Changes

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.

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 (आमाशयः) 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 ==

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 'Kapha' is explained 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.  

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>

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 ==

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 (जलम्) and Prithvi (पृथ्विः) [[Panchamahabhutas (पञ्चमहाभूतानि)|Mahabhuta]] (Water and earth element). 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>

== Sites ==

== कफस्थानि॥ Sites ==

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>

Although doshas are present all over the body, kapha dosha is generally present in the upper part of the body and more specifically, Uras(उरः। chest region), [[Shira (शिरस् or शिरः)|shiras]](शिरः। head), greeva(ग्रीवा। neck), Amashaya(आमाशयः। stomach precisely), [[Meda Dhatu (मेद धातु)|meda]](मेदः। Fat), [[Kantha (कण्ठः)|Kantha]] (कण्ठः। throat), [[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|rasa]](रसः। plasma), ghrana(घ्राणम्। nose) and jivha(जिव्हा। 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. And also the uppermost region of the amashaya or stomach. <ref name=":0" />  

== कफगुणाः ॥ Gunas ==

== कफगुणाः ॥ Gunas ==

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>

Kapha or Shleshma performs various functions in the body by the means of its specific properties. These are known as [[Gunas or Qualities : An Ayurvedic perspective (आयुर्वेदे गुणाः)|gunas (गुणाः)]] 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,

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|Charaka Samhita

|Charaka Samhita (चरक संहिता)

|Sushruta Samhita

|Sushruta Samhita (सुश्रुत संहिता)

|Ashtanga Hrudayam

|Ashtanga Hrudayam (अष्टाङ्ग हृदयम्)

|-

|-

|(गुरुः) Guru - heavy

|(गुरुः) Guru - heavy

== कफकार्याणि ॥ Function ==

== कफकार्याणि ॥ Function ==

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 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 together, 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,

# वृषता । Vrushata - Helps regulate the reproductive organs and maintain their health.

# वृषता । Vrushata - Helps regulate the reproductive organs and maintain their health.

# धृतिः । Dhriti -  Here Dhriti is patience, kapha dosha helps improve the quality of patience in the individual.

# धृतिः । Dhriti -  Here Dhriti is patience, kapha dosha helps improve the quality of patience in the individual.

# बलम् । Bala - [[Balam (बलम्)|Balam]] means strength, and Kapha dosha provides strength to the body.

# बलम् । Bala - [[Balam (बलम्)]] means strength, and Kapha dosha provides strength to the body.

# उपचयम् । Upachaya - kapha dosha is responsible for the growth of body in general.

# उपचयम् । Upachaya - kapha dosha is responsible for the growth of body in general.

# ज्ञानम् । Jnana - it means knowledge.

# ज्ञानम् । Jnana - it means knowledge.

== कफभेदाः ॥ Classification ==

== कफभेदाः ॥ Classification ==

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>  

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 name=":3">Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 12-14, 23- 24)</ref> <ref name=":2" /> <ref>Ashtanga Samgraha (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 8)</ref>  

=== अवलम्बककफः॥ Avalambaka Kapha ===

=== अवलम्बककफः॥ Avalambaka Kapha ===

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>  

* 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 ===

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

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

=== बोधककफः॥ Bodhaka Kapha ===

=== बोधककफः॥ Bodhaka Kapha ===

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

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

=== तर्पककफः॥ Tarpaka Kapha ===

=== तर्पककफः॥ Tarpaka Kapha ===

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 ===

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 ==

== कफदुष्टिहेतवः लक्षणानि च॥ Responsible factors for imbalance ==

== कफदुष्टिहेतवः लक्षणानि च॥ Responsible factors for imbalance ==

There are a few factors that are responsible for the kapha dosha imbalance, some of which are natural and some are external and these are unavoidable.

There are a few factors that are responsible for the kapha dosha imbalance, some of which are natural and some are external.<ref name=":3" /> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 12 Sutra 24)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 8)</ref> <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Nidanasthanam Adhyaya 1 Sutra 17-18)</ref> The natural factors that are unavoidable and invariably increase Kapha dosha are called as Prakrut hetu and then there are other external factors that increase kapha but can be avoided which are mentioned under the external factors below,

=== 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 ===

# 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.

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

# Circadian rhythm - Kapha dosha increases in the morning.

# Circadian rhythm - Kapha dosha increases in the morning and also in Pradosha kala (प्रदोषकालः) which is the late evening time.

# 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 in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे देश:)|desha]] (watery or marshy place)

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

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

=== आहारादिहेतवः॥ External factors  ===

# Diet and lifestyle - Madhura(sweet),amla(sour), Lavana(salty) are responsible for aggravation of Kapha dosha. Along with excessive intake of food items that are heavy to digest, and unctuous. Excessive intake of water also caused aggravation of Kapha dosha.

# Diet and lifestyle - Madhura(मधुरः। sweet),amla(अम्लः। sour), Lavana(लवणः । salty) are responsible for aggravation of Kapha dosha. Along with excessive intake of food items that are heavy to digest, and unctuous. Excessive intake of water also caused aggravation of Kapha dosha.

# Divaswapna (sleeping during the day), avyayama(lack of exercise), and intake of water at night. (sush.sutr.21.23)

# [[Nidra (निद्रा)|Divaswapna]] (दिवास्वपनम् । sleeping during the day), avyayama (अव्यायामम्। lack of [[Vyayama (व्यायामम्)|vyayama]] or exercise), and intake of water at night.

== कफ दुष्टिलक्षणानि॥  ==

== कफ दुष्टिलक्षणानि॥  ==

=== कफवृद्धिलक्षणानि॥ Aggravation of Kapha dosha ===

=== कफवृद्धिलक्षणानि॥ Aggravation of Kapha dosha ===

Kapha dosha when aggravates in our body the below-mentioned symptoms are observed

Kapha dosha when aggravates in our body the below-mentioned symptoms are observed

== कफस्य नानात्मजविकाराः॥ Kaphaja Nanatmaja vikara ==

== कफस्य नानात्मजविकाराः॥ Kaphaja Nanatmaja vikara ==

Kapha dosha can be diagnosed based on certain features like feeling cold, itching, gaurava(गौरवम् । heaviness), supti (सुप्तिः। numbness), upachaya (उपचयम्। accumulation) and etc are most common.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 20 Sutra 15-17)</ref>

 

Kapha dosha can be diagnosed based on certain features like feeling cold, itching, gaurava(heaviness), supti (numbness), upachaya (accumulation) and etc are most common. (char.sutr.20.15)

Kapha dosha when gets imbalaced is expressed primarily in twenty types of diseases mentioned below,

Kapha dosha when gets imbalanced is expressed primarily in twenty types of diseases mentioned below,

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|तृप्ति - contentment

|तृप्ति - contentment

|}

|}

== कफचिकित्सायाः साधारणाः नियमाः ॥ General management ==

== कफचिकित्सायाः साधारणाः नियमाः ॥ General management principles for Kapha ==

Kapha dosha imbalance must be treated with dravyas or drugs which are dominant in Pungent, astringent and bitter in taste. These drugs must be Teekshna(sharp), ushna(hot), and Ruksha(dry) in properties.  

Kapha dosha imbalance must be treated with dravyas or drugs which are dominant in Pungent, astringent and bitter in taste. These drugs must be Teekshna(sharp), ushna(hot), and Ruksha(dry) in properties.  

These dravyas are administered at the appropriate time and in the correct dosage.

These dravyas are administered at the appropriate time and in the correct dosage.

Vamana karma or Therapeutic emesis is considered the prime treatment in the management of Kapha dosha imbalance as it acts on the seat of Kapha dosha. thus, disorders afflicting other organs, are also managed.

[[Vamana (वमनम्)|Vamana]] karma (वमनम्) or Therapeutic emesis is considered the prime treatment in the management of Kapha dosha imbalance as it acts on the seat of Kapha dosha. thus, disorders afflicting other organs, are also managed.

Also, swedana or fomentation, Shirivierechana or nasya or errhine therapy.

Also, swedana or fomentation, Shirovirechana (शिरोविरेचनम्) or [[nasya (नस्यम्)]] or errhine therapy.

Exercise is also mentioned for Kapha dosha imbalance.

Exercise is also mentioned for Kapha dosha imbalance.

== Reference ==

== Reference ==