These were the first materials for life and are the basis of the Vedic / Yogic Sciences.

In the body of all living organisms, the five elements congregate in a certain pattern.  

In this unique system of explaining health, air and space- both ethereal elements- form what in Sanskrit is called Vatha.  Here, air exercises its power of mobility only when space is available.  

The elements fire and water form Pitta.  Here, bodily water protects the fire of the body from burning through.  An example of bodily fire is the acid in our stomachs, which, if leaked from the stomach, is capable of burning the organism with the force of a raging fire.  Water is the buffering force that contains the body's fires.  

The elements water and earth congregate to form Kapha.  Because of their mutual density, water gives earth its fluidity.  Without water, earth would become stagnated and inert.  

These combination of elements co-exist in all living organisms.  The degree to which each element exists within a person determines the individual’s constitution, known in Sanskrit as your Prakriti, commonly referred to as body type.  

In Ayurveda, the individual body type is the primary consideration in diagnosis. 

Ayurvedic massage uses medicated oil and unique techniques to correct imbalances in the body/mind complex; to cure orthopedic injuries; relieve swollen tissues; promote regeneration of the tissues and organs, and improve the internal functioning of the body. 

Moreover, massage stimulates skin, muscles, veins, arteries, the circulatory system and the nervous system.  It improves the skin, strengthens the lungs, intestines and bones, and regulates the digestive system.