Apas

Origin·Meaning·Influence·Conclusion·FAQ·Sources

Origin: Where does the term "Apas" come from?

This is a Sanskrit word that literally translates as "water". It is one of the five elements that make up the human body. It is therefore of great importance in Hinduism, in the traditional Indian healing art of Ayurveda and in yoga. The term is defined somewhat more broadly with regard to religious cleansing rituals such as baths and ritual ablutions. In the Vedic texts, such as the Ring Veda, the term "Apas" is also used to refer to water spirits and water deities. On this spiritual level, the element and water deities are equated, which also gives water its healing properties, whether as a drink or for baths.

Role in Ayurveda: What is the significance of Apas in Ayurveda?

Colorful circles symbolize the five Ayurvedic elements

Apas is one of the five Ayurvedic elements(Mahabhutas: the other four are Akasha - ether/space, Vayu - air, Tejas/Agni - fire and Prihtvi - earth) that make up the doshas, i.e. the three different types of human constitution. It arises from ether, air and fire and therefore also contains all aspects of these three elements. Each of the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha contains apas, but in varying amounts. The kapha dosha (earth and water) and the pitta dosha (fire and water) are most strongly characterized by apas. In Ayurvedic medicine, everything revolves around maintaining the balance between the three doshas or rebalancing an imbalance.

Apas is also one of the tanmatra, the subtle sensory elements, and is associated with rasa, or taste. Its properties(gunas) are flowing, cool, heavy, oily, soft and stagnant.

Influence on people: How does Apas influence body and mind?

The human body consists of around 70 percent water. Its stability as well as its unimpeded flow through the body are therefore essential aspects of Ayurveda. The element Apas also relates to the digestive process, metabolism and blood circulation. It is associated with the body channels (srotas), the mucous membranes, kidneys, the bladder, the lymphatic system and the organ of taste. When apas can flow freely, it promotes cleansing, vitality, skin hydration and ojas (immunity and vitality). It also has an influence on non-physical processes: on a mental level, it stands for emotions, calm and serenity and helps to cope with stress, to feel the inner flow of emotions and to keep an open heart. As an elixir of life and staple food, water is therefore of great importance in an Ayurvedic diet.

Above all, drinking hot, preferably filtered water - ideally in the morning - is recommended. You should not drink immediately after eating so as not to weaken Agni (the digestive fire); a waiting time of 45-90 minutes is recommended. The diet should be adapted to the constitution and contain fluid-rich, oily foods such as soups, oil supplements(Anuvasana) and herbal teas

Conclusion

The most important facts about Apas at a glance

  • 1. Apas is the element of water in Hinduism, Ayurveda and yoga.
  • 2. From an Ayurvedic point of view, the element Apas is of great importance in the healing of physical and mental illnesses.
  • 3. To promote apas, it is recommended to drink water and teas, but also to eat liquid and oily foods.
  • 4. When Ayurveda speaks of apas, it refers to all flowing processes of body and soul, but also to cleansing rituals and spiritual practices.
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FAQ - Further questions about Apas

What is meant by apas?
What does Apas mean in German?

Sources

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