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5 elements of Yogic Science

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It's 2024.
Let that sink in…
Think about a time when life was simpler, when you didn't have to worry about juggling half a dozen things at the same time… the good old days.
But you still wouldn't want to live that life forever. Why? Because human nature seeks challenges and adventures which is why you're doing what you're doing, also because you have to pay bills. So how can you experience life to the fullest of your abilities while enjoying every moment of it?

The Yogic sciences being one of the most intricate and oldest sciences in human history realised the concept of the 5 elements and how it can purify the self. The more you are in contact with these 5 elements that make-up our world, the more you will feel under control and in sync with yourself.

The 5 elements being; Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space. 

    Walking barefoot on the ground… 
…for Just 15 minutes a day (ideally before sleep) is known to〖^4〗 “stabilise the physiology at the deepest levels, reduce inflammation, pain, and stress, improve blood flow, energy, and sleep, and generate greater well-being. Most of the “unwanted” cortisol (hormone released in response to prolonged stress)is produced by our eating habits and mental stress〖^2〗 which can be negated to a great extent through this practice. Science behind that is that the Earth's surface produces negatively charged electrons which enter our body and neutralise the free radicals (unstable atoms that can cause damage to other cells), acting as antioxidants. 

    Consuming spring water… 
…will not only provide you with all the trace elements that are hard to get like magnesium, potassium and calcium but also help regulate hypertension and LDL(bad cholesterol), due to it containing a high concentration of minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium which are known to regulate their levels〖^5〗. Along with that, it also aids in digestion for the same reasons. 

    Having access to clean, fresh air… 
…can be super refreshing. It can help you develop a stronger immune system due to the naturally occurring bacteria present, which in a way act as resistance the same way weights do for you at the gym, making it fitter and stronger〖^7〗. 

    While other aspects of fire are hard to achieve on a daily basis,...
…something as simple as getting sun on your skin for even as little as 15 mins a day can boost your energy levels and mood〖^8〗, possibly get rid of aches in your joints and muscles (if you are vitamin D3 deficient) and help you absorb all the calcium for strong bones (almost impossible without vitamin D3)〖^3〗. Research also says it can be highly beneficial for women over the age of 35 who are more prone to osteoporosis(weakening of bones)〖^9〗. Pro tip: Avoiding wearing sunglasses as much as possible (unless necessary) can help activate the pineal gland which may help you not feel “depressed”, according to a study 〖^1〗by regulating your circadian rhythm (body clock) and also protect against heart related conditions like hypertension. 

    Finally, space.
Why do our eyes naturally turn upwards while in deep thought? Research〖^6〗 has shown, activities like stargazing have the potential to improve creativity and critical thinking by activating areas of your brain that fire up during meditation, dreaming and religious experiences. 

If you just understand that you don't “have to” , but rather you “get to”, life would become much smoother despite all the obstacles.

Citations:

    Alpaycı, M., Özdemir, O., Erdem, S., Bozan, N., & Yazmalar, L. (2012). Sunglasses may play a role in depression. Disorders, 2(2), 80. https://doi.org/10.5455/jmood.20120529055051
    Fukuda, S., & Morimoto, K. (2001). Lifestyle, stress and cortisol response: Review II. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 6(1), 15–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02897304
    Holick, M. F. (2007). Vitamin D deficiency. The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(3), 266–281. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmra070553
    Menigoz, W., Latz, T. T., Ely, R. A., Kamei, C., Melvin, G., & Sinatra, D. (2020). Integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies should include Earthing (grounding): Review of research evidence and clinical observations. Explore-the Journal of Science and Healing, 16(3), 152–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2019.10.005
    Paul Baby, D. (Ed.). (2022, November 27). Health Benefits of Mineral Water. WebMD.com.
    Previc, F. H., Declerck, C. H., & De Brabander, B. (2005). Why your “head is in the clouds” during thinking: The relationship between cognition and upper space. Acta Psychologica, 118(1–2), 7–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2004.10.012
    Swaim, E. (n.d.). 8 Health Benefits of Getting Back to Nature and Spending Time Outside. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-being-outdoors
    Keiter, J., & J Legg, T., PhD, PsyD (Eds.). (2018, May 25). Is Sunbathing Good for You? Benefits, Side Effects, and Precautions. Healthline.com.
    Lee, H. J., Kim, C. O., & Lee, D. C. (2021). Association between Daily Sunlight Exposure and Fractures in Older Korean Adults with Osteoporosis: A Nationwide Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Yonsei Medical Journal, 62(7), 593. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2021.62.7.593