The basic principle is that if the three doshas are in a balanced state then health is obtained. Any derangement of this balance will lead to disease or disharmony in the body. There are various factors like eating habits or daily activities in one's life that can cause for abnormal increase or decrease of these three humors.
To get an idea as to the functions of the tridoshas, one must know their elementary composition.
Ayurveda mentions that the whole world (animate & inanimate) is composed of 5 basic elements viz,
Prithvi - Earth
Ap/Jala - Water
Teja - Fire
Vayu/Vata - Air
Akash - Space
VATA
Vata is composed primarily of Air & Space. It is dry, light, cool,hard,coarse and clear (as in clarity). If you take the body as a whole, it is situated in the lower one third meaning to say from the waist (lower abdomen) down. It is considered to be the most important among the 3 doshas. Its most important function is that it is responsible for movement. Thus, it helps in the proper functioning of all the three of the doshas.
Pitta is primarily composed of Fire & Water. It is oily, penetrating, hot, light, bad smelling, liquid and has a spreading nature. Its main site is between the abdomen and the neck. It controls the heat of the body and aids in metabolism. It also helps in digestion.
KAPHA
Kapha is primarily composed of Earth & Water. It is unctuous, heavy, cold stable, slow & slimy. It is responsible, among other things, for good vision, bodily complexion, strenght & stamina. Its also responsible for a good memory. Its general site is the area of the head & neck.
Only the predominant basic elements for each dosha have been mentioned although each dosha is composed of all the 5 elements. This was a brief intrduction to the tridosha theory. They will be discussed more in detail where and when necessary.
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