The treatment in Ayurveda is based on the patient’s body type or prakriti, which in turn is determined by the alignment of three humours or doshas (vata, pitta and kapha) in the body. If you go to any kerala ayurvedic resort or hospital, the treatment provided there will adhere to this principle of Ayurveda. Skilled Ayurvedic practitioners are adept at determining your body type by just watching your body structure and skin type and at treating the diseases accordingly. Among these three elements, Pitta is associated with two elements of nature such as fire and water. These humours have been discussed at length in various ancient Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita by Charaka. He describes pitta as a hot, sharp and burning dosha. Pitta dosha is associated with many a function of the body and as it is related to the fire inside the body, it plays a key role in the digestion of food. This humour contributes to the maintenance of body temperature and is responsible for hunger and thirst. Pitta dosha also supports metabolism of tissues and it has great significance in maintaining the mental balance. The dosha influences many psychological factors and attitudes. Anger, courage, happiness, composure of mind etc depend greatly on this dosha.
