Last year I participated in a healing symposium in Atlanta Georgia sponsored by Himayat and the Sufi Healing order. At the symposium I taught a class on the elements and Ramana has asked me to share that information with you in this format. The following information is only an introduction to this vast topic. Years ago as a new mureed Murshid's teaching of the elements captured my curiosity and planted a seed that has developed with in me. Currently I teach medical philosophy and courses in differentiation, diagnosis and medical theory at the Academy of Chinese Healing Arts in Sarasota, Florida while also maintaining a private practice. I also take people on trips to China where they have an opportunity to study Traditional Chinese Medicine.

An Introduction to the Elemental Teachings of the Unani, Chinese and Ayurvedic Traditions

In 1991, the remains of Otzi a, 5,000 year old mummified man, were found in the mountains between the border of Austria and Italy. The mummy's body was remarkably intact, as were most of his clothing, tools and weapons. Since that time scientists have been studying his body and artifacts to learn more about ancient man. One of the most intriguing characteristics of Otzi is his tattoos.

Knowing that in ancient cultures tattoos had more to do with healing than ornamentation, the scientists studied the patterns of Otzi's tattoos and examined his anatomy to see if they could that could learn more about ancient forms of medicine.

After careful forensic analysis and X-rays, scientists have a better understanding of Otzi's illnesses. They know that he suffered from a painful whipworm intestinal infestation and arthritis of the hip, lumbar spine, knees and ankles.

Implementing an ancient measuring system based on body proportion still used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Drs. Leopold Dorfer and Max Moser, leading experts on the research team, determined that the tattoos were either exactly on, or within 6 mm of the same points that would be used today by modern acupuncturists to treat Otzi's illnesses. Scientists also determined that the slight (6mm) difference in some points could compensated for by twisting Otzi's skin relative to underlying structures, that may have occurred during 5,000 years in the ice.

The implications of this discovery were exciting. Dr. Moser speculates that in Otzi's lifetime many shamanistic cultures worldwide practiced acupuncture but only a few have formalized and saved it into modern times.

We can look into the medical practices that existed five thousand years ago and recognize that traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Egyptian medicine were the three most comprehensive systems of medicine on the planet at that time. They evolved out of oral traditions of mysticism and shamanism but eventually became comprehensive schools of medicine.

Each of these systems has survived in some area of the world till modern times and eventually each incorporated a system for studying the elements.

Since ancient times the Sufis, who lived in a geographic crossroads, incorporated principals of science, mysticism, and shamanism from all cultures in their teachings on healing and medicine. The Sufi medical teachings were definitely influenced by each of these ancient cultures and their teachings on the elements. Teachings about the elements still have relevance today. Hazrat Inayat Khan mentions the elements and gives practices about them and many modern students of Sufism have wanted more information about the ancient element teachings.

Mystics and shamans were the ancient scientists and healers. They carefully studied nature, birth, life, healing, illness, and death and in each culture they began to develop an element school. Like all scientists they organized their findings into fundament principals and systems that became the model and paradigm which the entire culture used to view life and their universe.

All schools of medicine and healing including modern medicine have employed a system for organizing the elements as the foundation to understand their environment. Even today we use the periodic table as one of the fundamental tools for organizing and viewing our world. (Who knows how that model will be viewed in the future?)

The principle of this lesson is to introduce the teachings of the ancient element schools to modern students of Sufi healing. It should be understood that each of these schools has a vast perspective of the universe based on the elements and it would take years of study to gain a comprehensive understanding of that perspective.

An Introduction To The Teachings Of The Ancient Element Schools

The Greek School of Four Elements

The original classical Greek school evolved from the teachings of the Egyptian Mystery schools. Although there was probably a long oral tradition to support the four-element theory it was formalized by Empedocles of Agrigentum sometime between 504 to 433 BCE. Although this ancient form of medicine formed the foundation for western medicine its original teachings have barely survived into modern times. Aspects of it were absorbed by each of the cultures where Middle Eastern traders traveled selling their healing herbs and spices. It is still practiced as Unani medicine in Pakistan and India where there are Unani medical schools. In the original system described by Empedocles fire, earth, water and air were considered to be the ultimate constituents of matter. This perspective eventually evolved in to the current western concept that elements are the smallest unit of matter. This perception of the elements is different from the perspective held by both the Ayurvedic practitioners and the Chinese who regard the elements as dynamic energetic rhythms that support the material aspect of an element. However, the Greek school also developed the idea that the elements were the basis of an entire scientific perspective associated with qualities, seasons, colors and humors. All of manifestation was associated with different mixtures of the four elements and their characteristics. For example.

Earth was associated with black bile, the spleen, the melancholy quality, the season of autumn and the continuum of cold and dry.

Water was associated with phlegm, the brain, the phlegmatic quality, the season of winter and the continuum of cold to moist

Fire was associated with blood, the heart, the sanguine quality, the season of spring and the continuum from moist to hot.

Air was associated with yellow bile, the liver, the choleric quality, the season of summer and the continuum of hot to dry

The Traditional Chinese View

The framework for Chinese five-element theory gestated for centuries as an oral tradition that was finally documented in the fourth century BCE. Zou Yen and his followers first systematized the Five-Phase theory around 350 to 270 BCE. The original emphasis of the theory was as much political as it was scientific. The correct timing of rituals and ceremonies and the succession of dynasties were largely interpreted through the dynamics of the Phases. They were used for divination, magic, ritual, sacrifices, geomancy, astrology and mysticism as well as medicine.

The five phases (Wu Xing) classify phenomena in terms of five quintessential processes represented by the energies of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Viewed through the western perspective five phase theory is often misinterpreted. The five phases are not in any way considered to be the ultimate constituents of matter. This misconception has evolved from a mistranslation of the term Wu Xing. Wu is the number five and Xing means "walk" or "move" and implies the concept of process. Therefore Wu Xing could be understood more accurately as the five processes or five phases. The five-phase theory is a system of correspondences and patterns that underlie events and things, especially in relationship to their dynamics.

Wood is associated with active functions that are in their growing phase. Fire is associated with functions that have reached their maximal state of activity and are about to decline or enter a resting phase. Metal represents functions in a declining state. Water represents functions that have reached their maximal phase of rest and are about change their direction and become more active. Earth represents balance or neutrality. Earth is the buffer between the other states. In Sufi terminology we might use the word Kemal to describe the Earth State. In terms of the seasons Wood is associated with the energy of spring, Fire to summer, Metal to autumn, Water to winter. Earth is seen as the transition point between each season. The energy of each season returns to the earth to seek resources for its next phase. The phase sequence represented by the seasons is known as the Mutual Production order. There are thirty-six mathematical sequences that the phases can be arranged in however only a few of them are used in healing.

In time the five phases became categories that were used to classify and organize many more perceptions. Colors, sounds, odors, tastes, sensations, animals, planets, emotions and ultimately all phenomenons in the universe were organized according to their element. In medicine correlations were made between the five phases and the organs, body tissues, orifices, countenance, constitution and acupuncture points. Five-phase theory became a very comprehensive medical theory that is still very effective to differentiate, diagnose and treat disease.

The Five Element school of medicine is still actively practiced through out China, Korea and Japan. There are a few five-element schools in America and courses in this topic are available in most TCM colleges worldwide. It takes years of systematic study to master the knowledge required to become a five-element practitioner. However, the information available in the following chart serves as an introduction to some of the correlations that form the basis of five-element theory.

In Chinese medicine the elements do not exist independently. They form an interdependent system in which each element is responsible for generating and sustaining another element as well as keeping it in control. The relationships formed between the elements can be mutually supportive or detrimental.

Five Phase Theory made an enormous contribution to field of Chinese herbology and provided the framework that caused it to become one of the most effective forms of natural medicine on the planet. Empirical evidence has proven for centuries that all aspects of Five Phase Medicine from herbology, to acupuncture is a highly effective and valid form healing. In fact acupuncture and Chinese herbology have cured more people than by all other forms of medicine combined.

The Ayurvedic School

The Indian Ayurvedic School of medicine evolved in prehistory as a form of oral transmission that eventually became one of the most comprehensive forms of medicine. There are Vedic texts written 7000 years ago that mention Ayurvedic medicine, yoga and acupuncture (needle therapy) as ways of treating illness. The Ayurvedic School has a very complete teaching on the five elements that survives and is practiced to this day. The Ayurvedics regard the five elements as earth, water, fire air, and ether.

Earth represents a solid state of matter and stands for substance, stability, rigidity and fixedness. Earth is considered a stable substance.

Water represents change and movement, dissolution, purification, transportation and temperature regulation. It is considered a substance without stability.

Fire represents the power of transformation. It is the sun's firepower that initiates all energy cycles on earth. It transforms solids into energy or liquids and liquids to gas. It metabolizes food into energy, warms the body, creates impulses of the nervous system, and regulates the feelings, and thought processes. Fire is form with out substance.

Air is the gaseous form of matter, which is mobile and dynamic. Air can respond to heat and cold. It has volume. We can feel its movement. It is responsible for oxidation and all energy transfers, if we are cut off from air for more that a few minutes, we recognize that it is completely vital to life. It is the element that distinguishes life from death. Air is existence without form.

Ether is the space in which everything happens. Ether is distance which separates matter. If we consider the molecular model and the vast spaces responsible for maintaining the dynamic organization we call matter, we can really appreciate the genius of the ancient scientists who were able to distinguish ether from air.

The ancient Ayurvedics organized the five elements earth, water, fire, air, and ether in a system called the Doshas. Doshas are primary life forces or biological humors created from the pairing of two of the five elements to create three dynamic interactions. The word Dosha means "that which changes." It is meant to show that the elements are constantly in motion and at the same time maintain a dynamic balance. The word Dosha also means "that which darkens" or "spoils" which refers to the disease that can occur when the elements become out of balance.

The Doshas move in the body along channels or meridians of circulation called strotas. Ancient Ayurvedic practitioners used yoga, herbs and acupuncture to influence how the Doshas moved in the body.

The Three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Vata Dosha (Vata Life Force) is created by the combination of the Ether (Space) element and Air element. Vata is responsible for the principles of movement, balance, sense perception, thought and will. It is responsible for the movement of air, blood, food, nerve impulses, thoughts and waste. The seven factors that can effect Vata are cold, light, dry, irregular, mobile, rarefied and rough. Excessive Vata force can cause confusion, gas, high blood pressure, and nerve irritation. Insufficient Vata force can create congestion, constipation, nerve loss, and thoughtlessness. If we look to nature for examples of the relationship of air to ether we see that air unrestricted by space as in over the ocean or over the plains can gain momentum and become a hurricane. Air that becomes too restricted by space, as in air confined by closet can become stagnant.

Pitta Dosha (Pitta Life Force) is formed by the relationship of fire and water. The dynamic between fire and water is described by the word transformation. The transformative processes of the body are evident in the digestion, hormones and metabolism. Pitta works in the mind by transforming electrical impulses and chemicals into thoughts. The factors that can affect Pitta include hot, light, fluid, subtle, sharp, malodorous and clear. Excessive Pitta can cause acne, anger, hormonal imbalance and ulcers. Inadequate Pitta can cause indigestion, hypometabolism, and lack of comprehension. The relationship of water and fire is vital. Not enough water in the pot will cause it to scorch over the fire. However, too much water in the pot will cause it to overflow and drown the fire.

Kapha Dosha (Kapha Life Force) Kapha means that which binds. The combination of water and earth forms the Kapha Dosha. Water and earth together create "that which binds" and forms substance. Kapha is responsible for the structure and composition of substance as well as the fluids that nourish and protect it. The factors affecting Kapha are oily, cold, heavy, stable, dense, and smooth. Excessive Kapha energy creates mucus build up in the sinuses, bronchials, lungs and colon. It affects the mind by causing rigidity, fixation, and inflexibility. Insufficient Kapha can produce a dry respiratory system, burning stomach and lack of concentration..

In all of creation the three Doshas are always in dynamic motion, transforming and balancing each other. When the Doshas become disordered and out of balance disease is the result.

The Dosha model became a lens through which all of creation could be analyzed and understood. Ancient scientists, mystics and healers used their understanding of the Doshas to study all aspects of their environment. They studied cosmology, astrology, the seasons, the weather, temperatures, climate, daylight and darkness, colors, tastes, movements, sounds, smells, directions, music, art, anatomy, biology, psychology, medicine and breath according to the elements.

A deep understanding of the Doshas evolved into an understanding of constitutional medicine. This allowed a practitioner to identify and treat imbalances of the three Doshas by recognizing their characteristics in a patient.

The Doshas also operate in the plant kingdom. Vata Dosha is present in the stems, leaves and flowers of plants. The roots of the plants, which store water and nutrients, are related to the Kapha Dosha. Resins, saps, spices and essential oils are the Pitta aspect of the plant. Different plants have different concentrations of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and we can use different foods, plants and parts of plants to influence or alter the body's proportion of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Because human bodies rely on the healing energies of plants to be nourished , balanced, and harmonized a very effective and evolved system of herbal medicine and food therapy developed around the Ayurvedic element model.

It is understood that each of the five elements is concentrated in a certain part of the body and controls its specific functions, for example, ether relates to the brain and nervous system. Air relates to the nose and chest Fire relates to the hormones and digestion. Water relates to the urinary tract and lower abdomen and earth relates to excretion and stability.

Hazrat Inayat Khan performed the following breathing practice every day. It is called The Element Purification Breaths.

Begin by sitting in a comfortable meditative position with the eyes closed. Become aware of the breath and begin to contemplate the qualities of the earth element. Breathe in the nose and out the nose. Keep the inhalation and exhalations even and balanced. Concentrate on the golden earth color and contemplate the spreading, nurturing energy of the earth for five breaths.

After five breaths begin to contemplate the water element. While concentrating on the color green contemplate the nature of water. Visualize water in its various forms and become aware its downward, flowing direction while breathing in the nose and out the mouth for five breaths. Keep the breath even and balanced.

After five breaths begin to concentrate on the fire element. Breathe in the mouth and out the nose. Focus on the color red and contemplate the nature of fire. Visualize the different qualities of the fire element how it leaps up, warms and transforms.

After five breaths shift your meditation to the air element. Concentrate on the color blue. Breathe in the mouth and out the mouth while contemplating the nature of the air. Allow the air to expand and carry your thoughts into space.

After five breaths begin to breathe very lightly and contemplate the nature of Ether (space). Contemplate the color of smoke while allowing the breath to become finer and finer until one becomes completely identified with the nothingness of space itself.

For many of us who have studied Murshid's teaching " The Element Breaths" or the "Purification Breaths" were perhaps the first spiritual practice that we learned. Although it seems so simple it is a highly effective practice for changing the consciousness. Murshid recommended doing this practice every day.

Murshid also wrote about different healing practices using the elements to clear impressions. He taught his mureeds to write about one's illness and then instructed them to burn or bury the writing in order to free one of the illness' impression. He suggested identifying the correct element for the problem so that the element could absorb the impression most effectively. Although these may seem like a simple way to reimpress the mind, a deeper study of the elements could lead to a more profound understanding of Murshid's teachings. Murshid also told stories of healers who use water for healing. These healers blow healing energy into a glass of water and transform it into a powerful remedy that heals the ill. Jesus used these techniques but there are other spiritual masters who can command the elements for healing as well.

Murshid Samuel Lewis developed walking meditations for the elements. Many of us have had the opportunity to learn the element walks in different classes and seminars. It is a little difficult to explain these walks on line, but if you have not had an opportunity to learn the "element walks" you may want to be on the look out for an opportunity to learn them in the future.

This paper has been offered as an overview to raise interest in a topic that can offer a lifetime of study. Please let me know if you would like more information on this topic.

Yours Sincerely,

Anna Less

"The Divine Being...though distinctly something other than the visible and material substances, nevertheless pervades each one amongst all existences, and by this penetration of the whole keeps the world in a state of being."

St. Macrina the Younger (urs 7.12.379)

"Wherever two or more of you are gathered in my name, I am there" - Jesus of Nazareth

"The shortest distance between two points is an intention" John Upledger, DO

The ancient Elemental systems, reflected today in medicine wheels and stone circles, were created through millennia of observation of life process and assume the interconnection and unity of all things. Two of the three great medicines of the world, Traditional Asian Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine, healthcare systems for billions of people, are based on elemental models. Elemental constitutional models offer powerful insights for understanding self and others, and are mirrors of the play of spirit and energy within and among us.

This handout draws on the five-element system of China, and a new therapy, "craniosacral", developed by Upledger and other Osteopaths.

ENTRAINMENT

All living things have the capacity to "entrain", to create an energetic union and correspondence with another. This connection enhances each participant: their individual energy fields are enlarged, their individual energy fields are opened, they are able, if they choose, to heal one another. Entrainment is a common fact of human life. Audiences entrain, lovers entrain, babies and their caregivers entrain. Entrainment is the sharing of spiritual energy, and allows frozen or blocked energy to open and move.

For the pastoral listener, entrainment can enable a deep unburdening to occur. Entrained listening connects the person who is speaking to larger forces, to the Earth, and to the heavens. The Listener becomes the channel through which part of Creation is made whole again, as what has been held apart is released and returns to the flow of life.

Exercise: Hold your hands a few inches above the hands of another. Imagine the energy flowing out from your right hand and returning through your left. What do you feel? Temperature? Sensation? Movement? A regular throbbing - a therapeutic pulse - is the sign of entrained energy working to heal. Many people experience this in meditation.

EARTH

Earth - late summer - is the element of nurture, of sympathy and understanding. The Earth supports, comforts, offers abundance generously, like a Mother. When out of balance, there is mental obsessing, guilt, giving too much or not enough.

Listen for: voice is singing, lilting; also whining.

Needs: Sympathy, nurturance, groundedness.

METAL

Metal - autumn - is the element of self-worth and self-esteem, of inspiration, spirituality, and insight. Metal establishes boundaries and the sense of connection to life. The shield of good reputation, and is associated with the Father. Letting go is at the core of the task of Metal. Imbalanced Metal has trouble connecting, may bounce from group to group, and have unrealistic standards and self criticism.

Listen for: a weeping sound to the voice.

Needs: respect, acknowledgement, being valued.

WATER

Water - winter - represents our resources and the endowment of our ancestors. Survival ability, courage, wisdom, and strength arise from this element. One's personal will, be it strong or driven by fear and anxiety, is in the domain of water. Imbalanced, water may be fearful, addicted, in debt.

Listen for: A groaning sound to the voice.

Needs: encouragement, reassurance.

WOOD

Wood - spring - concerns our ability to envision, plan, and organize. Ease with decision-making, growth, and development are a sign of balanced wood. Fully inhabiting the boundaries that metal sets is a wood function, as is creativity. Imbalanced, there can be an inability to get angry or too much anger.

Listen for: a shout in the voice; speaking from a hard belly.

Needs: direction, and sometimes a terse, focused, almost blurted communication style.

FIRE

Fire - early summer - is the element of the heart and the desire for relationship. Warmth, wit, and presence denote healthy fire. Inappropriate laughter, an inability to sort through and make good choices, and a difficulty in maturing are signs of fire imbalances, as is bitterness.

Listen for: laughter

Needs:contact, focus, compliments, humor

Water

Do you have sufficient resources to take action, and can you mobilize these resources?

Can you access your own power?

Do you have a sense of drive.?

Does fear paralyze you or drive you?

Are you in debt?

Do you know your limits? (Chronic fatigue)

Can you persist through difficulty?

Do you have faith in yourself?

Can you deal with ambiguity?

Wood

Are you flexible?

Can initiate new projects or begin new phases in your life?

Can you plan short and long term?

Can you get angry appropriately?

Do you consume either medicinal or recreational drugs?

Can you envision yourself - past, present and future?

Can you be decisive when you need to?

Can you forgive?

Can you exercise leadership?

Fire

Are you happy with yourself?

Is there enough joy in your life?

Are there enough outlets for expression of your personality?

Are you easily hurt? Can you feel appropriately vulnerable?

Do you need to always be in control of situations?

Are you satisfied with your social and intimate relationships? Do they support you?

Can you find humor in yourself and in others?

Can you love someone without expecting to change them?

Do you associate with people who love and accept you?

Can you tell what is good for you and what is not?

Is your heart in your work?

Earth

Can you receive support from others and do you support them?

Are you comfortable with yourself and your environment?

Are you chronically worried?

Are you too responsible or too irresponsible?

Do things go round and round in your head?

Do you eat regularly and wisely?

Are your periods regular?

Are you comfortable with your weight?

Do you have a health care support system?

Metal

Do you have the capacity to be inspired?

Are you able to complete things?

Is your life meaningful?

Do you have a sense of your own worth?

Can you admit to your faults?

Can you take in and let go?

Is there rhythm to your life?

©Joe Pfister, M.Div., L.Ac.