Do Ayurveda and Quantum Physics depict the same underlying reality?

The Timeless Wisdom of Ayurveda

Ayurveda, the world’s oldest healing system, rooted in ancient Indian tradition, provides a profound link between our health and the universe by associating our body types with the zodiac’s fundamental elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. These elements, which serve as the building blocks of both the universe and ourselves, are central to many spiritual traditions, resulting in a connection between Ayurveda and a greater spiritual view of existence.

Ayurveda takes a comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment, acknowledging that genuine health and happiness stem from the alignment of body, mind, and spirit with the cosmic order. This profound system, rich in spiritual wisdom from enlightened sages, is still extremely relevant in today’s world, highlighting that each person’s unique constitution, which includes body, mind, and consciousness, is the foundation for health. When these ingredients are in balance, we thrive; when they are disrupted, disease develops.

Ayurveda is based on the idea that the cosmos, including our bodies, is made up of five elements known as ‘maha bhutas’. These elements correspond to different frequencies of the same fundamental material, known as ‘Prakriti’. From ether, the most ethereal and all-encompassing element, to the concrete and substantial earth, each element is a manifestation of awareness. This ancient knowledge appears to be impressively linked with present scientific notions, implying that what the sages of old intuitively knew can now be objectively verified.

A Modern Parallel: Quantum Field Theory

Modern science, notably quantum field theory and theoretical physics, is revealing surprising connections to the Ayurvedic concept of the universe. While traditional medical treatments frequently focus on biology and chemistry to comprehend the human body, it is rational to dive deeper into the nature of existence itself in order to address the core causes of sickness. This is where physics comes into play, providing deep insights into the underlying forces and particles that govern the cosmos and shape our reality.

Quantum mechanics investigates the behaviour of subatomic particles including quarks, bosons, and photons, whereas quantum field theory broadens this understanding by integrating Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2 and proposing that all matter is a condensed form of energy¹. It defines the particles described in quantum mechanics as excitations of these fields². This viewpoint is consistent with Ayurveda’s belief that all matter is related through subtle vibrations and energies. It also corresponds to Nikola Tesla’s observation: “If you want to discover the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration”.

A Unified Vision

In 1987, quantum physicist Dr. John Hagelin postulated an interesting correlation between quantum field theory and Ayurvedic principles in his study “Is Consciousness the Unified Field? A Field Theorist’s Perspective”³. He drew analogies between the various spin classifications in quantum field theory and the five Ayurvedic elements, as follows:

• Spin 0 – Higgs Field (Higgs Boson) -> Earth (Prithivi)
• Spin ½ – Matter Field (Quarks and Leptons) -> Water (Jala)
• Spin 1 – Force Fields (Photons and Gluons) -> Fire (Tejas)
• Spin 3/2 – Dark Matter (Gravitino) -> Air (Vayu)
• Spin 2 – Gravity (Graviton) -> Ether (Akasha)

In Ayurveda, the element Earth is seen as the foundation of all solid structures, in the same way that the Higgs field in quantum field theory is responsible for providing mass to fundamental particles⁴. Water accounts for 60-90% of human body weight, is essential for normal physiological activities, and is regarded as the elixir of life – ‘jeeva’ – by all living beings in Ayurveda⁵. This appears to correspond to the matter field in quantum theory, which includes fundamental particles such as electrons and quarks, which are the primary elements of normal atoms and matter⁶. Furthermore, at a fundamental level, biological system dynamics are related with the transmission of energy and charge, the latter of which requires electrons, and protons⁷ which are made up of quarks.

Fire in Ayurveda is associated with light, heat, and transformation, similar to the role of photons in quantum physics, which are subatomic elements of light that transport energy required for many chemical reactions⁸. They contribute to a variety of functions, including warming the Earth, driving photosynthesis in plants, and facilitating visual perception. At the quantum level, photons can transport electrons between different energy levels or orbitals within an atom, providing or releasing energy in the process. This activity is critical for initiating and driving chemical reactions required for life, such as those in the respiratory chain, where energy is extracted through coupled photon transfer to synthesise ATP and permit ion transport across membranes⁷.

Understanding how gravity and dark matter act on cosmic sizes while remaining mysterious at the atomic and subatomic levels due to the lack of equivalent composite particles within quantum mechanics and quantum field theory is one of contemporary science’s greatest riddles. Gravity, according to Einstein’s general relativity, is a property of spacetime rather than a force that propagates across it. Similarly, dark matter’s presence is inferred from its gravitational effects on stars and galaxies, but it does not appear to interact with electromagnetic forces, making it undetectable. The origin of life in the cosmos is assumed to be feasible due to dark matter, however it could be claimed that its true nature will only be disclosed through additional observations and research.

In Ayurveda, the elements Ether and Air signify expanding and energetic powers. Ether, with its relationship with the enormous, underlying fabric of space, is analogous to gravity, which changes spacetime despite its weak interactions, making the hypothetical graviton, a particle with a spin of two, difficult to detect. Air, which represents movement and influence throughout space, may be analogous to dark matter, which has gravitational effects on a cosmic scale but cannot be detected by normal methods. The gravitino, a theoretical particle with a spin of 3/2, is presented as an explanation for the elusive character of dark matter, but it, too, has not been seen^9-12.

Dr. Hagelin’s similarity extends to supersymmetric theory, where the interaction of quantum fields resembles the Ayurvedic concept of doshas. In this theory, multiple quantum fields interact to generate three distinct superfields, each representing an Ayurvedic dosha:

• The Matter Superfield, formed by the combination of Higgs Field (Earth) and Matter Field (Water), correlates  to Kapha dosha, which signifies structural energy.
• The Gauge Superfield, generated by Matter Field (Water) and Force Field (Fire), corresponds to Pitta dosha, representing the energy of transformation.
• The Gravity Superfield, which includes Dark Matter (Air) and Gravity (Ether), corresponds to Vata dosha and represents the energy of movement.

These connections in Ayurveda and quantum physics indicate a deep relationship between nature’s fundamental forces and the energy that shape our existence. Just as the Higgs field interacts with matter fields to provide mass, the combination of Earth and Water creates Kapha dosha, which is connected with structure. Similarly, the Gauge Superfield, akin to photon interactions, combines Water and Fire to represent Pitta dosha, which is associated with transformation. Finally, the Gravity Superfield, which represents the role of gravity and dark matter, corresponds to the Vata dosha, which is related to motion. Water, fire, and air are referred to as Kapha, Pitta, and Vata in Sanskrit, and they may be related with potential, thermal, and kinetic energy, respectively^13,14.

This comparison highlights the startling parallels between ancient Ayurvedic concepts and current quantum field theory, suggesting an intricate harmony between these two approaches to understanding the universe.

The Future Of Medicine

As we get a better grasp of both traditional wisdom and modern science, it becomes evident that integrating these perspectives is essential for the future of medicine. I am certain that the next generation of healers will need to understand the intricate relationships between the physical and spiritual, the scientific and intuitive. I would not trust any doctor who did not recognise and comprehend this. By adopting this holistic perspective, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of health and sickness, one that tackles the root causes of human suffering.

For individuals seeking a deeper knowledge of health, one that connects the ancient and modern, we are living in an exciting time where such ideas can be discussed with practitioners who epitomise this integrated approach. The healing journey begins with a single step, which may be to meet with someone who can help you navigate this profound convergence of science and ancient wisdom.

References

1. Quantum Field Theory; M Srednicki
2. There are no particles, there are only fields; A Hobson
3. Is Consciousness the Unified Field? A Field Theorist’s Perspective; J. S. Hagelin
4. Nobel Prize—Why Particles Have Mass; M. Schirber
5. Water for Health: An Overview of Principles & Practices of Water Consumption in Ayurveda; D. Londhe et al.
6. Quarks and Leptons Beyond the Third Generation; P. H. Frampton et al.
7. The Future of Quantum Biology; A. Marais et al.
8. Light: A Very Peculiar Reactant and Product; V. Balzani et al.
9. The Future of Quantum Biology; A. Marais et al.
10. What Is Spacetime?; G. Musser
11. Observation of the Effect of Gravity on The Motion of Antimatter; E. K. Anderson et al.
12. What Is Dark Matter?; L. Randall
13. The Hidden Secret of Ayurveda; R. E. Svoboda
14. Ayurveda – Ancient Science and Technology: A Quantum Paradigm; S. Lakshmanan