Kapha Subtypes

8/10/2019 Kapha Subtypes

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KAPHA AND 5 SUBTYPES

Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of AAPAH [water] and

PRITHVI [earth].

Kapha is structure and lubrication. It can be looked upon as the

force that keeps the planets in their orbits through their

movement around the sun. If disrupted, it can cause a disaster.

Of the universal qualities, KAPHA dosha has a predominance of

TAMAS.

Kapha dosha as described in the Introduction to Tridosha isresponsible for stability. It is a force that insures that the

universe goes on through continuos supply of energy. It is stored

energy which Pitta transforms for usability and Vata disperses to

various entities.

OVERVIEW OF AYURVEDA KAPHA & 5 SUBTYPES

National Library of Ayurveda Medicine www.nlam.in NLAM Education 1
http://www.nlam.in/http://www.nlam.in/http://www.nlam.in/


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FUNCTION

To understand KAPHA dosha from a human perspective we need

to understand its functions as depicted by Vagbhat inAshtanghrudaya:

shleshma sthiratva snigdhatva sandibandh kshamadibihi11/ 3

Kapha in its normal state governs:

StabilityLubrication

Compactness (firmness) of the joints

Forbearance (forgiveness, withholding emotions, strain, etc.)

Unification of joints, unction, healing [Sushrut]




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LOCATION

KAPHA doshas primary seat of location in the human body is

described in Ashtanghrudaya as:

urakanthashira klomparvanyoamashayo rasahmedo ghrano cha jivha cha kaphasya sutramuraha 12/3

Kapha dosha is located in the

Chest

TongueThroatHeadFat tissueJointsNoseStomach.

Of these, the chest is considered most important. Ashtanghrudaymentions one more location called KLOM, whose identity withrespect to the human body is arguable but many consider it to

be thepancreas, or soft palate in the mouth.




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VITIATION [INCREASE OR DECREASE OF KAPHA DOSHA]

The pathology of KAPHA dosha can be studied when its

proportions increase or decrease in the body.

Since Kapha dosha governs stability of the body, prevents it from

degenerating before time and ensures constant supply of energy

in a stored form, its abnormal increase logically would cause

obstructions in the channels, increase of body mass and wastage

of nutrients

Increaseof KAPHA dosha is described in Ashtanghrudaya as:

shleshmaagnisadan prasek aalasya gauravamshwaitya shaitya shlathangatvam shwas kas atinidrata..11/7

Paleness

Hypothermia.

RigidityHeaviness.

Disturbed digestion

Excessive sleep.

Sensation of looseness of joints.

Lack of enthusiasm

Obesity.

Obstruction of channels.

Loss of consciousness.Excessive secretions in mouth.

Shortness of breath

Cough.




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Decrease of Kapha dosha would cause an opposite reactionleading to quick degeneration of body parts, loss of body mass

instability etc.

The decrease of KAPHA dosha is described in Ashtanghrudaya as:

kaphe brahmaha shleshmakshayanam shoonyatvamhrudadrava shlathsandhita... 11/16

Low self esteem

Delirium.

DrynessPalpitations.

Joint malfunctions.

Pricking pain/body tremors.

Varied burning sensations.




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THE FIVE FORMS OF KAPHA

KAPHA dosha carries out its various functions through its

subtypes. We have already looked at the subtle relation ofKAPHA dosha and its subtypes which are co-related to humors in

modern terms while describing Introduction to Tridoshas.

KAPHA dosha is the all-governing force in the cosmos and

humans are one part of its manifestation. In humans KAPHA

dosha sustains the body along with the other two doshas, Pitta

and Vata. However, KAPHA dosha functions in the body are

subject to malfunctions, which ultimately proves to be acontributing factor to the physical death of the body.

The functions of KAPHA are variedas described earlier and aremore specifically carried out or identified by its subtypes.

The five subtypes of Kapha are

TARPAKABODHAKAKLEDAKASLESHAKAAVALAMBAKA

They are different forms of mucous secretions or lubricationin

the body.




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TARPAKA KAPHA

Tarpaka is originated from the word "Tarpan" meaning "to

nourish.

Tarpaka Kapha means the ONE that gives contentment

(tripti).

Ashtang hruday gives description of Tarpak kapha as

shirsansthiakshatarpanat tarpakaha

It is located in the HEAD and HEART.

It gives strength, nourishment and lubrication to the nerves.

Inwardly, it governs emotional calm and stability, happiness, as

well as memory (the capacity to retain ideas).

The practice of Yoga increases this mental form of Kapha ascontentment and bliss (Ananda).

It has an inward motion and allows us to feel happiness in our

own nature.

It orients us towards inner forms of joy. Meditation promotes its

secretion.




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KLEDAKA KAPHA

Kledaka is originated from the word "Kledan" meaning "to

moisten.

Ashtang hruday gives description of Kledak kapha as

shleshma yastavamashayasansstithahakledakah soannsanghat kledanat

It is located in the stomach.

Ii can be co-related to the alkaline secretions of the mucous

lining and as the mucous lining of the digestive tract in general.

It is responsible for the liquefaction of food and for the first

stage of digestion.

It has a balancing action and mediates between the contents of

the G.I. tract and our internal tissues, as well as regulates themoisture content in the digestive process.

It works in harmony with Pachaka Pitta to protect the mucous

lining of the digestive tract from being damaged by the heat of

Pachaka Pitta and Agni, the digestive fire.




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SLESHAKA KAPHA

Shleshaka is originated from the root "shlish" meaning "sticky.

Sleshaka Kapha means the one that gives lubrication.

Ashtang hruday gives description of Shleshak Kapha as

sandhisanshleshachleshakaha sandhishu stithaha

It is located in the joints as the synovial fluid and is responsible

for holding them together and affording ease of movement.

It has an outward going action and affords us strength and

stability in outer movement.




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AVALAMBAKA KAPHA

AVALAMB-aka is originated from the word "avalamb" meaning "to

be dependent.

Avalambaka Kapha means the one that gives support

or upon whom the body is dependent.

Ashtang hruday gives description of Avalambak kapha as

urasthaha sa trikasya swa viryatah

hrudayasya anna viryach tatstha evambukarmanakapha dharmam cha sheshanam yata karotya avalambanamato avlambakaha shleshma

It is located in the chest and TRIKA, which can be co-relatedto the SACRUM bone

In the Chest region, it is located in the heart and lungs and giveslubrication to the chest.

It is the storehouse of Kapha (phlegm) and upon it depend the

actions of all the other Kaphas in the body. It creates not only

the mucus and fluid lining of the lungs, but also of the heart and

throat.




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Avalambaka corresponds to RASA DHATU, which is distributed bythe lung and heart action. The heart and lungs is the area where

all Kapha is produced as a by product and hence it bestows

strength to all Kapha sites.

It has a downwardaction and gives support.

Avalambaka is the main form of Kapha in the treatment of

KAPHA diseases.

Clearing the chest of phlegm through VAMANA OR EMESIS (a

procedure of PANCHAKARMA) is the main approach to treatKapha disorders throughout the body.

Like Apana Vayu, and Pachaka Pitta, Avalambak Kapha is thekey Kapha subtype for the treatment of Kapha Dosha.




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Kapha Subtypes