Earth, fire, water, air and space make up the five elements of nature. When these elements are balanced and activated, our health and well-being is good. An imbalance leads to disorders and diseases of the mind and body. The air element is associated with the Heart Chakra or Anahata Chakra. It features qualities of lightness, movement and freedom. 

Understanding the air element 

The air element It holds traditional significance wherein it has been connected to gods, goddesses and deities for thousands of years. In Greece, it is believed four wind gods governed the north, south east and west, and were considering moving the four seasons through the year. In India, ‘Vayu’ the primary deity of wind and breath is said to have been breath taking. While we cannot see the air element, it has a significant impact on the world around us and is critical to our existence, making it a powerful force of nature. 

According to Yogic texts, there are subtle energetic winds, known as Vayus, that exist within us. In the human body there are movements of air known as Udana Vayu (an upward-outwards movement), Prana Vayu (life-force energy movement around the heart and lungs), Samana Vayu (the air energy responsible for digestion), Vyana Vayu (that exists across the whole body) and Apana Vayu (governs the downward-outward energy). Keeping these winds moving along, is key to maintaining balance and a healthy state of being. Similar to the Anahata Chakra, the air element has the great responsibility of communication, breath and subsequently life. 

Reconnecting with the air element 

Connecting with the air element of nature through our senses is a strong way to keep this life force active and balanced. Along with yogic practices, these simple sensory techniques are beneficial. 

Sensory practices to reconnect with the air element 

Natural ways to feel the air around you help activate the air element. Imagine your face on a highway, feeling the wind in your hair and face, or sitting by the sea shore and feeling the wind on your face. These are examples of natural touch therapies that trigger the air element in a positive way. Next time you’re taking a walk in your garden or a neighborhood park, pause and feel the wind on your face or hands. Observe if it is warm or cold and how it feels upon touching your skin. These are simple and mindful ways to engage with nature around you. 

For the air element, bitter and astringent tastes encourage a balance of the air element. You will feel lighter, inflammation, swelling or water retention will reduce and congestion from phlegm or mucus will reduce. Foods such as kale and brussel sprouts are examples of a bitter taste. For astringent tastes, pomegranate, black tea and legumes are good options.

Triggering the sense of sight for the air element can be done through observing the environment around you. Notice how the gentle wind causes movement in the trees and plants around you, how a piece of paper moves with the force of the wind and other small everyday situations. Even the clouds are moving gently through the day. Observe how these movements are, fast or slow, gentle or forced, etc. 

For smell, observe the air around you. What does it smell like? Is it a calm and soothing scent? What emotions does it trigger? When you cook or heat food, how does it smell? Does it trigger a mouth-watering feeling? Is it smelling fresh and wholesome? How does your bedroom smell? Is there cool, fresh air coming in? 

Air carries the vibration of sound waves allowing us to hear things. Notice the sounds around you. You’ll observe so many soundwaves. From ambulances on a street, to a song on your playlist to your colleague speaking, and the sounds of devices around you, you’ll observe various sounds. Observe the wind and air moving through trees, ruffling the leaves and creating a soothing sound. All these sounds are coming to you because of the air element. 

Yoga practices for the air element 

The Anahata Chakra

‍Associated with the heart chakra, the air element is responsible for several movements in the body, representing love, empathy, and compassion. It is the spinning wheel of energy that triggers a free-flowing form of Prana or life-force and opens the door to our inner soul. When balanced, it provides a sense of immense joy and abundant energy. 

Yoga poses for the air element

‍Postures that open up the heart balance and activate the air element. Examples include the Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana), Bow Pose (Dhanurasana) and the Wheel Pose (Chakrasana). Most backbends, like the Camel Pose, are also useful. Practicing the Cat-Cow pose provides a movement in the chest region. Taking deep breaths and being mindful of how every time we inhale air, we are breathing in life makes our experience with the yoga asanas even more effective. This breath is given to us by nature, and every exhalation gives life back to nature like plants and trees. 

Mantras and meditation for the air element

Since it is associated with the Heart Chakra, mantras and meditations for the Anahata Chakra are also helpful for the air element. Meditating on a Mandala or symbol and the mantra YAM is beneficial. Apart from this, Loving-Kindness meditation and breath meditation stimulate and activate the air element. Visualization meditation to the sounds in nature, movement in the trees and leaves also trigger the air element. Visualizing the air beneath you and flowing through your body is also a good technique.

Pranayama for the air element

‍A few impactful breathing practices for the air element are the Oceans Breath, Humming Bee Breath (where humming sounds and vibrations are made) and Full Yogic Breathing or Box Breathing. These breathing techniques encourage the flow of prana, and allow you to feel lighter and more energetic. With calm and steady breathing, you’ll feel yourself being more carefree and joyful. 

Focus on the breath to keep the air element balanced 

Focusing on the breath will allow you to flow freely, stay calm and energetic. You’ll find you’re able to achieve challenging yoga postures easily and stay more grounded. With more focus on the breath, your mindfulness will improve, enabling you to make better decisions and stay aligned with reality. With all of this comes more gratitude, love, compassion and joyfulness in your everyday life.