The Tridosha Concept:
The central concept of Ayurvedic medicine is the theory that health exists when there is a balance between three fundamental bodily humours or dosha called Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are the forces that govern all psycho-physiological functions in the body and mind respectively. The five elements are present in the three dosha in different combinations and concentrations.

• Vata – Ether and Air elements combine in dominance to form Vata Dosha, which governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration and elimination.
• Pitta – Fire and Water elements combine in dominance to form the Pitta Dosha which is responsible for the process of transformation or metabolism. Pitta is also responsible for metabolism at organ, tissue, as well as cellular levels.
• Kapha – Water and Earth elements combine to form the Kapha Dosha. Kapha is responsible for growth, protection (fluid shock absorber for joints, brain (Cerebro-Spinal Fluid and spinal cord) and makes the body stable, the structures well held with muscle, tendons, ligaments, and fats.

Vata, Pitta and Kapha together govern the bodily functions when healthy and cause diseases when out of harmony. For every person, this state of harmony is unique which is their very own Prakriti. Prakriti is the innate balance of dosha that one acquires at the time of conception. It is dependent on several factors that govern how Vata, pitta and Kapha will express themselves throughout our life in our physique and psyche. Although age, time, and seasons exert their effects, Prakriti once defined cannot be changed. Prakriti is unique to an individual just like fingerprint and DNA. This is how Ayurveda can explain the subtle differences between individuals and explains why everyone is unique and that two persons can react very differently when exposed to the same environment or stimuli. Ayurveda seeks to employ a balance between these dosha and hence, treats the root cause of the disease rather than just the symptoms.

The Saptadhatu Concept:
Ayurveda identifies seven vital tissues that provide nourishment, growth and structure to the entire body. They provide support, strength and structure to the body. The seven body tissues are;

• Rasa Dhatu (plasma): It is the transporter of the body- plasma fluids. It provides nourishment to all the other dhatu.
• Rakta Dhatu (blood): It is the basis of life and provides nourishment to all the tissues and cells in the body. It also provides strength to the body and colour to blood.
• Mamsa Dhatu (muscle): It provides movement to the muscular system in the body and physical support to the meda dhatu.
• Meda Dhatu (fat): It collects the energies and stores them to provide strength to the body. The adipose tissue also stores fat as a means of body lubrication and support to bones.
• Asthi Dhatu (bone): Includes all the bones and cartilages and gives shape to the body. It also supports the Mamsa dhatu.
• Majja Dhatu (bone marrow): It nourishes the body and helps maintain its functions. It also strengthens the body, fills the bones, and nourishes the Shukra dhatu.
• Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue): It nourishes the reproductive strengths of an individual. It includes sperm and ovum.

All the seven dhatu are inter-connected; the malfunctioning of even a single dhatu can have an impact on all the other dhatu. Like the dosha, the dhatu are composed of the Panchamahabhuta. Thus, the dosha help manage the balance of the dhatu. A system of well-balanced dosha helps balance the dhatu, thus leading to the proper functioning of the entire system of the body.

Ayurveda places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health by paying attention to the balance in one’s life. Knowledge of Ayurveda enables one to understand how to create this balance of body, mind and consciousness according to one’s constitution and how to make lifestyle changes to bring about and maintain this balance.