Ayurveda is a traditional healing system that originated in ancient India and offers a holistic approach to health. The five elements are important in holistic healing especially Ayurveda. The five elements are ether, air, fire, water and earth. These elements make up the doshas which up every system in our body. The three doshas are vata, pitta and are also referred to as the tridosha system.

The doshas are responsible for every biological and physical function in the body. Imbalances in the tridosha are what cause diseases. Everyone has a basic constitution that is determined at birth. That means that each person has a dosha that is dominant in their lives. There are foods and exercises that are best for balancing your particular dosha. Every healing technique in Ayurveda is designed to restore balance to the doshas.

Vata

The elements of ether and air make up vata. In the body vata, concerns movement like the involuntary movements that you do not think much about. This includes your heartbeat, breathing, blinking. It is connected to your skin, bones, large intestine and ears.

A person with a vata constitution has the tendency to be more on the cold side. They have cold skin especially on the hands and feet. Muscles are underdeveloped and veins are clearly visible under the skin. There is usually a thin frame with thin hair and small eyes. They are usually active and creative people but tend to have a short memory

Pitta

Fire and water make up pitta. This dosha is responsible for metabolism, digestion and absorption in the body. The organs of pitta are small intestine and stomach. The sweat glands and fat in the body are governed by pitta.

A person with a pitta constitution has tendency to be more on the warm side and sweat a lot. They like cold drinks and a lot of them. They have a hearty appetite and the metabolism to handle that appetite. They do not respond well to hard work, heat or sunlight. They have a medium frame with soft skin, silky hair and sharp eyes. There is intelligence but also a tendency to get hot under the collar. Anger and jealously can cause some issues.

Kapha

Earth and water make up kapha. It is responsible for physical structure in the body and joint lubrication. Kapha governs joints, head, chest and throat. It is connected with wound healing, tissue strength and the immune system.

A person with a kapha constitution may carry some extra weight but they have a larger frame and better muscle development. They have a slower digestion and not much of an appetite. Hair is thick and soft while skin is more oily and pale. The eyes are very large and stand out. There is tendency to be calm and peaceful but there is also the chance for greed and envy.