The fundamental doctrines of Ayurveda describe the human system in terms of 3 doshas that describe its principle of function, 7 dhatus that describe the principle of structure and 3 malas through which bodily impurities (physical and subtle) are eliminated. A balance of these doshas, good quality structural supports – the 7 dhatus (Ras – plasma, Rakta – blood, Mamsa – muscles, Meda – fat, Asthi – bone and cartilage, Majja – bone marrow and Shukra – sex hormones and immunity) – and a certain character of excretions malas (Svet – sweat, Poorish – faeces and Mutra – urine) are essential for maintaining health. Health is defined as the equilibrium between the doshas, dhatus and malas. Such equilibrium is considered a natural consequence of living consciously and Ayurveda prescribed the ways and means of attaining this balance in terms of the various lifestyle choices.

When there is disruption to this equilibrium the result is vikara or disease. According to Ayurvedic pathology, dosha disturbance progressively leads to disease through various stages with discernable symptoms appearing only in the later stages. Sushruta observes that the relation between a disease and disturbed vata, pitta and kapha and the pathogenic factors which lie at the root of disease is not real but contingent. These morbific principles permeate the body without creating any discomfort, and it is only when they find distinct lodgement and centre in some bodily tissue that they become the factors exciting disease. Thus according to Ayurvedic pathology dosha disturbance progressively leads to disease through various stages, culminating in discern-able symptoms.

According to the classical definition of Charaka, an individual may be regarded as healthy only when the tridoshas are in equilibrium. Life is considered a sacred path in Ayurveda, a ceaseless interaction between the internal environment (tridoshas) and the external environment or the sum of cosmic forces. To counteract external changes an individual may create a balance on internal forces by altering diet, lifestyle and behaviour.