On a physical level, water is often called the universal....

“ On a physical level, water is often called the universal solvent because of its ability to dissolve almost anything at the molecular level. On a spiritual level it is the breath which acts as a universal solvent, because there is no trauma so great, no wound so deep, no delusion so convincing, that deep and mindful breathing will not dissolve it. ”

Darren Main

From : The River of Wisdom: Reflections on Yoga