Ayurvedic system recognizes Human being to be made of body, mind & soul. Therefore while treating a disease as well, one should keep in mind the whole complex of mind, body and soul and not merely the physical body or the structural organs. The basis of the human body according to Ayurveda depends on three primary factors viz. Dosha (Humors) Dhatu (body tissues) and Malas(excretory products).
Doshas are the functional entities with designated functions. They are also said to be subtle energies. These Doshas are three in number viz., Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Doshas are also called as Humors, which govern or control the functioning of the body.
Dhatus are basic body elements which forms body framework and comprise of seven types of body tissues.
Malas are excretory waste products that make the body clean and healthy.

The moment some one approaches an Ayurvedic Physician, by taking a proper history, pulse examination and the detailed clinical examination the Physician tries to draw inferences about the status of 3 humors in the individual. Based on his inferences about the Doshas he then chalks out the treatment plan. This is to stress the role of Doshas and their importance in treating an illness and preservation of health.

Vata : We can call this as biological air humor and is responsible primarily for movements or any type of motion. If there is any kind of motion present in body, it has be due to presence of Vata Dosha. Blood circulation, movement of food through and through from oral cavity till the excretory product is thrown out is due to Vata, Nerve stimulus, secretion of juices, peristaltic movements are all necessarily attributed to Vata.

Pitta : Pitta is directly related with metabolism. Metabolism i.e. conversion of one form of substance in another is necessarily due to Pitta. It involves conversion of one assimilated food to different types of body tissues thereby involving several processes and several conversions and enzyme actions.

Kapha: Kapha is related with holding the structures together or the uniting force. This union can be cell to cell or among the different body parts. All bonding of various body materials are due to Kapha. The strength, longevity and steadiness are qualities that determine the presence of Kapha.

Example: The example of Digestive system can help understand the functioning of Doshas in a better way. Vata is related with the movements of stomach, intestines and other parts of alimentary canal as also for the removal of waste products. Pitta is related with the metabolism part that converts food into smaller fractions of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Waste product formation like urea, nitrogenous products are also formed due to action of Pitta. Kapha is related with inner mucus lining of the whole alimentary canal starting from the oral cavity and salivary glands. Although These are Doshas are invisible in nature but their presence is felt by fundamental quality (Guna) and their functions (karma).