According to Ayurveda the human body is composed of five elements known as the Panchamahabhuta (Pancha - five, Maha - great, Bhuta - elements). These five elements are apo (water), theejo (fire) vayo (air) patavi (earth) and akasa (space or ether).
The Ayurvedic concept of creation focuses on four interrelated factors. These are Body, Mind, Consciousness (or Soul) and the Panchamahabhuta (or five elements). These four elements blend into three bio-energetic forces that govern the health and determine the physical constitution of living beings. They are called Va (or Vata - air and space), Pith (or Pitta - fire and water) and Sem (or Kapha - water and earth). Ayurveda refers to three other forces, which control mental and spiritual functions. They are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Mental disturbances are caused by imbalances of these three properties, in the same way that the five elements influence the body.
