Kapha Dosha: Mind and Body

The Kapha Dosha is made up of the elements of Water & Earth:
Kapha has a synonym ‘Sheleshma’ which originated from the root ‘shlish’ which means to hold. Kapha is responsible for giving stability to the body. It provides nourishment to the bodily tissues.

According to its actions and site of activity, it is also divided into Five Types:

• • K-le-dak – Kledaka literally means one who is capable of liquefying. Kledak Kapha is slimy in quality, sweet in taste, and has the action of moistening the food. It also shields the stomach wall from the action of digestive juices. Its site of action is the stomach.
  • Av-lam-bak – Avlambaka means one who is capable of supporting, or sustaining. Avlambak Kapha provides nutrition to the heart right from the cardiac activity seen in utero. It resides in the chest region.
  • Bo-dhak – Bodhak means one who is capable of perceiving. In the case of Bodhak kapha, it is the sense of taste perceived through the tongue. When food is taken in the mouth, the Bodhak kapha lubricates the food adequately and when it comes in contact with the taste buds present on the tongue, the taste is perceived. The site of action is the tongue in particular and the oral cavity generally.
  • Sh-le-shak – Shlleshak again means to bind or hold together. It is responsible for giving lubrication and strength to the joints. Its site of activity is all joints of the body.
  • Tar-pak – Tarpak means one who nourishes and gives contentment. Tarpaka Kapha gives nourishment to the brain in particular and the whole of the central nervous system in general. It is supported by Avlambak kapha situated in the heart. Its site of action is the head region.