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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>(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.

== Etymology ==

== निरुक्तिः॥  Etymology ==

Sush.sutr.21.5

Sush.sutr.21.5

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

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

== Panchamahbhuta ==

== कफस्य पाञ्चभौतिकत्वम् ॥ Panchamahbhuta ==

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

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

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)  

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)  

== Gunas ==

== कफगुणाः ॥ Gunas ==

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

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

According to different Authors,

According to different Authors,

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|Acharya Charaka

|Charaka Samhita

|Acharya Sushruta

|Sushruta Samhita

|Acharya Vagbhata

|Ashtanga Hrudayam

|-

|-

|Guru - heavy

|Guru - heavy

|}

|}

== Function ==

== कफकार्याणि ॥ Function ==

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

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

Kapha dosha has specific functions in our body,

Kapha dosha has specific functions in our body,

# Snehana - it provides unctuousness to the body

# स्नेहनम् । Snehana - it provides unctuousness, moisture, hydration to the body

# Bandhana means binding in literal, kapha dosha maintains the integrity of the joints and the tissues of its organ.

# बंधनम् । Bandhana- means binding in literal, kapha dosha maintains the integrity of the joints and the tissues of its organ. Basically it performs an integral function of joining and keeping the joint in any 2 parts of the body including cells intact.

# Sthirata - meaning, stability. Kapha dosha brings about steadiness or firmness in our bodies.

# स्थिरत्वम् । Sthirata - meaning stability. Kapha dosha brings about steadiness or firmness in our bodies.

# Gauravata - meaning heaviness, it means Kapha dosha provides weight, to various anatomical structures.

# गौरवत्वम् । Gauravata - meaning heaviness, it means Kapha dosha provides weight, to various anatomical structures.

# Vrushata - helps regulate the reproductive organs and maintain their health.

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

# 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.

# Bala - Bala means strength, and Kapha dosha provides strength to the body.

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

# 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.

# Jnyana - it means knowledge.

# ज्ञानम् । Jnana - it means knowledge.

== Classification ==

== कफभेदाः ॥ Classification ==

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

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

Kapha dosha is classified according to the Stahan(location), and Kriya(function), in five types mentioned below,

Kapha dosha is classified according to the Stahan(location), and Kriya(function), in five types mentioned below,

=== Avalambaka Kapha ===

=== अवलम्बककफः॥ Avalambaka Kapha ===

Sthana-  Uras(chest region)

स्थानम् । Sthana-  Uras(chest region)

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 -- 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)

=== Kledaka Kapha ===

=== क्लेदककफः॥ Kledaka Kapha ===

Sthana-Amashaya (stomach)

स्थानम् । Sthana-Amashaya (stomach)

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

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

=== Bodhaka Kapha ===

=== बोधककफः॥ Bodhaka Kapha ===

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

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

Kriya- responsible for the perception of the taste.

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

=== Tarpaka Kapha ===

=== तर्पककफः॥ Tarpaka Kapha ===

Sthana- Shiras (head)

स्थानम् । Sthana- Shiras (head)

Kriya - responsible for the nourishment of the sensory organs.

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

=== Shleshaka Kapha ===

=== श्लेषककफः॥ Shleshaka Kapha ===

Sthana - Sandhi (joints)

स्थानम् । Sthana - Sandhi (joints)

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

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

== 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

# Obedient to elders and teachers.

# Obedient to elders and teachers.

== 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 and these are unavoidable.

=== 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 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.

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

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

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

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

# 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(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.

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

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

== Kapha Vriddhi Lakshana | Aggravation of Kapha dosha ==

== कफ दुष्टिलक्षणानि॥  ==

=== 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

# And etc.

# And etc.

== Kapha Kshaya Lakshana | Decreased Kapha dosha ==

=== कफक्षयलक्षणानि ॥ Decreased Kapha dosha ===

Kapha dosha when decreases in our body it showcases certain features,

Kapha dosha when decreases in our body it showcases certain features,

# And etc

# And etc

== Kaphaja Nanatmaja vikara ==

== कफस्य नानात्मजविकाराः॥ Kaphaja Nanatmaja vikara ==

(Char.sutr.20.17)

(Char.sutr.20.17)

|}

|}

== General management ==

== कफचिकित्सायाः साधारणाः नियमाः ॥ General management ==

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.