it is termed as ‘saumya’ (originated from soma) [Su.Sa.Sha.3/3].

*[[Shukra]] (seminal fluid) has predominance of apmahabhuta. Hence it is termed as ‘saumya’ (originated from soma) [Su.Sa.Sha.3/3].

*During embryogenesis, the jala mahabhuta maintains the moisture in fetus. It prevents dryness due to action of [[vayu]] and [[agni]]mahabhuta [Su.Sa.Sha.5/3].

*During embryogenesis, the jala mahabhuta maintains the moisture in fetus. It prevents dryness due to action of [[vayu]] and [[agni mahabhuta]] [Su.Sa.Sha.5/3].

*In the fetus,jalamahabhuta is responsible for the development of functions like taste, coldness, softness, unctuousness and sliminess[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]4/12]. All these functions are carried out in postnatal life too [Su.Sa.Sha.1/19].

*In the fetus,jala mahabhuta is responsible for the development of functions like taste, coldness, softness, unctuousness and sliminess[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]]4/12]. All these functions are carried out in postnatal life too [Su.Sa.Sha.1/19].

*The gustatory system including tongue and taste buds have predominance of jala mahabhuta [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/14].

*The gustatory system including tongue and taste buds have predominance of jala mahabhuta [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/14].

*In the eyeball the whitish part represents the jala mahabhuta [Su.Sa.Ut.1/11].

*In the eyeball the whitish part represents the jala mahabhuta [Su.Sa.Ut.1/11].

*The liquidity and fluidity of blood ([[rakta]]) is a result of apmahabhuta [Su.Sa.Su.14/9].

*The liquidity and fluidity of blood ([[rakta]]) is a result of apmahabhuta [Su.Sa.Su.14/9].

*Jala mahabhuta also maintains fluidity, unctuousness and flexibility in body components like plasma and lymph([[rasa]]), adipose tissue([[meda]]), bone marrow([[majja]]), [[shukra]], urine(mutra), sweat(sweda) and breast milk(stanya) [Su.Sa.Su 15/10].

*Jala mahabhuta also maintains fluidity, unctuousness and flexibility in body components like plasma and lymph([[rasa]]), adipose tissue([[meda]]), bone marrow([[majja]]), [[shukra]], urine ([[mutra]]), sweat ([[sweda]]) and breast milk([[stanya]]) [Su.Sa.Su 15/10].

===Role in determining the complexion===

===Role in determining the complexion===

*An equilibrium of all the five mahabhuta result in shyama varna i.e. sky-like bluish complexion[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/15].

*An equilibrium of all the five mahabhuta result in shyama varna i.e. sky-like bluish complexion[Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/15].

===[[Marma]] (vital points) and its Jalamahabhuta constitution===

===[[Marma]] (vital points) and its Jala mahabhuta constitution===

*The injury to kalantarapranaharamarma(vital points) leads to death after some time, because dominance of jalamahabhuta with [[agni]]. The quality of jalamahabhuta pacifies actions of [[agni]] for some time.

*The injury to kalantara pranahara [[marma]] (vital points) leads to death after some time, because dominance of jala mahabhuta with [[agni]]. The quality of jala mahabhuta pacifies actions of [[agni]] for some time.

*Vaikalyakaramarma possesses jalamahabhuta predominance. Due to the stability and cold nature of water, it helps to sustain the life. [Su.Sa.Sha.6/16]

*Vaikalyakara [[marma]] possesses jala mahabhuta predominance. Due to the stability and cold nature of water, it helps to sustain the life. [Su.Sa.Sha.6/16]

==Importance in clinical practice==

==Importance in clinical practice==

===Application in diagnosis===

===Application in diagnosis===

The moisture, unctuousness, softness and delightfulness in the body are decided by the jalamahabhuta [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]26/11]. Abnormalities in these functions are observed to assess the varying proportions of jalamahabhuta in the body.   

The moisture, unctuousness, softness and delightfulness in the body are decided by the jala mahabhuta [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]]26/11]. Abnormalities in these functions are observed to assess the varying proportions of jala mahabhuta in the body.   

The increase or decrease in [[kapha]][[dosha]] and other body components with above properties depend upon jalamahabhuta. Hence, it is observed. For e.g.Depletion of [[rasa]] [[dhatu]] may result due to reduction of apmahabhuta and vice versa in the body. It leads to thirst (trishna) and other features of depletion of rasa ([[rasa]] kshaya) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/16].  

The increase or decrease in [[kapha]][[dosha]] and other body components with above properties depend upon jala mahabhuta. Hence, it is observed. For e.g. Depletion of [[rasa]] [[dhatu]] may result due to reduction of ap mahabhuta and vice versa in the body. It leads to thirst (trishna) and other features of depletion of rasa ([[rasa]] kshaya) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 22/16].  

===Application in treatment===

===Application in treatment===

*The qualities of jalamahabhuta are applied in specific treatments. Moisture is applied in dryness created due to [[agni]] and [[vayu]]. Fluidity is applied to improve volume of depleted body components. It is also applied to cleanse channels. Coldness is applied to reduce heat. Softness is applied to reduce roughness. The sharp actions of [[agni]]mahabhuta are pacified by soft and slow properties of jalamahabhuta. Delightfulness is applied to reduce anger and grief.  

*The qualities of jala mahabhuta are applied in specific treatments. Moisture is applied in dryness created due to [[agni]] and [[vayu]]. Fluidity is applied to improve volume of depleted body components. It is also applied to cleanse channels. Coldness is applied to reduce heat. Softness is applied to reduce roughness. The sharp actions of [[agni]] mahabhuta are pacified by soft and slow properties of jala mahabhuta. Delightfulness is applied to reduce anger and grief.  

*Udaka form is the best for production of soothing effect/refreshing agent (ashwasakara) [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40]. It is used in the treatment of psycho-neurological disorders like anxiety neurosis.

*Udaka form is the best for production of soothing effect/refreshing agent (ashwasakara) [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40]. It is used in the treatment of psycho-neurological disorders like anxiety neurosis.

*Jala is best in producing astringent effect. Hence it is used for creating bonds or as binding agent [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40].  

*Jala is best in producing astringent effect. Hence it is used for creating bonds or as binding agent [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40].  

*The substances which are heavy (guru) to digest have predominance of [[prithvi]] and jalamahabhuta. Their overuse affects digestion and metabolism ([[agni]])[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/6]. The quantity of food is determined by inherent nature of food (light or heavy to digest) based upon fundamental panchabhautik composition and digestive capacity of an individual.

*The substances which are heavy (guru) to digest have predominance of [[prithvi]] and jala mahabhuta. Their overuse affects digestion and metabolism ([[agni]])[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/6]. The quantity of food is determined by inherent nature of food (light or heavy to digest) based upon fundamental panchabhautik composition and digestive capacity of an individual.

*In the manifestation and differentiation of taste (rasa), jalamahabhuta is one among the fundamental source[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/64]. Among the six types of tastes (rasa), sweet (madhura) and salt (lavana) have predominance of jalamahabhuta [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/40].These [[rasa]] are able to pacify [[vata]][[dosha]] and aggravate [[kapha]][[dosha]]. Hence, they are applied in treatment of vitiation of [[vata]][[dosha]] and depletion of [[kapha]][[dosha]] in the body.  

*In the manifestation and differentiation of taste ([[rasa]]), jalamahabhuta is one among the fundamental source[Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 1/64]. Among the six types of tastes (rasa), sweet (madhura) and salt (lavana) have predominance of jala mahabhuta [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 26/40].These [[rasa]] are able to pacify [[vata]][[dosha]] and aggravate [[kapha]][[dosha]]. Hence, they are applied in treatment of vitiation of [[vata]][[dosha]] and depletion of [[kapha]][[dosha]] in the body.  

*Medicines for therapeutic purgation (virechana) have predominance of jala and [[prithvi]]mahabhuta. Since both of these mahabhuta have heaviness as their property, it carries the dosha in downward direction [Su.Sa.Su.41/6] and thus it helps in expelling the dosha through rectal route [Cha.Sa.[[Kalpa Sthana]] 1/5].

*Medicines for therapeutic purgation ([[virechana]]) have predominance of jala and [[prithvi]] mahabhuta. Since both of these mahabhuta have heaviness as their property, it carries the [[dosha]] in downward direction [Su.Sa.Su.41/6] and thus it helps in expelling the [[dosha]] through rectal route [Cha.Sa.[[Kalpa Sthana]] 1/5].

*Drugs predominant of qualities of [[prithvi]] and ambumahabhutas are nourishing/stoutening (brimhana) in nature [Su.Sa.Su.41/6].

*Drugs predominant of qualities of [[prithvi]] and ambu mahabhutas are nourishing/stoutening ([[brimhana]]) in nature [Su.Sa.Su.41/6].

*The panchabhutika composition of [[kapha]][[dosha]] is jala and [[prithvi]]mahabhutas[AS.Su.20/2]. The substances possessing jalamahabhuta mitigates the [[vata]] and [[pitta]][[dosha]] and cause increase in [[kapha]][[dosha]] [Su.Sa.Su.41/7-9].

*The panchabhutika composition of [[kapha]][[dosha]] is jala and [[prithvi]]mahabhutas[AS.Su.20/2]. The substances possessing jalamahabhuta mitigates the [[vata]] and [[pitta]][[dosha]] and cause increase in [[kapha]][[dosha]] [Su.Sa.Su.41/7-9].

*The treatment of [[kapha]][[dosha]] aggravated condition can be done by avoiding diet and lifestyle measures with jalamahabhuta predominance.

*The treatment of [[kapha]][[dosha]] aggravated condition can be done by avoiding diet and lifestyle measures with jala mahabhuta predominance.

*In conditions of [[vata]] and [[pitta]] [[dosha]] aggravation, jalamahabhuta dominant regimen shall be indicated.

*In conditions of [[vata]] and [[pitta]] [[dosha]] aggravation, jalamahabhuta dominant regimen shall be indicated.

*The ap[[bhutagni]] selectively carries out digestion and metabolism of food substances having dominance of jalamahabhuta. It nourishes the respective constituents in the body [AH.Sha.3/59-60]. Therefore in case of any abnormality or disequilibrium of water components in the body, this [[agni]] needs to be corrected.  

*The ap[[bhutagni]] selectively carries out digestion and metabolism of food substances having dominance of jala mahabhuta. It nourishes the respective constituents in the body [AH.Sha.3/59-60]. Therefore in case of any abnormality or disequilibrium of water components in the body, this [[agni]] needs to be corrected.  

==Current views and researches==

==Current views and researches==

The subtle(tanmatra) form of all mahabhuta is considered as eternal. After the formation of heat and light radiations due to collisions, the forces further may produce viscous attractions towards each other, which results in condensations. The thus formed condensation with potential of taste and viscous attractions may be considered as rasa tanmatra of apmahabhuta.<ref>Nalage D H. A study of Samskara and its role in alteration of Pancha-Bhautika composition of Dravya [MD Dissertation]. Jamnagar: Gujarat Ayurved University; 2004</ref>  

The subtle ([[tanmatra]]) form of all [[mahabhuta]] is considered as eternal. After the formation of heat and light radiations due to collisions, the forces further may produce viscous attractions towards each other, which results in condensations. The thus formed condensation with potential of taste and viscous attractions may be considered as rasa [[tanmatra]] of ap mahabhuta.<ref>Nalage D H. A study of Samskara and its role in alteration of Pancha-Bhautika composition of Dravya [MD Dissertation]. Jamnagar: Gujarat Ayurved University; 2004</ref>  

In quantum physics, the spin- ½ matter field (one among the five quantum mechanical spin types of a unified quantum field theory) can be correlated with the elementary fermion particles.<ref>Sharma H. Correlation of physiological principles of Ayurveda with spin types of quantum physics. Annals Ayurvedic Med [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2020 Apr 03];7(3-4):72-74. Available from: https://www.aamjournal.in/fulltext/70-1531160335.pdf</ref> Dr John Hagelin, leading physicist in the area of unified quantum field theory, correlates jalamahabhuta with the spin - ½ matter field.<ref>Hagelin.J. S. Is Consciousness the Unified Field? A Field Theorist’s Perspective. Modem Science and Vedic Science [Internet]. 1987 [cited 2020 Apr 03];7(1):29-87. Available from:https://www.psychicstudent.com/wp-content/uploads/hagelin.pdf</ref>  

In quantum physics, the spin- ½ matter field (one among the five quantum mechanical spin types of a unified quantum field theory) can be correlated with the elementary fermion particles.<ref>Sharma H. Correlation of physiological principles of Ayurveda with spin types of quantum physics. Annals Ayurvedic Med [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2020 Apr 03];7(3-4):72-74. Available from: https://www.aamjournal.in/fulltext/70-1531160335.pdf</ref> Dr John Hagelin, leading physicist in the area of unified quantum field theory, correlates jalamahabhuta with the spin - ½ matter field.<ref>Hagelin.J. S. Is Consciousness the Unified Field? A Field Theorist’s Perspective. Modem Science and Vedic Science [Internet]. 1987 [cited 2020 Apr 03];7(1):29-87. Available from:https://www.psychicstudent.com/wp-content/uploads/hagelin.pdf</ref>