Introduction to Plasma and Human Physiology
Together with lymph, plasma serves as the liquid transport system for all liquids within the human body. All chemical reactions in the body, except for respiration, occur in the liquid phase. This is why your body relies so heavily on plasma to function effectively.
Necessity of Plasma for Human Survival
Without plasma, there would be no means to carry cells and proteins throughout the human body, leading to the inevitable cessation of life. This is further emphasized by considering the vastness of the universe. If plasma is a crucial component that makes up over 99% of the matter in the universe above the condensate/dark energy scale, it is clear that plasma is fundamental for not just our lives, but the existence of life in general.
Plasma: The Liquid Vehicle of Life
Life is possible without plasma, but not your specific life. Plasma is indispensable because it serves as the liquid vehicle that transports your red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all the cells in your body. Without this transport mechanism, the essential oxygen would not reach your cells, leading to the failure of cellular functions and ultimately, the cessation of life.
Plasma and the Ancient Concept of Fire
Ancient philosophers like Heraclitus, who lived around 500 BC, believed that the universe was made of fire. According to him, for souls, death comes from becoming water, and for water, it comes from becoming earth, but from earth, water is born, and from water, a new soul arises. While modern scientific knowledge is complex, it can be simplified to understand the concept of 'fire' as a representation of plasma.
From a holistic perspective, a human being is composed of various elements: about 70% water, 14% earth (or solids), 11% air, and 6% fire (referred to as consciousness). Understanding these elements can provide insight into what sustains life and consciousness.
Role of Plasma in the Universe
Plasma, apart from being crucial for life on Earth, is also a significant component of our star, the Sun. The Sun, being made of plasma, provides us with light and heat, which are necessary for our survival. Additionally, ions, which are part of the plasma, play a vital role in stimulating muscles and allowing brain functions to occur. This highlights the far-reaching impact of plasma not just within the human body but also in the broader universe.
Understanding the concept of plasma, whether through the lens of modern scientific knowledge or ancient philosophical wisdom, underscores the importance of this fundamental element in sustaining life.