The most fundamental and characteristic principle of Ayurveda is called "Tridosha" Or the Three Faults.

In Ayurveda the diagnosis of disease and individual constitutions is in terms of three psycho-physical doshas, or faults, called Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Every individual has a unique combination of these three doshas. To understand individuality is the foundation of healing according to AyuScience, "The Science of Life".

Doshas are to be seen as all pervasive, subtle entities, Vata regulates movement and is represented by the nervous system.

The literal meaning of dosha is 'fault' because these three Doshas are the three ways in which the body tends to move out of balance. Each person's psycho-physical constitution can be described in terms of one or a combination of these doshas.

In every person these three doshas differ in permutations and combinations and thereby determine the physiologic constitution (Prakriti) of an individual. Vata, pitta and kapha are distinctly present in every individual and express in each human being differently according to predominance of their different qualities (gunas).

All matter of Doshas is thought to be composed of five basic elements (panchamahabhutas) that exhibit the properties of earth (prithvi), water (jala), fire (tejas), wind (vayu) and space (akasha).

The structural aspect of our body is made up of five elements, but the functional aspect of the body is governed by three biological humors. Ether and air together constitute VATA; fire and water together constitute PITTA; and water and earth together constitute KAPHA.

They govern psycho-biological changes in the body and physio-pathological changes too. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are present in every cell, tissue and organ. In every person they differ in permutations and combinations.

Click on Vata to know a short description of the doshas to help you determine which dosha your constitution or an imbalance is so you can decide exactly which remedy is right for you.