Traditional Malay medicine postulates that the universe — and humans within it — is composed of four major elements, namely earth, fire, air and water. Within this system, each individual is thought to comprise of four humors, the properties of which are hot and moist (blood), cold and moist (phlegm), hot and dry (black bile), and cold and dry (yellow bile). If these elements exist and function in an orderly manner both within the body and in interaction with the social and physical environment, health is the result. An imbalance results in ill health.

Maintenance of good health and prevention of illness are emphasized in day-to-day life, with traditional healers advocating a diet that contains an essential balance of sweet, salty, sour and bitter elements. However, if remedies for illness are necessary, these are usually plant-based. Their basic purpose is to restore the chemical balance of heating (panas) and cooling (sejuk) elements within the body.