Ether, air, fire, water and earth are the five fundamental elements, and they manifest in the human body as three basic principles, or humours, known as Tridosha.
There is no exact equivalent for these Sanskrit words; however, Dosha is generally understood as meaning "fault" or "imbalance".
From the elements of ether and air arises the bodily principle of air called Vata.
The elements of fire and water manifest in the body as the principle of fire called Pitta.
The elements of earth and water manifest as the watery bodily principle known as Kapha.
These three principles — Vata, Pitta and Kapha — govern the biological, psychological and physiological functions of the body, mind and consciousness.
They act as fundamental constituents and protective mechanisms under normal physiological conditions; when they become imbalanced, however, they contribute to the processes of disease.
Air + Ether = Vata
Fire + Water = Pitta
Water + Earth = Kapha
Every part of our body is influenced by one of the three Doshas.
Kapha
Paranasal sinuses
Nostrils
Throat (larynx, pharynx)
Respiratory system (trachea, bronchi, lungs)
Pitta
Liver
Spleen
Gallbladder
Stomach
Duodenum
Pancreas
Vata
Small intestine
Large intestine
Charaka and Sushruta were ancient Indian physicians, mystics and healers. They taught that behind physical illness there can also be a mind in need of release and balance.
Tradition holds that Charaka and Sushruta were extraordinary healers. The Charaka Samhita is among the foundational classical texts of Ayurvedic knowledge.