Somesh Kaushik

We view a person as a unique individual. Everything in this

universe is made up of five great elements (mahabhutas) i.e. Akasha (space or ether, in lack of exact translation), Vata (Air), Agni (Fire or Heat), Jala (Water) and, Prithvi (Earth). Different combination of these elements are present in the food we eat and the environment we live in. The combination of these elements constitute Doshas or body constitution e.g. Ether and Air combines to form Vata: which governs all the movements in the body e.g. nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, elimination etc. Fire and Water form Pitta: which controls the metabolism. Water and Earth combine to form Kapha dosha: which is responsible for growth and structural build up of the body.