The Elements
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org, please feel free to visit the school website)
In a healthy person with an undisturbed energy flow, the etheric element flows through the thumbs outward over the top of the head and through the top of the head all the way through the core of the body to the big toes. Ether rules the neck, reflexes the big toe and thumb, the necks of the fingers and toes and the centerline of the body. Ether in balance shows healthy self-esteem, a good sense of identity and the ability to take psychic space. Out of balance, the over energized or rajasic ether is an egotistical, arrogant, tyrannical megalomaniac. Tamasic or contracted ether has poor self-esteem, feels shamed, victimized and sad. A polarity therapist would use toning, cranial-sacral therapy and the spine, joint and core sessions to balance ether.
The Air element flows through the pointer fingers, over the inner eyebrows in the middle of the face and all the way down the body to the pointer toe. Air corresponds with the upper torso, the heart chakra, the eyes and the area around the eyes, like the lone ranger mask. The heart and lungs, desire and hope are all centered here. Air also travels from side to side through the body. Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius rule the thoracic cavity, the kidneys and adrenals, and the ankles. They represent respectively the positive, neutral and negative poles. Air in balance is a content, centered, realistic, charitable individual. Rajasic air is lustful, greedy, impatient and pumping up unrealistic expectations. Tamasic is pessimistic, discontent, and immobilized with depression. A sattvic diet and session as well as a diaphragm and heart session can balance the air element.
The fire element rules the middle finger, travels out and directly over and through the eyes. It goes over the nipples, the middle of the knees, down to the middle toe. Fire corresponds with stomach, spleen and intestines, liver and gall bladder, the diaphragm and umbilicus and emotions of frustration and anger. Fire also travels from back to front and spirals out from the navel. The zodiac signs Aries, Leo and Sagittarius rule the head, the heart, solar plexus and the thighs. Fire in balance is respectful, insightful and forgiving. Rajasic fire is full of rage, shame and blame and judgment for others. Tamasic is full of the same for themselves and engages in enabling behavior. To balance the fire element bloodless surgery, woodchoppers, easy stretching postures, and a rajasic session are in order.
The water element travels through the ring finger, the outside edge of the eye all the way to the ring toe. Water rules the lower abdomen and genitalia. The corresponding zodiac signs of Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces rule respectively the breast, pelvis and feet. Sexuality, caring as well as feelings of being enmeshed are centered here. Water travels in a straight line from top to bottom. Water in balance is compassionate, nurturing, caring and receptive. Rajasic water is characterized by sex-addiction, passion and charm as well as feeling isolated. Tamasic water is enmeshed, needy possessive and dependent. To balance this element we will use perineal therapy and the pelvic and/or sacrum session.
The earth element runs through the outside little finger and the outside of the face near where the ear starts, all the way down to the little toe. Earth corresponds to the bowels, the rectum and the base of the pelvis. Fear and anxiety are the emotions centered here. Ruled by tamas, when we work on this element we will touch the heels, the sacrum and the occiput. The Earth zodiac signs; Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn rule the neck and throat, the colon and the knees. The balanced earth element is stable, supportive, grounded and accepts his or her limitations. Rajasic earth is defensive, paranoid and hyper-vigilant The tamasic earth has poor boundaries, is overly sensitive and is prone to frequent self-doubts. To balance Earth, squatting and the polarity diet are a great place to start. Most of our clients are coming to us to balance the flows that are out of alignment and diet and exercise are a great place to start.
As well as the chakras and elements, centrifugal and centripetal force is another polarity we will touch on here. Centrifugal moves outward from the center. It corresponds with rajas, the positive pole, the sun, moving towards the right, masculine energy and stimulation. Its energy is dispersing, red in color and electrical. It covers the back. Centripetal force is opposite to this. It moves from the outside to the inside, corresponding with tamas, the negative pole, the moon, moving toward the left, and feminine energy. Centripetal force is quieting, blue in color, magnetic in its attraction and covers the front.