Dosha

2021-01-24T08:30:02Z

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Dosha

2021-01-24T08:28:24Z

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Talk:Dosha

2021-01-24T08:24:20Z

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{{Infobox
|title = Contributors

|label1 = Section/Chapter/topic
|data1 = [[Sharira]] / [[Dosha]] / Dosha

|label2 = Authors
|data2 = Deole Y.S.<sup>1</sup>,
Shilwant A.A.<sup>2</sup>

|label3 = Reviewed by
|data3 = Basisht G.<sup>1</sup>

|label4 = Affiliations
|data4 = <sup>1</sup>[[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.P.G.T.& R.A., Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
<sup>2</sup>Department of Kriya Sharir, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India

|label5 = Correspondence email:
|data5 = carakasamhita@gmail.com

|label6 = Date of first publication:
|data6 = ????
|label7 = DOI
|data7 =
}}

==Dosha==
<div style = "text-align:justify;"> The word ‘Dosha’ literally means impurities or morbidities. In Ayurveda, dosha are the governing principles of physiology and psychology. They are the primary and essential constitutional factors of the human organism. They maintain the integrity of the human body. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/23] The three dosha at physical level, vata, pitta, and kapha, vitiate different body tissues and can lead to diseases in disequilibrium state. [SAT-B.382] [1] They are the actual intrinsic factors which become excited and imbalanced, either conferring a predisposition to or actually causing morbidities disease (vyadhi). Their state of equilibrium is one of the important pre-requisite for disease free state (arogya) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 9/4] and health [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/48]. The dosha have been correlated with systems theory in the field of physics, providing a sound theoretical basis for this Ayurvedic concept, and research utilizing a biostatistical approach to quantify the dosha reveals a sound empirical basis as well. Being the units of microcosm in body, the three dosha, kapha, pitta and vata, maintain integrity of the organism by creating, assimilating and diffusing strength in the same way as the Moon (soma), Sun(surya) and Air (anila), maintain integrity of the macrocosm respectively. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/8]

== Etymology and derivation ==
The word dosha is derived from Sanskrit root ‘dusha’ meaning causing abnormalities (vaikrutye).

== Types and subtypes of dosha ==
The dosha are broadly categorized into two:

# Somatic or physical level (sharira dosha): Three dosha viz. vata, pitta and kapha.
# Psychic or mental level (manas dosha): Two dosha viz. rajas and tamas. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/ 57]

The present article describes somatic or physical dosha.

== Origin of dosha ==

Dosha at physical level originate from five fundamental elements (pancha mahabhuta). Vata dosha originates from vayu and akasha mahabhuta; Pitta dosha from agni mahabhuta and kapha dosha from combination of aap and prithvi mahabhuta. The dosha represent functions of dominant mahabhuta in the body at gross level. They can be principles of regulators, enhancers or inhibitors of the physiological functions.

== Subtypes of dosha ==

Each physical dosha has five subtypes based on their functions and sites.

# Vata dosha: Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana, Apana
# Pitta dosha: Pachaka, Ranjaka, Sadhaka, Alochaka, Bhrajaka
# Kapha dosha: Avalambaka, Kledaka, Bodhaka, Tarpaka, Shleshaka [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12]

== Functions of dosha ==

The dosha govern all the physiological activities. Growth and development (upachaya), strength (bala), complexion (varna), blissful state (prasannata) depends upon them. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20]

* Vata governs functions in the body related to initiation and movement e. g. food through the digestive tract, transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream, communication between cells via nerve impulses, excretion of metabolic wastes etc.
* Pitta governs functions that relate to transformation (e.g., digestion of food, processes of metabolism, etc.), hunger, thirst, vision, sensory perception, intelligence, complexion, and heat generation.
* Kapha governs the structure and cohesion of the body. It relates with function of strength, stability and moisture in body. [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/1-3]

== Properties of dosha ==

The dosha act through their properties (guna). The properties (guna) are responsible for showing specific effect (karma). Dosha govern the functions related to that property and lead to resultant effect. Therefore, these properties are also applied as parameters to assess normal and abnormal states of dosha in body. The resultant effect is observed clinically.

'''Table 1: Properties of Dosha'''
{| class="wikitable"
! Sr.No''' !! ''Parameter of effect''!! ''Vata Dosha''!! ''Pitta Dosha''!! ''Kapha Dosha''!!
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 1
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Specific gravity/weight/volume
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Lightness (laghu)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | --
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Heaviness (guru)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 2
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Unctuousness portion
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Dryness (ruksha)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Slightly unctuous (sa-sneha)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Unctuous (snigdha)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 3
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Temperature and potency
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Cold (sheeta)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Hot (ushna)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Cold (sheeta)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 4
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Touch /texture
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Roughness (khara)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | --
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Unctuous/slimy
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 5
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Duration of effect
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | quickly acting (ashukari), short lasting effect (alpa), cyclic tendency (muhushchari)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sharp or pungent (tikshna)/ quick acting, severe effect
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Prolong duration of action (chirakari). Long lasting effect, and mild (manda)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 6
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Movability
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Moving (chala)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Slightly movable (sara)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Stable or immovable (sthira)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 7
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Consistency
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Subtle (sukshma)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Liquid (drava)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Slimy, sticky (pichhila)
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 8
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Taste
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | --
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sour (amla), pungent (katu) in taste [8]
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sweet (madhura) in taste
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 9
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Psychological co-relate
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Rajas
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Sattva
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Tamas
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 10
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Other properties
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Cleansing or Non-slimy (vishad), Severely acting (daruna)[5], conducive (yogavahi) [6], Can move oblique or in any direction (tiryag gami), responsible for sound (shabda) and touch(sparsha) perception [6]
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Foul smelling (vistra)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | --
|-
|}
Charak Samhita[2] Sushrut Samhita[3] Ashtanga Hridaya[4] Kashyap Samhita[5] Sharangdhara Samhita[6]

== Primary centers of dosha ==

These are omnipresent throughout the body. However, their primary centres are located in below umbilicus (vata dosha), between umbilicus and cardiac region (pitta dosha) and above cardiac region (kapha dosha). [A. Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/7]
More specifically, vata dosha regulates the functions in the regions of large intestine (pakvashaya), lumbar region (kati), thighs (sakthi), ears (shrotra), bones (asthi) and skin (sparshanendriay). Pitta dosha regulates functions in umbilicus (nabhi), stomach (amashaya), sweat glands (sweda), lymphatics (lasika), blood (rudhira), nutrient fluids (rasa), eyes(drik), and skin (sparshana). Kapha dosha regulates functions in chest, throat, head (shira), all joints (parva), stomach(amashaya), nutrient fluids (rasa), adipose tissue (meda), nose (ghrana) and tongue(jivha). [A.Hr.Sutra Sthana 12/1-3]

== Affinity of vitiation ==

Dosha primarily vitiate their own sites of body constituents (dhatu and mala). The vata dosha resides in and vitiates bones (asthi); pitta dosha vitiates sweat (sweda) and blood (rakta dhatu). Kapha dosha affects all remaining body constituents like nutrient fluids (rasa dhatu), muscle tissue (mamsa dhatu), adipose tissue (meda dhatu), bone marrow(majja), reproductive constituents (shukra dhatu), urine (mutra) and stools (purisha). [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/26]
These sites are important in diagnosis of origin of disease pathology, site of lesion, and target oriented treatments.

== Importance of dosha ==

Dosha are the fundamental principles of body that are responsible for every physiological as well as pathological events in the body. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/3, A.sa. Sutra Sthana 16, A.Hr.Sutra Sthana 11] Dosha form the fundamental body constitution (prakriti), play vital role in digestion and metabolism (agni), preserve and maintain health while in state of equilibrium.

=== Body constitution or phenotype (dosha prakriti) ===
The body constitution (prakriti) of a person is based upon the relative proportions of the three dosha. The equilibrium or dominance of dosha at the time of formation of embryo determines the body constitution (deha prakriti). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 7/40] This proportion is further modulated by the diet and lifestyle of mother, age, and the environment in which the person grows to generate the unique dosha-prakriti of the individual. The individual shows characteristic features of respective dominant dosha in prakriti. It is very similar to the phenotype in modern biology. Thus, the current genetic paradigms believe that the phenotype of individual results from interaction between genotype (established at fertilization) and the environment, which includes epigenetic changes resulting from parental age, diet, lifestyle, and other environmental factors. Genomic variations with the classification of prakriti are studied. It is observed that PGM1 correlates with phenotype of pitta prakriti. This suggests that the phenotypic classification has a genetic basis; and its prakriti-based practice resonates with personalized medicine. The relation between clinical phenotype and predisposition of disease is studied. The study was carried out on the association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A1298C with type 2 diabetes and prakriti. An extremely strong association between prakriti (kaphaja/kapha-pittaja) and type 2 diabetes (P < 0.00001) was detected in this study.
Studies have shown that Ayurvedic body type classification may be associated with genes of inflammation and oxidative stress factors, the rate of DNA methylation and development of cardiovascular diseases.

=== Influence of dosha on digestion (agni) and gut (koshtha) ===
The dominant dosha influences the biological processes of digestion and metabolism. It also affects the gut functions (koshtha). The digestion and gut patterns are classified into three categories based on the dominance of dosha as shown in table below.

'''Table 2: Influence of dosha on digestion and gut pattern [9]'''
{| class="wikitable"
! Sr.No''' !! ''Dosha''!! ''Agni (digestion pattern)''!! ''Koshtha (gut pattern)''!! ''Clinical picture''!!
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 1
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vata
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Irregular digestion (Vishama agni)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Hard bowel (Krura koshta)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Irregular digestion, hard stools, constipation, inhibited intestinal motility, discomfort in defecation and abdominal pressure
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 2
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Pitta
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Fast digestion (Tikshna agni)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Soft bowel (Mrudu koshta)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Fast digestion, increased sensitivity of intestinal mucosa, loose motions, frequent defecation
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | 3
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Kapha
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Slow digestion (Manda agni)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Medium (not too soft, not too hard) bowel (Madhyam koshta)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Slow and sluggish digestion, semi solid, soft consistency of stool, defecation with ease
|-
|}

=== Pathological importance ===

The dosha are the factors that get vitiated themselves in the initial stage of the disease. Further, they vitiate other body constituents (dhatu and mala). Therefore, the disequilibrium of dosha is a primary and fundamental cause of any disease. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/3]

== Factors influencing dosha in body ==

=== Diet and lifestyle ===

The diet dominant in similar properties of dosha increases the proportion of dosha in the body. The diet which is opposite to the properties of dosha decreases the proportion of dosha. Therefore, the diet which maintains the equilibrium state of dosha in the body is advised for the preservation of health. The following table shows specific tastes and potencies that influences the dosha.

Talk:Dosha

2021-01-24T08:13:53Z

Aniket:

2020-05-15T06:47:40Z

Aniket:

Dosha are regulatory functional factors of body and mind. These are principal constituents of the body those are responsible for homeostasis, when present in the state of equilibrium. Dosha also determine the psycho-physiological nature / constitution of an individual. Dosha are capable of vitiating the different bodily tissues, when deviate from the state of equilibrium and can lead to diseases. [Code: SAT-B.382] <ref>National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal by Ministry of AYUSH Available on http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>

Thus dosha are the physiological factors responsible for functions in normal state and pathogenesis of diseases in abnormal state. Their state of equilibrium is one of the important pre-requisite for health.

{{Infobox
|title = [[Dosha]]
|header1 = Subtypes

|label2 = Sharirik Dosha
|data2 = [[Vata]], [[Pitta]], [[Kapha]]

|label3 = Manasik Dosha
|data3 = [[Raja]], [[Tama]]

|label4 = Vata
|data4 = [[Prana]], [[Udana]], [[Vyana]], [[Samana]], [[Apana]]

|label5 = Pitta
|data5 = [[Pachaka]], [[Ranjaka]], [[Sadhaka]], [[Alochaka]], [[Bhrajaka]]

|label6 = Kapha
|data6 = [[Avalambaka]], [[Kledaka]], [[Shleshaka]], [[Bodhaka]], [[Tarpaka]]
}}

==Dosha==
<div style = "text-align:justify;"> Dosha[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dosha]are the biological humor[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humorism] manifesting there presence in living body by performing various activities, processes, functions and mechanics. These dosha are judged by the virtue of their respective functions assorted throughout the body. These functions are coined on the name of Dosha are due to the attributes - Guna[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu%E1%B9%87a] possessed by them. Every activity happening every now and then inside the body is totally governed by and is under the influence of dosha.
The three dosha theory (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) since its inception from long time ago was established keeping the functional similarity of similar components governing the ecosystem viz. Sun, Moon and Wind. [[Ayurveda]] proposes this as a "Loka-Purush Samya Siddhanta"

===Etymological meaning===
The literal meaning of the term Dosha states the independent capacity of body to vitiate, adulterate or contaminate any subtle to gross tissue or structure. On the other hand these dosha are also involved during the conception or fertilization period influencing the formation of new zygote. So whichever the dosha completely dominates throughout the phase of zygote formation may eventually reflect all the characteristics and attribute as a part of behavior or temperament - Prakruti, throughout the lifetime of that particular individual.
Thus the etymological meaning of the term Dosha stands as - whoever is independent, responsible for formation of Prakruti and is highly prone to get vitiated thus creating any abnormal pathology. These three dosha are omnipresent in the living body sustaining the integrity of Prana in its
normal stages while the same is responsible for disease ailments when vitiated.

===Definition===
Dosha are generally said to be the humors of the body as per [[Ayurveda]]. These humors may be different as per the physical and psychological aspect of the body. Any substance which is independent in capacity to work, exclusively involved in Prakruti formation physiologically and tends to easily gets deviated to create any pathology is termed to be Dosha. This altogether makes the Dosha a different one from the humors of Greek or Latin philosophy.
However the term dosha is popularized by the tendency of them to create pathology by deviation in the normal functioning of the body.
At physical level there are three Sharirik dosha which are - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. At psychological level there are only two Mansik dosha namely - Raja and Tama. <ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Deerghanjivitiya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 25. URL. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Deerghanjiviteeya_Adhyaya. </ref>
The tridosha can be stated as -
#Vata - Principle factor for any type of movement, initiation, interest, locomotion.
#Pitta - Factor responsible for metabolism, heat, transduction, biotransformations.
#Kapha - Factor responsible for strength, vigor, retention, moisture, stability.

===Constitution===
[[Ayurveda]] believes that every materialistic and non-materialistic things in the world are made up of the five primitive elements viz. Pancha mahabhutas. Thus every subtle to gross object is having fixed and proportionate elemental composition. Dosha are also having the same with one or the other dominating attributes. The involvement of these Mahabhutas in dosha are ultimately reflected by the guna possessed by the respective dosha.
#Vata dosha - Akasha and Vayu
#Pitta dosha - Teja or Agni
#Kapha dosha - Prithvi and Jala
===Table 1:Elemental composition of dosha as per different Ayurvedic contexts===
{| class="wikitable"
! Dosha''' !! ''Ashtanga Samgraha''!! ''Sushrut Samhita''!!''Chakrapani & Dalhan''
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vata
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vayu and Akash
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vayu
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vayu
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Pitta
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Agni
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Agni
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Agni
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Kapha
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Prithvi and Jala
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Soma (Jala)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Soma (Jala)
|-
|}

===Properties===
Every materialistic or non-materialistic object (dravya) in the world acts only by the virtue of properties possessed by it. These properties, attributes are nothing but Guna of that dravya.
The term Dosha from its definition states very three basic properties as -

#Which are involved in formation of Prakriti (Somatotype) of an individual.
#Those which are independent.
#Those which are unstable and tend to deviate from normalcy and also have tendency to create a disease.

==Properties of Sharirik Dosha==
Vata-Pitta-Kapha are the three Sharirik dosha. Each one possess individual and specific properties within them. Ancient Ayurvedic scholars differ in their opinion as per their individual thinking and intellect. Following are the properties of Sharirik dosha as mentioned by different ancient scholars.

'''Vata Dosha'''

'''Charak Samhita''' -
Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Shita (Cold), Khara (Rough), Sukshma (Fine or Subtle), Chala (Movable), Vishad (Cleaning or Removing tendency or Non-slimy)<ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Deerghanjivitiya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 27.</ref>, Daruna (Harshness)<ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 172.</ref>, Yogavahi (Synergistic in action)<ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Jwara Chikitsa. Reprint 2007.</ref>

'''Sushruta Samhita''' -
Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Shita (Cold), Khara (Rough), Tiryag (no any specific direction /Oblique), Dviguna (Shabda - Sound and Sparsha - Touch), Rajo bahula (mutually interdependent with Rajasik - exciting factors at psychological level), Achintya virya (Unimaginable potency), Doshanam neta (Primary to all other dosha), Roga Samuharat (Capable to vitiate enough to produce multiple diseases), Ashukari (Very quick in action), Muhushchari (Repeated tendency)<ref>Yadavji Trikamji Acharya. Sushrut Samhita. Nidan Sthan. Vatavyadhi Nidan. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan. Reprint 2012. Pg. No. 257.</ref>

'''Ashtanga Hridaya''' -
Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Shita (Cold), Khara (Rough), Sukshma (Fine or Subtle), Chala (Movable) <ref>Kaviraj Atridev Gupta. Ashtang Hridayam. Sutra Sthan. Ayushkamiya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 27.</ref>

'''Kashyap Samhita''' -
Vyavayi (Spreadable), Vishad (Cleaning or Removing tendency or Non-slimy), Shita (Cold), Ruksha (Dryness), Chala (Movable), Khara (Rough)

'''Sharangdhara Samhita''' -
Vibhag karanam (Which separates, segregates), Rajo gunamaya (Dominant with Raja guna at psychological level), Sukshma (Fine or Subtle), Shita (Cold), Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Chala (Movable)

'''Pitta Dosha'''

'''Charak Samhita''' -
Sa-sneha (slightly unctuous), Ushna (Hot), Tikshna (Sharp), Drava (Liquid), Amla (Sour in taste), Vistra (Foul smelling), Sara (Secretory), Katu (Bitter in taste)

'''Sushruta Samhita''' -
Ushna (Hot), Tikshna (Sharp), Drava (Liquid), Puti (Putri smelling), Pita (Normally Yellowish in appearance), Nila (Bluish appearance abnormally), Katu (Normally Bitter in taste), Amla (Sour in taste abnormally)

'''Ashtanga Hridaya''' -
Sa-sneha (slightly unctuous), Ushna (Hot), Tikshna (Sharp), Laghu (light weightedness), Vistra (Foul smelling), Sara (Secretory), Drava (Liquid)

'''Kashyap Samhita''' -
Ushna (dominantly hot), Tikshna (slightly sharp in nature), Laghu (light weightedness), Drava (Liquid)

'''Sharangdhara Samhita''' -
Ushna (Hot), Drava (Liquid), Pita (Normally Yellowish in appearance), Nila (Bluish appearance abnormally), Satvagunottaram (Dominant Satvik guna at psychological level), Katu - Tikta (Bitter and Spicy in taste normally), Amla (Sour in taste abnormally)

'''Kapha Dosha'''

'''Charak Samhita''' -
Guru (Heavy), Shita (Cold), Mrudu (Soft), Snigdha (Unctuous), Madhur (Sweet in taste), Sthir (Stable), Pichhila (Slimy, Sticky in nature)

'''Sushruta Samhita''' -
Shweta (Whitish), Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous), Pichhila (Slimy, Sticky in nature), Shita (Cold), Madhur (normally Sweet in taste), Lavana (Salty in taste abnormally)

'''Ashtanga Hridaya''' -
Snigdha (Unctuous), Shita (Cold), Guru (Heavy), Manda (Slow and Sluggish), Shlakshna (Sticky), Mrutsna (Slimy), Sthir (Stable)

'''Sharangdhara Samhita''' -
Snigdha (Unctuous), Guru (Heavy), Shweta (Whitish), Pichhila (Slimy, Sticky in nature), Shita (Cold), Tamogunadhik (dominant with Tamasik guna at psychological level), Swadu (Sweet in taste normally), Lavana (Salty in taste abnormally)

==Importance of Dosha==
Dosha are the physiological entities of the body playing their respective role both at physical and psychological level as well. They are involved at almost every happening inside the body from subtle to gross level activities. They are involved in birth or origin of an tiny structure, component, organ and ultimately an individual too. They are having a crucial role to run all the functional activities, mechanics of an structure, organ, system and complete organism. Their importance is highlighted in Ayurveda in different Ayurvedic treatises as -

* दोषधातुमलमूलं हि शरीरम् | - सु.सू.१५/३
* दोषधातुमलमूलो हि देहः | - अ.सं.सू.१६
* दोषधातुमलामूलं हि सदा दहस्य तं चलः | - अ.ह्.सू.११

===Physiological Importance===
# '''Dosha are involved in formation of Prakruti''' - As the definition of the Dosha itself implies - ''Prakruti arambhaktvam''
# '''Dosha are vital components to maintain and establish the Health'''
# Normalcy of Dosha is responsible for Normal state of ''Agni''
# Any deviation in any form of Dosha from their normalcy leads to development of pathological ailments further leading into disease.
# Even though countable and limited Dosha, they are capable to produce innumerable pathological symptoms and diseases too.
# Dosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) are the only components responsible for origin and development of metaphysical body and its formed elements. Thus are also considered as pillars of the body holding and sustaining the integrity of life. (वात पित्त श्लेषमाण एव देहसंभवहेतवः | - सु.सू.२१/३)

===Pathological Importance===
The dosha as the name is suggestive of, are having a natural tendency to deviate from the normalcy. In such way they are very unstable matter with high potential within them. The static or dynamic state of equilibrium of these dosha is mainly responsible for health whereas in-equilibrium leads to manifestation of any pathological ailment which may ultimately land into diseases. The natural behavior of dosha is the capability to contaminate, adulterate, vitiate or create imbalance by any means.
* दुष्यन्ति इति दोषः |
* शरीर दूषणात् दोषा | - शा.पु.५
* ते एव च व्यापन्नाः प्रलयहेतवः | - सु.सू.२१/३

===Locations of Dosha===
These are omnipresent throughout the body. They are continuously in a state of circulation maintaining, regulating and governing all the physiological activities throughout the body. Simultaneously, by the virtue of practicing dosha vitiating factors, the same dosha are also on the verge of deviation due to which body is constantly under the threat of surrendering and becoming host to any disease. Based on this concept, the general location of dosha can be categorized into two as - General location & Specific location.

'''General location of Dosha'''

सर्वदेहव्यापित्वे अपि यो यास्मिन् अधिवचेन वर्तते तत् तस्य स्थानम् | - हेमाद्रि

Generally whole body is the residing place of Dosha and not any single place whether subtle or gross is devoid by the presence or action of these dosha.

ते व्यापिनो अपि ह्रन्नाभ्योरधोमध्योर्ध्वसंश्रयाः | - अ.ह्.सू.१/७

However, from the point of origin of disease there are certain broad location spread throughout body, where the dosha do reside. Manifestation of specific type of diseases as per dosha originates from these location also the treatment modality is selected and assigned keeping these location in focus.

==References==

Dosha

2020-05-15T06:46:56Z

Aniket:

Dosha are regulatory functional factors of body and mind. These are principal constituents of the body those are responsible for homeostasis, when present in the state of equilibrium. Dosha also determine the psycho-physiological nature / constitution of an individual. Dosha are capable of vitiating the different bodily tissues, when deviate from the state of equilibrium and can lead to diseases. [Code: SAT-B.382] <ref>National AYUSH Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic Portal by Ministry of AYUSH Available on http://namstp.ayush.gov.in/#/sat</ref>

Thus dosha are the physiological factors responsible for functions in normal state and pathogenesis of diseases in abnormal state. Their state of equilibrium is one of the important pre-requisite for health.

{{Infobox
|title = [[Dosha]]
|header1 = Subtypes

|label2 = Sharirik Dosha
|data2 = [[Vata]], [[Pitta]], [[Kapha]]

|label3 = Manasik Dosha
|data3 = [[Raja]], [[Tama]]

|label4 = Vata
|data4 = [[Prana]], [[Udana]], [[Vyana]], [[Samana]], [[Apana]]

|label5 = Pitta
|data5 = [[Pachaka]], [[Ranjaka]], [[Sadhaka]], [[Alochaka]], [[Bhrajaka]]

|label6 = Kapha
|data6 = [[Avalambaka]], [[Kledaka]], [[Shleshaka]], [[Bodhaka]], [[Tarpaka]]
}}

==Dosha==
<div style = "text-align:justify;"> Dosha[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dosha]are the biological humor[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humorism] manifesting there presence in living body by performing various activities, processes, functions and mechanics. These dosha are judged by the virtue of their respective functions assorted throughout the body. These functions are coined on the name of Dosha are due to the attributes - Guna[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu%E1%B9%87a] possessed by them. Every activity happening every now and then inside the body is totally governed by and is under the influence of dosha.
The three dosha theory (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) since its inception from long time ago was established keeping the functional similarity of similar components governing the ecosystem viz. Sun, Moon and Wind. [[Ayurveda]] proposes this as a "Loka-Purush Samya Siddhanta"

===Etymological meaning===
The literal meaning of the term Dosha states the independent capacity of body to vitiate, adulterate or contaminate any subtle to gross tissue or structure. On the other hand these dosha are also involved during the conception or fertilization period influencing the formation of new zygote. So whichever the dosha completely dominates throughout the phase of zygote formation may eventually reflect all the characteristics and attribute as a part of behavior or temperament - Prakruti, throughout the lifetime of that particular individual.
Thus the etymological meaning of the term Dosha stands as - whoever is independent, responsible for formation of Prakruti and is highly prone to get vitiated thus creating any abnormal pathology. These three dosha are omnipresent in the living body sustaining the integrity of Prana in its
normal stages while the same is responsible for disease ailments when vitiated.

===Definition===
Dosha are generally said to be the humors of the body as per [[Ayurveda]]. These humors may be different as per the physical and psychological aspect of the body. Any substance which is independent in capacity to work, exclusively involved in Prakruti formation physiologically and tends to easily gets deviated to create any pathology is termed to be Dosha. This altogether makes the Dosha a different one from the humors of Greek or Latin philosophy.
However the term dosha is popularized by the tendency of them to create pathology by deviation in the normal functioning of the body.
At physical level there are three Sharirik dosha which are - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. At psychological level there are only two Mansik dosha namely - Raja and Tama. <ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Deerghanjivitiya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 25. URL. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Deerghanjiviteeya_Adhyaya. </ref>
The tridosha can be stated as -
#Vata - Principle factor for any type of movement, initiation, interest, locomotion.
#Pitta - Factor responsible for metabolism, heat, transduction, biotransformations.
#Kapha - Factor responsible for strength, vigor, retention, moisture, stability.

===Constitution===
[[Ayurveda]] believes that every materialistic and non-materialistic things in the world are made up of the five primitive elements viz. Pancha mahabhutas. Thus every subtle to gross object is having fixed and proportionate elemental composition. Dosha are also having the same with one or the other dominating attributes. The involvement of these Mahabhutas in dosha are ultimately reflected by the guna possessed by the respective dosha.
#Vata dosha - Akasha and Vayu
#Pitta dosha - Teja or Agni
#Kapha dosha - Prithvi and Jala
===Table 1:Elemental composition of dosha as per different Ayurvedic contexts===
{| class="wikitable"
! Dosha''' !! ''Ashtanga Samgraha''!! ''Sushrut Samhita''!!''Chakrapani & Dalhan''
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vata
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vayu and Akash
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vayu
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Vayu
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Pitta
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Agni
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Agni
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Agni
|-
! rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Kapha
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Prithvi and Jala
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Soma (Jala)
| rowspan="1" style="text-align: left;" | Soma (Jala)
|-
|}

===Properties===
Every materialistic or non-materialistic object (dravya) in the world acts only by the virtue of properties possessed by it. These properties, attributes are nothing but Guna of that dravya.
The term Dosha from its definition states very three basic properties as -

#Which are involved in formation of Prakriti (Somatotype) of an individual.
#Those which are independent.
#Those which are unstable and tend to deviate from normalcy and also have tendency to create a disease.

==Properties of Sharirik Dosha==
Vata-Pitta-Kapha are the three Sharirik dosha. Each one possess individual and specific properties within them. Ancient Ayurvedic scholars differ in their opinion as per their individual thinking and intellect. Following are the properties of Sharirik dosha as mentioned by different ancient scholars.

'''Vata Dosha'''

'''Charak Samhita''' -
Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Shita (Cold), Khara (Rough), Sukshma (Fine or Subtle), Chala (Movable), Vishad (Cleaning or Removing tendency or Non-slimy)<ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Deerghanjivitiya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 27.</ref>, Daruna (Harshness)<ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Vatakalakaliya Adhyaya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 172.</ref>, Yogavahi (Synergistic in action)<ref>Kashinath Shastri. Charak Samhita. Sutra Sthan. Jwara Chikitsa. Reprint 2007.</ref>

'''Sushruta Samhita''' -
Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Shita (Cold), Khara (Rough), Tiryag (no any specific direction /Oblique), Dviguna (Shabda - Sound and Sparsha - Touch), Rajo bahula (mutually interdependent with Rajasik - exciting factors at psychological level), Achintya virya (Unimaginable potency), Doshanam neta (Primary to all other dosha), Roga Samuharat (Capable to vitiate enough to produce multiple diseases), Ashukari (Very quick in action), Muhushchari (Repeated tendency)<ref>Yadavji Trikamji Acharya. Sushrut Samhita. Nidan Sthan. Vatavyadhi Nidan. Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan. Reprint 2012. Pg. No. 257.</ref>

'''Ashtanga Hridaya''' -
Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Shita (Cold), Khara (Rough), Sukshma (Fine or Subtle), Chala (Movable) <ref>Kaviraj Atridev Gupta. Ashtang Hridayam. Sutra Sthan. Ayushkamiya. Reprint 2007. Pg. No. 27.</ref>

'''Kashyap Samhita''' -
Vyavayi (Spreadable), Vishad (Cleaning or Removing tendency or Non-slimy), Shita (Cold), Ruksha (Dryness), Chala (Movable), Khara (Rough)

'''Sharangdhara Samhita''' -
Vibhag karanam (Which separates, segregates), Rajo gunamaya (Dominant with Raja guna at psychological level), Sukshma (Fine or Subtle), Shita (Cold), Ruksha (Dryness), Laghu (Light weightedness), Chala (Movable)

'''Pitta Dosha'''

'''Charak Samhita''' -
Sa-sneha (slightly unctuous), Ushna (Hot), Tikshna (Sharp), Drava (Liquid), Amla (Sour in taste), Vistra (Foul smelling), Sara (Secretory), Katu (Bitter in taste)

'''Sushruta Samhita''' -
Ushna (Hot), Tikshna (Sharp), Drava (Liquid), Puti (Putri smelling), Pita (Normally Yellowish in appearance), Nila (Bluish appearance abnormally), Katu (Normally Bitter in taste), Amla (Sour in taste abnormally)

'''Ashtanga Hridaya''' -
Sa-sneha (slightly unctuous), Ushna (Hot), Tikshna (Sharp), Laghu (light weightedness), Vistra (Foul smelling), Sara (Secretory), Drava (Liquid)

'''Kashyap Samhita''' -
Ushna (dominantly hot), Tikshna (slightly sharp in nature), Laghu (light weightedness), Drava (Liquid)

'''Sharangdhara Samhita''' -
Ushna (Hot), Drava (Liquid), Pita (Normally Yellowish in appearance), Nila (Bluish appearance abnormally), Satvagunottaram (Dominant Satvik guna at psychological level), Katu - Tikta (Bitter and Spicy in taste normally), Amla (Sour in taste abnormally)

'''Kapha Dosha'''

'''Charak Samhita''' -
Guru (Heavy), Shita (Cold), Mrudu (Soft), Snigdha (Unctuous), Madhur (Sweet in taste), Sthir (Stable), Pichhila (Slimy, Sticky in nature)

'''Sushruta Samhita''' -
Shweta (Whitish), Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous), Pichhila (Slimy, Sticky in nature), Shita (Cold), Madhur (normally Sweet in taste), Lavana (Salty in taste abnormally)

'''Ashtanga Hridaya''' -
Snigdha (Unctuous), Shita (Cold), Guru (Heavy), Manda (Slow and Sluggish), Shlakshna (Sticky), Mrutsna (Slimy), Sthir (Stable)

'''Sharangdhara Samhita''' -
Snigdha (Unctuous), Guru (Heavy), Shweta (Whitish), Pichhila (Slimy, Sticky in nature), Shita (Cold), Tamogunadhik (dominant with Tamasik guna at psychological level), Swadu (Sweet in taste normally), Lavana (Salty in taste abnormally)

==Importance of Dosha==
Dosha are the physiological entities of the body playing their respective role both at physical and psychological level as well. They are involved at almost every happening inside the body from subtle to gross level activities. They are involved in birth or origin of an tiny structure, component, organ and ultimately an individual too. They are having a crucial role to run all the functional activities, mechanics of an structure, organ, system and complete organism. Their importance is highlighted in Ayurveda in different Ayurvedic treatises as -

* दोषधातुमलमूलं हि शरीरम् | - सु.सू.१५/३
* दोषधातुमलमूलो हि देहः | - अ.सं.सू.१६
* दोषधातुमलामूलं हि सदा दहस्य तं चलः | - अ.ह्.सू.११

===Physiological Importance===
# '''Dosha are involved in formation of Prakruti''' - As the definition of the Dosha itself implies - ''Prakruti arambhaktvam''
# '''Dosha are vital components to maintain and establish the Health'''
# Normalcy of Dosha is responsible for Normal state of ''Agni''
# Any deviation in any form of Dosha from their normalcy leads to development of pathological ailments further leading into disease.
# Even though countable and limited Dosha, they are capable to produce innumerable pathological symptoms and diseases too.
# Dosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) are the only components responsible for origin and development of metaphysical body and its formed elements. Thus are also considered as pillars of the body holding and sustaining the integrity of life. (वात पित्त श्लेषमाण एव देहसंभवहेतवः | - सु.सू.२१/३)

===Pathological Importance===
The dosha as the name is suggestive of, are having a natural tendency to deviate from the normalcy. In such way they are very unstable matter with high potential within them. The static or dynamic state of equilibrium of these dosha is mainly responsible for health whereas in-equilibrium leads to manifestation of any pathological ailment which may ultimately land into diseases. The natural behavior of dosha is the capability to contaminate, adulterate, vitiate or create imbalance by any means.
* दुष्यन्ति इति दोषः |
* शरीर दूषणात् दोषा | - शा.पु.५
* ते एव च व्यापन्नाः प्रलयहेतवः | - सु.सू.२१/३

===Locations of Dosha===
These are omnipresent throughout the body. They are continuously in a state of circulation maintaining, regulating and governing all the physiological activities throughout the body. Simultaneously, by the virtue of practicing dosha vitiating factors, the same dosha are also on the verge of deviation due to which body is constantly under the threat of surrendering and becoming host to any disease. Based on this concept, the general location of dosha can be categorized into two as - General location & Specific location.

'''General location of Dosha'''
सर्वदेहव्यापित्वे अपि यो यास्मिन् अधिवचेन वर्तते तत् तस्य स्थानम् | - हेमाद्रि
Generally whole body is the residing place of Dosha and not any single place whether subtle or gross is devoid by the presence or action of these dosha.

ते व्यापिनो अपि ह्रन्नाभ्योरधोमध्योर्ध्वसंश्रयाः | - अ.ह्.सू.१/७
However, from the point of origin of disease there are certain broad location spread throughout body, where the dosha do reside. Manifestation of specific type of diseases as per dosha originates from these location also the treatment modality is selected and assigned keeping these location in focus.

==References==

Dosha

2020-05-11T14:25:07Z

Aniket: /* Importance of Dosha */

Dosha

2020-05-11T14:24:20Z

Aniket: /* Importance of Dosha */