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Kapha (कफः) literally translates to “watery froth” or “phlegm”. One of three [[doshas (दोषाः)]] along with [[Vata dosha (वातः वातदोषः वा)|Vata dosha (वातदोषः)]] and [[Pitta dosha (पित्तम् पित्तदोषः वा)|Pitta dosha (पित्तदोषः)]] are fundamentals of Ayurveda. Kapha dosha originates from [[Jala (जलम्)|Jala]] and Prithvi [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Mahabhuta]]. Thus, Kapha dosha is represented in the body as Jala and Prithvi Mahabhuta. Similarly, the moon which is responsible for nourishment is represented as Kapha in the Universe.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 29 Sutra 6)</ref>(Sush.Sutr.29.6) Even though Kapha is correlated with “phlegm” the functions are broad spectrum like providing strength to the body, maintaining anatomical integrity of organ entities, and even psychological like improving patience. The primary site of Kapha dosha is Amashaya or the stomach and Vamana or the therapeutic emesis or induction of vomiting is the prime treatment of Kapha dosha diseases.

Kapha (कफः) literally translates to “watery froth” or “phlegm”. One of three [[doshas (दोषाः)]] along with [[Vata dosha (वातः वातदोषः वा)|Vata dosha (वातदोषः)]] and [[Pitta dosha (पित्तम् पित्तदोषः वा)|Pitta dosha (पित्तदोषः)]] are fundamentals of Ayurveda. Kapha dosha originates from [[Jala (जलम्)|Jala]] and Prithvi [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Mahabhuta]]. Thus, Kapha dosha is represented in the body as Jala and Prithvi Mahabhuta. Similarly, the moon which is responsible for nourishment is represented as Kapha in the Universe.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 29 Sutra 6)</ref> Even though Kapha is correlated with “phlegm” the functions are broad spectrum like providing strength to the body, maintaining anatomical integrity of organ entities, and even psychological like improving patience. The primary site of Kapha dosha is Amashaya or the stomach and Vamana or the therapeutic emesis or induction of vomiting is the prime treatment of Kapha dosha diseases.

== निरुक्तिः॥  Etymology ==

== निरुक्तिः॥  Etymology ==

Sush.sutr.21.5

The word 'Kapha' is explaiend as follows in Samskrit,<blockquote>केन जलेन फलति इति कफः । </blockquote>Meaning: The one which originates and grows from water element is known as Kapha.  

The word “shleshma” (श्लेष्मा) is derived from the root “shlish alingane” (श्लिष आलिङ्गने) which means to adhere, bind or keep it together, embrace.  

Kapha is also called as Shleshma in Ayurveda. The word “shleshma” (श्लेष्मा) is derived from the root “shlish alingane” (श्लिष आलिङ्गने) which means to adhere, bind or keep it together, embrace.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 5)</ref>

== कफस्य पाञ्चभौतिकत्वम् ॥ Panchamahbhuta ==

== कफस्य पाञ्चभौतिकत्वम् ॥ Panchamahbhuta ==

(Asht.sutr.21.2) (Sush.sutr.42.5)

Kapha dosha is originated from Jala and Prithvi Mahabhuta. Wherein, Jala is the dominant Mahabhuta in it. Acharya Sushruta opines, the origin is Jala Mahabuta only.<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 42 Sutra 5)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 12)</ref>

Kapha dosha is originated from Jala and Prithvi Mahabhuta. Wherein, Jala is the dominant Mahabhuta in it. Acharya Sushruta opines, the origin is Jala Mahabuta only.

Althouh doshas are present all over the body, kapha dosha is generally present in the upper part of the body and more specifically, Uras(chest region), shiras(head), greeva(neck), Amashaya(stomach precisely), meda(Fat), Kantha (throat), rasa(plasma), ghrana(nose) and jivha(tongue). <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 20 Sutra 3 & Adhyaya 12 Sutra 3)</ref> <ref name=":0">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 20 Sutra 8-9) along with commentary of Chakrapani</ref>

Among these sites, Uras or the chest region is the predominant site of Kapha dosha. And also the uppermost region of the amashaya or stomach. <ref name=":0" />

 

 

 

 

Among these sites, Uras or the chest region is the predominant site of Kapha dosha.(Char.sutr.20.9) And also the uppermost region of the amashaya or stomach.(Chakrapani on Char.sutr.20.8)

== कफगुणाः ॥ Gunas ==

== कफगुणाः ॥ Gunas ==

(Char.sutr.1.61) (Char.sutr.20.18) (Asht.hrud.sutr.1.12) (Sush.sutr.2115) (Char.Vima.8.96)

Kapha or Shleshma performs various functions in the body by the means of its specific properties. These are known as gunas of Kapha and those are as follows as per various authors of Ayurveda treatises. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 61 and Adhyaya 20 Sutra 18)</ref> <ref name=":1">Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 12)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 15)</ref> <ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthana Adhyaya 8 Sutra 96)</ref>

According to different Authors,

According to different Authors,

|Ashtanga Hrudayam

|Ashtanga Hrudayam

|-

|-

|Guru - heavy

|(गुरुः) Guru - heavy

|Guru - heavy

|Guru - heavy

|Guru - heavy

|Guru - heavy

|-

|-

|Sheeta - cold

|(शीतः)Sheeta - cold

|Sheeta- cold

|Sheeta- cold

|Sheeta- cold

|Sheeta- cold

|-

|-

|Mrudu - soft

|(मृदुः) Mrudu - soft

|Snigdha - unctuous

|Snigdha - unctuous

|Snigdha - unctuous

|Snigdha - unctuous

|-

|-

|Snidgha - unctuous  

|(स्निग्धः) Snidgha - unctuous

|Madhura- sweet

|Madhura- sweet

|Manda - slow

|Manda - slow

|-

|-

|Madhura - sweet

|(मधुरः) Madhura - sweet

|Picchila- slimy

|Picchila- slimy

|Slakshna- smooth

|Slakshna- smooth

|-

|-

|Sthira - stable

|(स्थिरः) Sthira - stable

|Shweta - white

|Shweta - white

|Mrutsna - mouldable

|Mrutsna - mouldable

|-

|-

|Picchila - slimy

|(पिच्छिलः) Picchila - slimy

|

|

|Sthira- stable

|Sthira- stable

|-

|-

|Mrutsna - mouldable

|(मृत्स्नः) Mrutsna - mouldable

|

|

|

|

|-

|-

|Shlaksha- smooth

|(श्लक्ष्णः) Shlaksha- smooth

|

|

|

|

|-

|-

|Sara - Fluid/flowy

|(सरः) Sara - Fluid/flowy

|

|

|

|

|-

|-

|Sandra - compact

|(सान्द्रः) Sandra - compact

|

|

|

|

|-

|-

|Sthimita - stillness  

|(स्तिमितः) Sthimita - stillness

|

|

|

|

|-

|-

|Accha - clear

|(अच्छः) Accha - clear

|

|

|

|

== कफकार्याणि ॥ Function ==

== कफकार्याणि ॥ Function ==

(asht.hrud.sutr. 11.3) (Char.sutr.18.51) (Char.sutr.12.12) (Sush.sutr.15.4)

Kapha dosha which is one of the 3 doshas or bio-energies in our body, performs various important functions in the body. By its integral property of stickiness performs the essential function of binding or joining 2 things togetsher, to remove friction and facilitate smooth movement of body elements etc. The functions of Kapha listed by Ayurveda acharyas in treatises are described below,<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 18 Sutra 51 & Adhyaya 12 Sutra 12)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutra 3)</ref> <ref name=":2">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 4)</ref>

Kapha dosha has specific functions in our body,

Kapha dosha has specific functions in our body,

== कफभेदाः ॥ Classification ==

== कफभेदाः ॥ Classification ==

(Asht.hrud.sutr.12.15-18) (Sush.sutr.15.4) (sush.sutr.21.12-14) (Asht.sang.sutr.21.8)

Although Kapha dosha is only a single entity in the whole body, on the basis of its distribution and specific function, the kapha in certain sites has been named differently and these are known as the types of Kapha. There are 5 such types of Kapha and those are described briefly in the table below, <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 12 Sutra 15-18)</ref> <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 12--14)</ref> <ref name=":2" /> <ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 8)</ref>

 

=== अवलम्बककफः॥ Avalambaka Kapha ===

=== अवलम्बककफः॥ Avalambaka Kapha ===

स्थानम् । Sthana-  Uras(chest region)

स्थानम् । Sthana-  Uras (उरः। chest region)

कर्म। Kriya -- maintains the functions of the heart and other structures through annarasa or the essential nutrients. Supports and maintains other kapha sites as well. Provides trika which is the conjunction between the head and arms.(Sush.sutr.21.12-14, Dalhana teeka)

कर्म। Kriya -- Supports the function of heart by various means like nourishing the tissues and provide smoothness in the constant movements of circulation occuring at the level of the heart. Supports and maintains other kapha sites as well. Provides support to trika (त्रिक) which is the conjunction between the head and arms.<ref>Dalhana's commentary on Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 12-14)</ref>

=== क्लेदककफः॥ Kledaka Kapha ===

=== क्लेदककफः॥ Kledaka Kapha ===

स्थानम् । Sthana-Amashaya (stomach)

स्थानम् । Sthana-Amashaya (आमाशयः । stomach)

कर्म। Kriya-  disintegrates food and provides it with adequate moisture or kledana.

कर्म। Kriya-  disintegrates food and provides it with adequate moisture or kledana (क्लेदनम्).

=== बोधककफः॥ Bodhaka Kapha ===

=== बोधककफः॥ Bodhaka Kapha ===

स्थानम् । Sthana- kantha(throat), Jivha moola(the root of the tongue)

स्थानम् । Sthana- [[Kantha (कण्ठः)|kantha]](कण्ठः। throat), Jivha moola(जिव्हामूलम्। the root of the tongue)

कर्म। Kriya- responsible for the perception of the taste.

कर्म। Kriya- responsible for the perception of the taste.

=== तर्पककफः॥ Tarpaka Kapha ===

=== तर्पककफः॥ Tarpaka Kapha ===

स्थानम् । Sthana- Shiras (head)

स्थानम् । Sthana- [[Shira (शिरस् or शिरः)|Shiras]] (शिरस् / शिरः । head)

कर्म। Kriya - responsible for the nourishment of the sensory organs.

कर्म। Kriya - responsible for the nourishment of the sensory organs.

=== श्लेषककफः॥ Shleshaka Kapha ===

=== श्लेषककफः॥ Shleshaka Kapha ===

स्थानम् । Sthana - Sandhi (joints)

स्थानम् । Sthana - Sandhi (सन्धि । joints)

कर्म। Kriya - responsible for the maintenance of the integrity of the joints.

कर्म। Kriya - responsible for the maintenance of the integrity of the joints.

== कफप्रकृतिलक्षणानि॥ Kaphaja Prakriti ==

== कफप्रकृतिलक्षणानि॥ Kaphaja Prakriti ==

An individual has one or two dominant doshas which are associated with certain features which are displayed in that individual. Kapha dosha dominant Prakriti individual will have features like

An individual has one or two dominant doshas which are associated with certain features which are displayed in that individual. Kapha dosha dominant Prakriti individual will have features like,<ref name=":1" />

 

# Unctuous body  

# Unctuous/ soft and moisturized body

# Fair complexion  

# Fair complexion  

# The compact appearance of body structure

# The compact appearance of body structure

=== प्राकृतहेतवः॥ Natural factors (Sush.sutr.21.24) (Asht.hrud.sutr.1.8) (Asht.hrud.sutr.12.24) (asht.hrud.nida.1.17) ===

=== प्राकृतहेतवः॥ Natural factors (Sush.sutr.21.24) (Asht.hrud.sutr.1.8) (Asht.hrud.sutr.12.24) (asht.hrud.nida.1.17) ===

# Seasonal - Kapha dosha undergoes Chaya or the accumulative stage in Hemant and Shishira rutu which is winter. Undergoes Prakopa or the vitiation stage during the Vasanta rutu or the Spring season. Undergoes Prashama stage or normal stage during the Grishma rutu or the summer season.

# Seasonal - Kapha dosha undergoes Chaya or the accumulative stage in [[Hemanta Rutucharya (हेमन्त ऋतुचर्या)|Hemant]] and [[Shishir Rutucharya (शिशिर ऋतुचर्या)|Shishira]] rutu which is winter. Undergoes Prakopa or the vitiation stage during the [[Vasanta Rutucharya (वसन्त ऋतुचर्या)|Vasanta]] rutu or the Spring season. Undergoes Prashama stage or normal stage during the [[Greeshma Rutucharya (ग्रीष्म ऋतुचर्या)|Grishma]] rutu or the summer season.

# Circadian rhythm - Kapha dosha increases in the morning.

# Circadian rhythm - Kapha dosha increases in the morning.

# Age - Kapha dosha is dominant during childhood.

# Age - Kapha dosha is dominant during childhood.

# Stage of digestion - Kapha dosha increases immediately after the intake of food.

# Stage of digestion - Kapha dosha increases immediately after the intake of food.

# Desha - Kapha dosha is predominant in the Anupa desha (watery or marshy place)

# Desha - Kapha dosha is predominant in the Anupa [[Desha in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे देश:)|desha]] (watery or marshy place)

=== आहारादिहेतवः॥ External factors  (Asht.hrud.nida.1.17,18) ===

=== आहारादिहेतवः॥ External factors  (Asht.hrud.nida.1.17,18) ===