According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the entire cosmos is an interplay of the energies of the five elements— aakash (space), jala (water), prithvi (earth), teja (fire), and vayu (air). A combination of each element results in three doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

Together, they are also called the Tri-Doshas – i.e. 3 energies that are crucial to the healthy functioning of the different body systems and the mind. Each dosha is made up of two of the five elements (air, earth, space, fire, and water).