Air as a Therapeutic Element
From Hippocratic philosophy to the mythological gods of the sky, the Air element has symbolized breath, movement, and the invisible forces of life. In Chinese Medicine, Air connects to the lungs and large intestine, supporting vitality, respiration, and emotional clarity. Across world traditions, Air embodies both freedom and balance — the life-giving breath that sustains body and mind.
The Air Element in Hippocratic Medicine
In Hippocratic medicine (and later Galenic tradition), the four humors were linked both to elements and to qualities (hot, cold, dry, wet):
Blood → Air (hot + wet)
Yellow bile → Fire (hot + dry)
Black bile → Earth (cold + dry)
Phlegm → Water (cold + wet)
Why?
Blood was considered warm and moist, like air in springtime.
Air was thought to carry the vital force (pneuma) through breath, just as blood circulates life through the body.
The season linked with Air/Blood was Spring, the time of growth, renewal, and vitality.
So, because the Air element was associated with blood, symbolizing vitality, warmth, and circulation we have:
When blood/air was in balance → vitality, energy, optimism.
When excessive → agitation, fever, nosebleeds, or sanguine temperament.
With more words,
When in balance:
The body has vitality, good circulation, and clear breathing.
The mind feels light, creative, and joyful.
When imbalanced:
Restlessness, anxiety, or overexcitement may arise.
Physical symptoms can include poor circulation, respiratory issues, or fatigue.
Air and Healing in Ancient Greece
Air was considered the breath of life. Hippocrates often emphasized the role of clean air, climate, and seasonal winds in health. Healing sanctuaries were built in places where fresh air and natural breezes supported rejuvenation and spiritual clarity.
Air Deities in Greek Mythology
The Anemoi, the wind gods, represented different directions and qualities of Air:
Boreas (North wind) – cold and strong
Notus (South wind) – hot and stormy
Zephyrus (West wind) – gentle and fertile
Eurus (East wind) – unpredictable
They symbolized the diverse healing and destructive forces of Air in human life.
The Air Element in Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Air is closely connected to the Metal element, which governs the lungs and large intestine. Breath (Qi) is seen as life-force energy, circulating through the body and supporting immunity.
When balanced:
Breathing is deep and natural.
The immune system is strong.
Emotions such as openness and courage dominate.
When imbalanced:
Shallow breathing, asthma, or lung weakness may occur.
Sadness, grief, or detachment may dominate emotionally.
Skin conditions may arise, as the lungs are believed to influence skin health.
Air Element and Healing
Air symbolizes movement, breath, and renewal. Just as breath brings life to the body, balancing Air energy restores clarity, joy, and resilience. Through breathwork, mindfulness, and conscious lifestyle choices, the Air element can be harmonized for better health and emotional balance.
Colors, Smells, and Practices to Support the Body’s Air Element
Colors: White, light gray, pale blue, and silver reflect Air’s clarity and purity.
Smells: Fresh, crisp, and floral scents such as lavender, jasmine, mint, and eucalyptus align with Air’s lightness
Practices & Meditation:
Breathwork (Pranayama, Qi breathing) to regulate emotions and energize the lungs.
Meditation in open air, focusing on the sensation of wind and breath.
Tai Chi or yoga practices emphasizing lung expansion and smooth flow of energy.
Journaling outdoors, to merge mental clarity with Air’s inspiration.
Foods, Herbs, and Oils that Support the Air Element
Foods:
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, lettuce)
Light grains (quinoa, amaranth, millet)
Fresh fruits like apples, pears, and grapes
Herbal teas with mint, chamomile, or lemon balm
Herbs & Oils:
Herbs: thyme, oregano, mullein, peppermint (all supportive for lungs)
Essential oils: eucalyptus, frankincense, peppermint, lavender
Air Deities in World Mythology
The Anemoi & Aura – Greek Wind Gods & Godess
Greek Mythology is rich in both Female and Male figures regarding the Air Element.
So we have:
The Anemoi embodied the qualities of wind and breath. Zephyrus, the west wind, was associated with fertility and gentle breezes, often symbolizing renewal and healing.
Female “air” figures:
Aurai — the nymphs of the breezes (plural).
Shu – Egyptian God of Air
In Egyptian mythology, Shu separated the sky from the earth and represented breath, life-force, and the power of air to sustain all beings.
Feng Po Po & Vayu-Asian Mythology
A strong female wind deity in Chinese folklore is Feng Po Po (“Madame Wind”)—often depicted as an old woman who releases winds from a sack. This is a staple of Chinese mythography references. Βικιπαίδεια
In India, the primary wind deity is Vayu (male). Some lists mention a female consort (Swasti/Śrī), but she isn’t typically invoked independently as a wind goddess the way Feng Po Po is
Huayra Tata – Mayan Deity of Wind
In Andean tradition, the wind is classically personified by Huayra Tata (Aymara/Quechua). In modern Andean cosmovision, some sources also refer to Mama Wayra (“Mother of Wind”) as a protective wind spirit—though this name is less securely attested in early chronicles.
The Air Element Q&A’s
1. What does the Air element symbolize in Hippocratic medicine?
It was linked with blood, representing circulation, vitality, and life-force.
2. Which deities are connected with Air in mythology?
The Anemoi in Greece, Shu in Egypt, and Huracán in the Mayan world.
3. How is the Air element understood in Chinese medicine?
It corresponds to the lungs and large intestine, governing breath and immunity.
4. How does the Air element support healing?
It provides mental clarity, circulation, and emotional renewal through breath and movement.
5. What foods strengthen the Air element?
Leafy greens, light grains, and fresh fruits that are easy to digest.
6. Which herbs and oils are good for the Air element?
Peppermint, thyme, oregano, and oils like eucalyptus and frankincense.
7. What colors and smells balance the Air element?
Light colors like white and pale blue, combined with floral and fresh aromas.
References / Bibliography
Hippocrates. On Airs, Waters, and Places. Perseus Digital Library
Jouanna, J. (1999). Hippocrates. Johns Hopkins University Press.
- Kaptchuk, Ted J. The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine. McGraw-Hill, 2000.
Unschuld, P. (1985). Medicine in China: A History of Ideas. University of California Press.
Burkert, W. (1985). Greek Religion. Harvard University Press.
Tedlock, B. (1992). Time and the Highland Maya. University of New Mexico Press.
Vlachou Panagiota Sophia
Certified Beekeeper | Specializing in Traditional Beekeeping & Natural Wellness Methods
Trained in Traditional Acupuncture – Academy of Traditional & Chinese Medicine
Member of the Beekeepers’ Association of Attica-Greece
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, or health practices.
