• Ayurveda And Medicine Today
• Ashwagandha
• Kapha Dosha
• Pitta Dosha
• Vata Dosha
• Times To Take Ayurveda Medicines (Bhaishajya Kala)
• Dosage of Ayurveda Medicines
• Ayurvedic Massage
• Ayurvedic Methods For Patient Examination

• Ayurveda Branches
• Ayurvedic Remedies
• Causes of Disease
• Ayurvedic Methods For Disease Examination - Roga Pariksha
• Examination of Patient Strength
• Levels of Ayurvedic Therapies
• Purification of Medicines
• Pharmaceutical Aspects of Ayurveda

Kapha Dosha

Kapha is made up of the two elements water and earth. Kapha is responsible for body form and structure (fluids, fats, bones and muscles). The most revered ayurvedic text, the Charaka Samhita, defines the characteristics of Kapha dosha: heavy--both water and earth are heavy elements (guru); cold (sheetoha); soft (mridu); unctuous, offering lubrication (snigdha); sweet (madhura); stability, offering immunity (sthira); and slippery (tikshila).

Functions of Kapha Dosha

Kapha increases the deposits in the cell mass and is essential far the inter-linking of cells, tissues, and organs. It is responsible far the growth and sustenance of the body. Kapha prevents the destruction of tissues from wear and tear due to. friction and movement by Vata, maintaining the flexibility, strength and immunity of the body. Capacities far reproduction, happiness, emotional calm, and the correct retention of knowledge depend upon the proper functioning of Kapha, which has a stabilizing and nurturing action an bath body and mind.

The proper interrelationship of the three doshas is necessary far health. They are mutually interactive, increasing and decreasing in a proportional manner relative to. each other. Generally, Vata and Kapha are opposite each other as light and heavy, function and substance, while Pitta mediates between the two as the power of converting one into. the other. Although these farces are in a constant state of flux awing to. the impact of internal and external factors,' their equilibrium is usually maintained. When this equilibrium gets disturbed, the disease process starts. According to. Ayurveda, all diseases are caused by disturbed doshas. Even traumatic diseases that are not initially the result of dashic imbalances soon became accompanied by them, usually first by aggravating Vata which is the mast sensitive of the doshas.

Five Types of Kapha Dosha

The five types or subdoshas of Kapha are: Avalambaka, Kledaka, Bodhaka, Tarpaka and Sleshaka. All these protect various organs from wear and tear due to the dryness of Vata and the hot and penetrating effects of Pitt? Similarly, they help maintain the cohesion and inter-linking of tissues.

1. Avalambaka Kapha :- Avalambaka Kapha protects the lungs, heart, and upper portion of the intestines. Due to repeated contraction and relaxation of these organs, they are subject to friction and wear. But the fine, slimy and smooth secretions inside these organs protects them and preserves their integrity.
2. Kledaka Kapha :- Kledaka Kapha protects the upper and middle abdomen from hot, irritant or cold food as well as from the secretions of Pachaka Pitta. It exists in the form of alkaline digestive secretions..
3. Bodhaka Kapha :- Bodhaka Kapha protects the mouth from pungent, hot, cold or irritating food and drinks. It also helps us taste food properly. Potentially harmful substances are initially rejected by this taste screen. It also helps the other sense organs in the head that require their fluid lining for protection.
4. Sleshaka Kapha : - Sleshaka Kapha lubricates all the bony ends of the joints and prevents their friction during movement of the limbs. It reduces wear and tear during physical movement. When it is reduced joint pain and arthritis occur.
5. Tarpaka Kapha : -Tarpaka Kapha provides various nutrients to the brain cells and gives lubrication and protection to the brain and spinal cord. It cushions the nerves from stress and harm. It allows us to feel emotional ease and contentment.

Causes of High Kapha

Kapha is aggravated by dietary factors such -as cold, oily and heavy foods like yogurt, cheese, butter, milk and meat, as well as by watery fruit and vegetables like cucumber, melons, or anges, and grapes. Sweet grains like wheat and rice, particularly wheat flour, also greatly increase Kapha. Cold and damp environments or work situations are additional factors, such as working. on or near water. Psychological factors are greed and attachment and unwillingness to let go of the past.

Symptoms of High Kapha

High Kapha causes digestive disorders like loss of appetite, nausea and possible vomiting, along with heaviness in the stomach. There will be heaviness in the body as a whole along with pallor of the skin, cold hands and feet, and possible swollen joints. Mucus will increase along with cough, congestion and swollen glands. One will suffer from excessive sleep, lethargy, and lack of concentration. Mentally, one feels dull, emotionally heavy and depressed, and sensory acuity gets reduced.

Management of Kapha

To reduce Kapha, one should carry out strong exercise according to one's capacity. Deep massage should be done with light and dry oils like mustard or herbal powders. Saunas should be taken or other strong means of promoting sweating. Anti Kapha diet should be taken with dry and hot food, dominating in pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes, along with light eating and possible fasting. For increasing digestion, hot spices like ginger, black pepper, and turmeric should be used. Therapeutic vomiting can be implemented in severe cases.