Ayurveda Dosha , recognizes three primary life-forces in the body, or three biological humours called Vata, Pitta and Kapha, which correspond to the element of air, fire and water. As the active or mobile elements, they determine the life processes of growth and decay. The Ayurvedic term for humour is Ayurveda Dosha, meaning that which darkens, spoils or causes things to decay. When out of balance, the Ayurveda Doshas are the causative forces behind the disease process.

     Ayurveda Dosha exists in a second element that serves as the medium for its manifestation, acting as its container. Ayurveda Dosha explains that Vata, air, is contained in ether. It resides in the empty spaces in the body and fills up the subtle channels. Pitta fire, exists in the body as water or oil, it exists mainly in an acid form, as fire cannot exist directly in the body without destroying it. Kapha water, exists in the medium of earth, which contains it. Our physical composition is mainly water contained within the boundaries of our skin and mucus membranes.

     Ayurveda Dosha has its primary qualities according to which we recognize them. An excess or deficiency of these qualities indicates an excess or deficiency of the particular Dosha. This, in turn, brings about various pathological changes. According to Vagbhatta, one of the great Ayurvedic commentators. Ayurveda Dosha has one major quality of its own and shares another quality with one of the other two Doshas. However, in terms of shared qualities, there is a difference. Vata as ire is lighter that Pitta as fire. Vata as air is colder than Kapha as water. Kapha as water is moister than Pitta, which has an oily quality.

     Ayurveda Dosha when aggravated gives rise to various symptoms and various disease. Vata in excess causes emaciation, debility, liking of warmth, tremors, distention and constipation. Pitta in excess causes yellow colour of stool, urine, eyes and skin as well as hunger, thirst, burning sensation and difficulty sleeping. Kapha causes depression of the digestive fire, nausea, lethargy, heaviness. Ayurveda Dosha has its respective site in the body. Ayurveda Doshas accumulate at these primary sites in the digestive system, giving rise to the disease process. Treating them at these locations by their respective methods, we can cut the disease process off at the root.