Charak Samhita

Kapha dosha

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Kapha dosha controls body fluids and maintains the structural cohesion of the organism. It is one of the three dosha. It is responsible for cohesiveness, unctuousness, lubricity, stability, and immunity. Kapha dosha has dominance of prithvi and jala mahabhuta.[Code:SAT-B.414][1] The concept of kapha is the foundation for growth, preservation, and anabolism theories.
Contributors
Section/Chapter/topic Concepts/Dosha/Kapha Dosha
Authors Bhojani M. K. 1,
Tanwar Ankur Kumar 1
Reviewer Basisht G.2,
Editor Deole Y.S.3
Affiliations 1 Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India
2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
3Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India
Correspondence emails meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in,
carakasamhita@gmail.com
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
Date of publication: December 16, 2022
DOI 10.47468/CSNE.2022.e01.s09.123

Etymology and derivation

The word kapha is derived from root “kena jalena phalati iti kapha”.[2] It implies that water is the foundation of the kapha. The term ‘Shleshma’ used for kapha is derived from the root “ shlish alingane”.[3][Su. Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/5] The meaning is to cohere, to keep together, or to adhere.

Synonyms:[3][4]

In normal states-Shleshma [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 12/12], bala[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/117], oja[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/117], balasa[Su. Sa. Sharira Sthana 4/74][3] [Vachaspati on M.N. 2/40][4] balasaka[Vijayarakshita on M.N. 2/40][4], Soma[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 12/12]
In abnormal states- Papma, mala[Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/117]

Various aspects:

Kapha is related to bala(strength) to perform work. It is a potential source of resistance to disease and aging. It is responsible for union and integration. Soma or water in the body, is implicit in the kapha. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 12/12] The body weight and growth are both regulated by kapha. It bestows stability and toughness. It is a crucial element in the healing process and is regarded as virility, robust sexual health, and reproductive ability. All biological fluids, whether internal or extracellular, are composed of kapha and serve essential purpose of body. It oversees many types of cohesiveness between cells, tissue, and organs.

Bhautika composition

Kapha dosha has dominance of Jala and Prithvi mahabhuta.[5][A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/2] Although all the mahabhuta participate in the composition, jala mahabhuta expresses dominant role and Prithvi mahabhuta as secondary. Acharya sushruta opines that kapha dosha originatesfrom saumya or jalamahabhuta.[3][Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana42/5] [DalhanaSu.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/8](Figure 01)

Kapha dosha and triguna

All the living & nonliving thingsoriginate from panchamahabhuta. These panchamahabhutaoriginate from trigunatmaka prakriti as described in evolution process (utpatti karma). Dosha evolve from panchamahbhuta, so these dosha bear triguna property. Sushruta stated that kaphaevolved from jala and prithvi. Jala has sattva and tama predominance. Prithvihas tama predominance [3] [Su. Sa.ShariraSthana 1/20] Shharangdhara and Bhavaprakashopine that kaphahas tama predominance. [Sha.Sa.Pratham Khand 5][6] [Bha. Pra. Purva Khand 3/103][7] (Figure 01)
 
Figure 01: Relation between Triguna, Mahabhuta and Kapha Dosha.

Sites of kapha

Dosha are present all over the body. [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9] They have specific sites in normal physiological conditions. The general location of kapha is the upper parts of the body. It is marked as above the heart(hridaya).[A.S. Sutra Sthana 1/4][5] Thes pecific seats of kapha areas below: [Code:SAT-B.238][1] [Code:SAT-B.420][1](Figure 02)
  • Chest(Ura)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9] [Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/7][3][A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5][A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8] [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/11][9]
  • Head (shira)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9] [Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/7][3][A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5][A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8]
  • Neck region(griva)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9][K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/11][9]
  • Joints (parva or sandhi)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9] [Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/7][3] [A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5][A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8][K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/11][9]
  • Stomach(amashaya)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9] [A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8]
  • Fat (meda)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9] [A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8] [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/11][9]
  • Throat(kantha) [Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/7][3] [A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5][A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8]
  • Organ controlling water uptake and loss(kloma) [A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8]
  • Nutrient body fluid or plasma (rasa)[A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5][A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8]
  • Nose (ghrana) [A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8]
  • Tongue(jihva or rasana)[Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/7][3][A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8]
  • Arms(bahu) [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/11][9]

Among all these sites, chest region (ura) is the prime site of kapha dosha.[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/9][A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/3][5] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8] [Arunadatta on A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/3][8] Kapha doshais predominately present in stomach(amashaya). [Su. Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/6][3] Chakrapani precisely explains the location of kapha as upper part of amashaya(stomach). [Chakrapani on Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/8]

 
Figure 02. General(A) and specific sites(B) of kapha dosha.

Attributes:

The characteristics of kapha are:
  • Heaviness(guru or gaurava)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/61][Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/18] [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96] [Su. Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/15][3] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/12][8] [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/44][9] [Sh.Sa.Pratham Khand 5/34][6]
  • Coldness(shita)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/61] [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/18] [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96][Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/15][3][Sh.Sa.Pratham Khand 5/34][6] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/12][8][K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/44][9]
  • Softness (mridu)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/61] [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96]
  • Unctuousness (snigdha) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/61] [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/18] [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96] [Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/15][3][A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/12][8][K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/44][9] [Sha.Sa.Pratham Khand 5/34][6]
  • Sweet (madhura)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/61] [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/18] [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96] [Su. Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/15][3] [Sha.Sa.Pratham Khand 5/34][6] [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/44][9]
  • Firmness/stability (sthira)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/61][A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/12][8]
  • Sliminess (picchila)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/61][Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/15][3] [Sha.Sa.Pratham Khand 5/34][6]
  • Whitish(shaukalya or shweta) [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/18] [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/97][Su. Sa.SutraSthana 21/15][3][Sha.Sa.Pratham Khand 5/34][6] [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/44][9]
  • Mouldable (mrutsana)[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 20/18] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/12][8]
  • Smoothness (slakshana) [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/12][8]
  • Mobile(sara) [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96]
  • Compact(sandra) [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96]
  • Slowness(manda) [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 1/12][8]
  • Stable (stimita) [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96]
  • Viscous(vijjala) [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96]
  • Transparent(accha) [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96]
Kaphadosha has sweet(madhura)taste in completely transformed or mature stage.It is salty(lavana) in incomplete stage or when it is not fully formed. [Su. Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/15][3] Kashypa stated kapha is white in color.[K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/44][9]

Functions of kapha

Kapha has independent tasks in the body. However, it is dormant without vata dosha. [Sha.Sa.Pratham Khand 5/25][6] The principal function of kapha dosha is to maintain the normal physiology by supporting growth and anabolism. The special functions of kapha are as below: [Code:SAT-B.421][1] [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 18/51] [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 12/12] [Su. Sa.SutraSthana 15/4][3] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/3][8]
  • Provides and maintains unctuousness to the body (snehana)
  • Maintains the anatomical integrity of various cells, tissue, and organ with each other, as well as provides support/ Maintain the integrity of joints(bandhana)
  • Maintain firmness and steadiness(sthirata or dardhyata)
  • Provides weight to various structures and organs (gauravata)
  • Maintains reproductive health(vrishta)
  • Provides physical and mental strength(bala)
  • Maintains the quality of forgiveness(kshama)
  • Maintains the quality of patience(dhriti)
  • Maintains the quality of greedlessness(alobha)
  • Growth of the body(upachaya)
  • Fortitude
  • Knowledge(jnana)
  • Intelligence (buddhi)
 
Figure 03: Categorization of the functions of kapha.

Acharya Vagbhatawas the first to describe five types of kapha with names. [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/15-18][8] Five particular functions of kapha are as below: [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/4][3] [Dalhana on Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/4][3]

  1. Maintains the structural integrity of joints(sandhi samshleshana)
  2. Maintains the unctuousness (snehana)
  3. Helps in the healing process(ropana)
  4. Provides nutrition to the whole body(purana)
  5. Provides strength (bala)

Classification

The classification of kaphais based on different functions and locations in the human body. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/4][3] [Su. Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/7][3] [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana21/12-14][3] [A.S. Sutra Sthana 20/8][5] [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 12/15-18][8]

Five types:

Avalambaka, kledaka, bhodhaka, tarpaka, and shleshaka are the five classifications of kaphadosha.The location and function of five types of kaphadosha based on different ayurvedic texts are as given in table 01.
Table 01: Description of five types of kapha dosha
S.No. Type of kapha Location Function
01. Avalambaka
[Code:SAT-B.415][1] 		Chest(ura)
  • Supports trika(area of conjugation of head with two arms) [Dalhana on Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/12-14][3] by its inherent power(trikasandharana)
  • Support and maintain the structural and functional integrity of heart by power of nutrients present in food(annarasa).(annarasasahitenhridyaavalambana)
  • Supports other kapha sites(sheshanam cha shleshmasthananamavalambanat)
02. Kledaka
[Code:SAT-B.416][1] 		Stomach(amashaya)
  • Liquefication and disintegration of food articles to facilitates easy digestion.(praklinnambhinnasanghata or annasanghatakledanat)
  • Supports the other kapha sites through its inherent qualities.
03. Bodhaka
[Code:SAT-B.417][1] 		Root of tongue(jihvamula)
Throat(kantha)
  • Facilitates the perception of taste(rasajyane)
04. Tarpaka
[Code:SAT-B.418][1] 		Head (shira)
  • Due to presence of natural qualities, it nourishes the sense organs.(tarpanata)
05. Shleshaka
[Code:SAT-B.419][1] 		Joints (sandhi)
  • Maintains the structural and functional integrity of all joints.(sarvasandhisanshleshat, sarva sandhi anugraha)
 
Figure 04: Location and Physiological aspect of different types of kapha.

Kapha dominant constitution (prakriti)

Acharya described the characteristics of kaphaja constitution individuals based on attributes of kapha dosha. [Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/96] The person having kapha dosha in predominance have the following characteristics:
  • Unctuous and smooth organs
  • Pleasing personality and fair in complexion
  • Compact body appearance
  • Slow digestive process
  • Slow in physical and mental movements
  • Less perspiration, thirst and hunger
  • Intelligent
  • Thick and dense hair
  • Obedient to teachers

Lokapurusha samanya

The universe's entire production process is controlled by kapha. The kapha dosha in the human body represents the jala and prithvimahabhuta. The moon, sun, and wind are responsible for nourishing (visarga), exhausting (adana), and dispersing (vikshepa) in the universe. Similarly, the kapha, pitta, and vata do the same things in the human body.[Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 29/6][3]

Factors responsible for abnormal states of kapha

Certain factors cause excess or decline of kapha in the human body. These factors are natural or unavoidable and artificial or avoidable.

Natural factors:

These factors are the essential components of biological rhythm occurring in the external as well as internal environment of the body. This natural increase is physiological. These factors are as follows:[Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/24][3], [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana1/8][8], [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana12/24-25][8] [A.Hr. NidanaSthana1/17-18][8](Figure 05)
  • Season(ritu): Kapha undergoes accumulation in winter(hemant and shishira), gets vitiated in during spring(vasanta) and subsides to normal during summer(grishma).
  • Various stages of digestion of food: Kaphagetsincreasedduring thefirst stage of digestion or immediately after eating food(bhuktamatra).
  • Biological rhythm of day and night: Kaphais increased in the morning (purvahe) and evening (purvaratre or pradoshe).
  • Habitat(desha): Marshy area (anupa).
  • Age (vaya): In childhood, kapha is dominant as compared to other dosha.
 
Figure 05: Natural factors responsible for kapha vriddhi.

Acquired factors:

Acquired factors are those which increase and aggravate kapha dosha other than natural factors. These are avoidable and used in clinical practice by applying the concept of samanyavisheshasiddhanta. These factors are as follows: [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/23-24][3] [A.Hr. Nidana Sthana 1/17-18][8]
  • Diet(dravya) and properties of diet: Food with sweet(madhura), sour(amla)and salt(lavana) taste, heavy-to-digest food, slimy, unctuous food articles and excessive intake of water cause kapha vitiation.
  • Lifestyle and other activities: Daytime sleep (diwaswapana), lack of exercise(avyayama), drinking water at night(nishaambupana), mixing wholesome and unwholesome together (samashana) and over eating before digestion of previous meals(adhyashana), etc. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/23-24][3]
  • Emotional and behavior factors: pleasure(harsha).

Clinical aspects

Preventive aspect:

A person with a normal state of kapha dosha constitution (prakritakapha), should avoid diet and lifestyle vitiating kapha.

Stages of dosha:

Dosha continues to exist in three states: hypofunction (kshaya), hyperfunction (vriddhi), and normal physiological state (sama). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana17/110]Increase and reduction in dosha functioning (karma) can be used to understand dosha increase and decline in the body. Dosha, when increased, produce their respective features in excess; when decreased, cut off their functions, and when in the normal state, perform their normal functions.

13.2.1Hyperfunctioning of kapha(vridhilakshana):

Whenkapha levels increase, the body exhibits various signs and symptoms as below: [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/13][3], [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana 11/7-8][8], [A.S. Sutra Sthana 19/5][5]:
  • Whitish coloration of skin(shaukalaya)
  • A feeling of coldness (shaityam)
  • Firmness and stiffness(sthairyam)
  • Heaviness in body(gauravam)
  • Depression (avasada)
  • Drowsiness(tandra)
  • Sleepiness(nidra or atinidrata)
  • Lack of firmness in joints(sandhivishlesha)
  • Low digestive capacity (agnisadana)
  • Salivation(praseka)
  • Laziness(alasya)
  • Flaccidity (slathangatvam or angasada)
  • Dyspnea (shwasa)
  • Cough(kasa)
  • Obesity(sthaulya)
  • Blockage of natural passages(srotapidana)
  • Syncope (murchha)
  • Nausea (hrillasa)

Hypo functioning of kapha (kshayalakshana):

When kaphadosha levels in the body are declining, the body exhibits various signs and symptoms as described below:[Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana15/7][3], [A.Hr. Sutra Sthana11/16][8], [A.S. Sutra Sthana19/8][5]
  • Dryness (rukshata)
  • Burning sensation in the body(antardaha)
  • Emptiness in all sites of kaphaespecially stomach(amashyaitrashleshmashyashunyta)
  • Flaccid joints(sandhi shaithilya)
  • Thirst (trishna)
  • Weakness (daurbalya)
  • Loss of sleep (prajagarana or anidra)
  • Giddiness (bhrama)
  • Twisting pain(udveshtana)
  • Body aches (angamarda)
  • A feeling of burning skin(parishosha)
  • Pricking pain(toda)
  • Tremors (vepana)
  • Burning sensation(daha)
  • A feeling of cracking or breaking pain(sphotana)
  • Feeling of smoke(dhumayana)
  • Palpitation (hridayadrava)

Diagnosis:

The state ofkapha dosha can be diagnosed and assessed based on clinical features. The most common clinical features of kapha dosha are unctuousness (sneha), whitishness(shwetya), coldness(shaitya), itching(kandu), heaviness(gaurava), chronicity (chirkaritvam), accumulation (upachaya), numbness(supti). [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana20/15] [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/45][9]
Forty types of diseases due to an imbalance of kaphadosha(kaphananatmajavyadhi) occur, as below [Cha.Sa. SutraSthana 20/17] [K.S. Sutra Sthana 27/42-43][9] (Table 02)
Table 02: 20 types of disease of kapha (kaphananatmajavikara)[10]
Contentment(trupti) Drowsiness (tandra) Excess sleep (nidradhikya) Rigidity/stiffness (staimitya)
Heaviness in body(gurugatrata) Lassitude (alasya) Sweet taste in mouth (mukhamadhurya) Salivation (mukhastrava)
Expectoration of mucous(shleshmodgirana) Excess accumulation of waste products (maladhikya) Loss of strength (balasaka) Indigestion (apakti)
Adherence or coatingaround heart(hridayopalepa) Adherence or coating in throat (kanthopalepa) Adherence of waste in blood vessels/ atherosclerosis (dhamanipratichaya) Goiter (galaganda)
Morbid obesity (atisthaulya) Decreased digestive power (shitagnita) Urticarial rashes (udarda) Pale look (shvetavabhashata)



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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 KhandaleN.S.(2014): Conceptual and Applied study of Snigdha Guna of Kapha Dosha w s r ShariraBala.Dept. of Kriya Sharir, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University.
  2. ↑ Amarkosha. Amarsimha, Edited by Pt. Haragovindasastri. Reprint Ed. Varanasi:Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, 2020.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19 3.20 3.21 3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30 Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by JadavajiTrikamjiAacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Madhavakar. Madhava Nidanam. Edited by SashtriSudarshana, UpadhayaYadunandana. 30th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana; 2000.
  5. ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 Vagbhata. Ashtanga Samgraha. Edited by Shivprasadsharma. 3rd Ed., Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanskrit Series Office; 2012.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Sharngdhara. Sarngadhara Samhita. Edited by Parashuram Shastri Vidyasagar. Varanasi: ChaukhambhaSurabharatiPrakashan ;2013.
  7. ↑ Bhava mishra. Bhavaprakasha, Edited by Brahmasankara Mishra, Rupalalaji Vaisya. 5th ed. Hindi Commentary Vidyotini; Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, 1969.
  8. ↑ 8.00 8.01 8.02 8.03 8.04 8.05 8.06 8.07 8.08 8.09 8.10 8.11 8.12 8.13 8.14 8.15 8.16 8.17 8.18 8.19 8.20 8.21 8.22 8.23 8.24 8.25 8.26 8.27 Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by HarishastriParadkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy; 2000.
  9. ↑ 9.00 9.01 9.02 9.03 9.04 9.05 9.06 9.07 9.08 9.09 9.10 9.11 9.12 Kashyapa. Kashyapa Samhita. Edited by P. V. Tewari. Reprint. Varanasi: Chaukhambha vishvabharati;2008.
  10. ↑ Byadgi P.S., Saini N..MaharogaAdhyaya. In: Kar A.C., Rai S., Deole Y.S., Basisht G., eds. Charak Samhita New Edition. 1st ed. Jamnagar, Ind: CSRTSDC; 2020. https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-1.32.1/index.php?title=Maharoga_Adhyaya&oldid=41150. Accessed November 14, 2022.
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