VATHA DOSHA AND ITS WHOLE CONCEPTS

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VATA DOSHA

Vata is a force conceptually made up of elements ether and air. The proportions of ether and air determine how active Vata is. The amount of ether (space) affects the ability of the air to gain momentum. If unrestricted, as in ocean, air can gain momentum and become forceful such as a hurricane.

Vata means "wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command." Vata enables the other two doshas to be expressive. The actions of Vata are drying, cooling, light, agitating, and moving.

Vata governs breathing, blinking of the eyelids, movements in the muscles and tissues, pulsations in the heart, all expansion and contraction, the movements of cytoplasm and the cell membranes, and the movement of the single impulses in nerve cells. Vata also governs such feelings and emotions as freshness, nervousness, fear, anxiety, pain, tremors, and spasms. The primary seat or location of the Vata in the body is the colon. It also resides in the hips, thighs, ears, bones, large intestine, pelvic cavity, and skin. It is related to the touch sensation. If the body develops an excess of vata, it will accumulate in these areas.

Dosha Related Elements -Vata Air and Ether

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CHARACTERISTICS OF VATA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Vata constitution.

Creativity, mental quickness

Highly imaginative

Quick to learn and grasp new knowledge, but also quick to forget

Sexually easily excitable but quickly satiated

Slenderness; lightest of the three body types

Talk and walk quickly

Tendency toward cold hands and feet, discomfort in cold climates

Excitable, lively, fun personality

Changeable moods

Irregular daily routine

Variable appetite and digestive efficiency

High energy in short bursts; tendency to tire easily and to overexert

Full of joy and enthusiasm when in balance

Respond to stress with fear, worry, and anxiety, especially when out of balance

Tendency to act on impulse

Often have racing, disjointed thoughts

Generally have dry skin and dry hair and don't perspire much

Typical health problems include headaches, hypertension, dry coughs,

sore throats, earaches, anxiety, irregular heart rhythms, muscle spasms,

lower back pain, constipation, abdominal gas, diarrhea, nervous stomach,

menstrual cramps, premature ejaculation and other sexual dys-functions,

arthritis. Most neurological disorders are related to Vata imbalance.

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Physical Features 

People of vata constitution are generally physically underdeveloped.

Their chests are flat and their veins and muscle tendons are visible.

The complexion is brown, the skin is cold, rough, dry and cracked.

Vata people generally are either too tall or too short, with thin frames which reveal prominent joints and bone-ends because of poor muscle development.

The hair is curly and scanty, the eyelashes are thin and the eyes lusterless.

The eyes may be sunken, small, dry, and active. The nails are rough and brittle.

The shape of the nose is bent and turned-up.

Physiologically, the appetite and digestion are variable. Vata people loves sweet, sour and salty tastes and like hot drinks. The production of urine is scanty and the feces are dry, hard and small in quantity. They have a tendency to perspire less than other constitutional types. Their sleep may be disturbed and they will sleep less than the other types. Their hands and feet are often cold.

Psychologically, they are characterized by short memory but quick mental understanding. They will understand something immediately, but will soon forget it. They have little willpower, tend toward mental instability and possess little tolerance, confidence or boldness. Their reasoning power is weak and these people are nervous, fearful and afflicted by much anxiety.

Vata people tend to earn money quickly and also to spend it quickly. Thus, they tend to remain poor.

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Signs of Vata Dosha Imbalance: 

There are a number of tell tale signs of dosha imbalance. Some persons will get very angry. Some get depressed, etc. Here is a summary of the signs of vata imbalance:

Worried

Tired, yet can't relax, Fatigue, poor stamina

Nervous, Can't concentrate

Anxious, fearful

Agitated mind

Impatient, Antsy or hyperactive

Spaced out

Self-defeating

Shy, insecure, Restless

Cannot make decisions

Weight loss, under weight

Insomnia; wake up at night and can't go back to sleep

Generalized aches, sharp pains, Arthritis, stiff and painful joints

Agitated movement

Very sensitive to cold

Nail biting

Rough, flaky skin, Chapped lips

Fainting spells

Heart palpitations

Constipation, Intestinal bloating, gas, Belching, hiccups

Dry, sore throat, Dry eyes

In summary, if you are suffering from anxiety, worry, a tendency to overexertion, insomnia, chronic tiredness, mental and emotional depression, physical tension and other symptoms of stress, a weakened immune system, headaches, underweight, constipation, skin dryness, mental confusion, emotional conflict, inability to make decisions, impulsiveness, fast and disconnected speech, fantasy, illusions, and sensations of being lighthearted and removed from thoughts, feelings, or circumstances, then there is a very good sign that your vata is aggravated.

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VATA DOSHA VRIDDHI CHIKITSA                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

1. snehan - svedan then mridu virechana

2. Niruha & anuvasan basti prayoga

3. Nasyakarma, gandusha, dhumrapana, sirobasti

4. Abhayanga, mardana, 

5. madhura-amla-lavan rasa ushna & snigdha bhojan sevan

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General Tips on Health and Wellness For Vata Types 

The Vatas find it very difficult to maintain regular habits, that is, to eat and sleep at regular times. But this is the most important thing for them to do. When Vata is out of balance this may feel almost impossible, but an effort to establish a regular routine is very important for all people with a Vata body type. Rest sufficiently, and choose foods, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing vata characteristics. It is also important to regulate mental and physical impulses and to modify mental attitudes, emotional states, and behaviors in supportive ways.

Sweet, sour, and salty tastes decrease vata influences, so include these tastes if vata influences need to be diminished. Milk, wheat, rice, and some fruits and berries can provide sweet and sour tastes.

Regular exercise should be relaxed and moderate. Hatha yoga practice in a meditative mood is good, as are t'ai chi, walking, and swimming. Avoid strenuous, competitive, frantic activities.

When possible, associate with people who are calmly purposeful.

Meditate every day for deep relaxation.

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A Food Plan to Balance Vata Dosha 

These guidelines can be used for vata mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution. Vata influences the movement of thoughts, feelings, prana flows, nerve impulses, and fluids in the body.

Favor:

Warm food, moderately heavy textures, added butter and fat.

Salt, sour, and sweet tastes; Soothing and satisfying foods.

All soothing foods are good for settling disturbed Vata. Use foods such as: warm milk, cream, butter, warm soups, stews,

hot cereals, fresh baked bread. Since vata is a cold dry dosha, warm, nourishing foods such as these are good for stabilizing vata.

On the other hand cold foods such as cold salads, iced drinks, raw vegetables and greens are not very good for persons with vata imbalance.

Breakfast is highly recommended. Use hot cereals such as cream of rice or wheat or any other breakfast that is warm,

milky, and sweet.

Take a hot or herbal tea with snacks in the late afternoon.

Avoid drinks with high caffeine as vata gets disturbed by it.

Use spicy foods such as spicy Mexican or Indian foods that are cooked in oil.

Use warm moist foods such as cooked grains and cereals, bowl of hot oatmeal or cup of steaming vegetable soup.

Warm milk is good. You can add a little sugar or honey to it if you prefer. Avoid eating candies as it disturbs vata.

Prefer salted nuts that are heavy and oily as opposed to dry salty snacks.

All sweet fruits are Ok for vata. Avoid unripe fruits as they are astringent

Take warm or hot water instead of ice water and drinks.

Summary: Breakfast is usually desirable. Hot foods and sweet and sour tastes. Reduce dry foods and bitter tastes. Warm or hot water and drinks. Raw nuts and nut butters. Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, ginger, cloves in moderation.

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SAMA VATA

When VataDosha is associated with ama it is called SamaVata. The pathological character and presentation of symptoms vary with those of aggravation of ‘only vayu’ when vayu is associated with ama. This association of Vata takes place with vitiated Vata. To treat this Vata, the ama should be tackled at first.

Ama – Ama is a product of agnimandhya (sluggish digestion or low fire in gut) and consequent ajeerna (indigestion). When the digestive fire is weak, it leads to sluggish digestion, this leads to indigestion. Here, the food is improperly or inadequately processed in the stomach. The essence of this improperly digested food is called ama. This ama is sent into circulation. It reaches all the cells of the body.

By the virtue of its sticky nature, ama tends to block or clog the channels of the body and deplete the body of its nutrients and vital components needed to build selves. This will lead to series of tissue and organ damage in due course of time and lead to many diseases.

SAMAVATA – A DEADLY COMBINATION OF AMA AND VATA

Vata, when vitiated tends to seriously damage the body, most times in an irrecoverable way. Ama is a toxin and bi-product of sluggish metabolism and it too can independently damage the body components and impair functions in a serious way. One can guess what could happen when these two lethal components combine and jointly damage the system!!

SYMPTOMS OF SAMAVATA

SYMPTOMS OF SAMAVAYU:

Vibandha – constipation

Agni sadana – sluggish metabolism, indigestion

Tandra – sleepiness, drowsiness,

Staimitya – feeling as if covered by wet cloth

Gourava – heaviness of the body

Antra kujana – sounds in the tummy

Vedana – pains all over the body

Shopha – swelling

Nistoda – pricking pain

Kramashoanganipeedayan – the body parts will be gradually afflicted by pain, swelling etc symptoms mentioned above

Snigdhata – unctuousness of the body

Arochaka – anorexia

Alasya – lethargy, weakness, laziness

Shaitya – feeling of cold

Agni hani – loss of digestive power

Vicharetyugapat cha api – when the ama and vata association becomes strong, they get more vitiated and travel all over the body and produce painful conditions wherever they happen to settle, damaging the tissues and organs in the process

Snehadhyaihivriddhimapnoti – gets aggravated on use of sneha (oil or ghee) for external (massage etc) or internal (oral consumption) use

Surya meghodayenishivriddhimapnoti – gets aggravated early in morning (sun-rise), cloudy climate and night

Katurukshaabhilasha – affinity towards consuming pungent and dry foods

SYMPTOMS OF NIRAMA VAYU:

Vishada – clear, brings about clarity and dryness of mouth, skin etc

Ruksha – dry, brings about dryness of mouth skin etc

Nirvibandha – absence of constipation or blocks in the body

Alpavedana – less, negligible or feeble pain

Vipareetagunaihishantim – gets pacified by antagonistic qualities like snigdha (oiliness, unctuousness), ushna (hot) etc

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TREATMENT OF SAMA VATA

The association of ama with Vayu should be broken by the administration of deepana (fire kindling medicines or medicines which enhance the appetite and enhance the digestion capacity, correct metabolic process in presence of sluggish digestion) and Pachana or AmaPachanadravyas (medicines which digest and expel ama).

When ama loses its association with Vata, it will be called NiramaVata. Though the pathological element in the form of ama has been separated from Vata, the free vata is still pathological, since it is also in vitiated form. This Vata should be handled by the administration of vatanulomana (vata alleviating or expelling treatments and medicines) treatments. 

PITTA DOSHA AND ITS WHOLE CONCEPTS

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PITTA DOSHA

Pitta is a force created by the dynamic interplay of water and fire. These forces represent transformation. They cannot change into each other, but they modulate or control each other and are vitally required for the life processes to occur. (For example, too much fire and too little water will result in the boiling away of the water. Too much water will result in the fire being put out.)

Pitta governs digestion, absorption, assimilation, nutrition, metabolism, body temperature, skin coloration, the luster of the eyes, intelligence, and understanding. Psychologically, pitta arouses anger, hate, and jealousy. The small intestine, stomach, sweat glands, blood, fat, eyes, and skin are the seats of Pitta.

Dosha Related Elements -Pitta Fire and Water 

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CHARACTERISTICS OF PITTA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Pitta body type.

Medium physique, strong, well-built ,Sharp mind, good concentration powers , Orderly, focused Assertive, self-confident, and entrepreneurial at their best; aggressive, demanding, pushy when out of balance Competitive, enjoy challenges

Passionate and romantic; sexually have more vigor and endurance than Vatas, but less than Kaphas Strong digestion, strong appetite; get irritated if they have to miss or wait for a meal Like to be in command When under stress, Pittas become irritated and angry Skin fair or reddish, often with freckles; sunburns easily

Hair usually fine and straight, tending toward blond or red, typically turns gray early; tendency toward baldness or thinning hair

Uncomfortable in sun or hot weather; heat makes them very tired Perspire a lot Others may find them stubborn, pushy, opinionated

Good public speakers; also capable of sharp, sarcastic, cutting speech

Generally good management and leadership ability, but can become authoritarian Like to spend money, surround themselves with beautiful objects

Subject to temper tantrums, impatience, and anger

Typical physical problems include rashes or inflammations of the skin, acne, boils, skin cancer, ulcers, heartburn, acid stomach, hot sensations in the stomach or intestines, insomnia, bloodshot or burning eyes and other vision problems, anemia, jaundice.

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Physical Features 

These people are of medium height, are slender and body frame may be delicate.

Their chests are not as flat as those of vata people and they show a medium prominence of veins and muscle tendons. The bones are not as prominent as in the vata individual. Muscle development is moderate.

The pitta complexion may be coppery, yellowish, reddish or fair. The skin is soft,warm and less wrinkled than vata skin. The hair is thin, silky, red or brownish and there is a tendency toward premature graying of hair and hair loss. The eyes may

be gray, green or cooper-brown and sharp: the eyeballs will be of medium prominence. The nails are soft. The shape of the

nose is sharp and the tip tends to be reddish.

Physiologically, these people have a strong metabolism, good digestion and resulting strong appetites. The person of pitta constitution usually takes large quantities of food and liquid. Pitta types have a natural craving for sweet, bitter and astringent tastes and enjoy cold drinks. Their sleep is of medium duration but uninterrupted. They produce a large

volume of urine and the feces are yellowish, liquid, soft and plentiful. There is a tendency toward excessive perspiring. The body temperature may run slightly high and hands and feet will tend to be warm. Pitta people do not tolerate sunlight, heat or hard work well.

Psychologically, pitta people have a good power of comprehension; they are very intelligent and sharp and tend to be good orators. They have emotional tendencies toward hate, anger and jealousy.

They are ambitious people who generally like to be leaders. Pitta people appreciate material prosperity and they tend to be moderately well-off financially. They enjoy exhibiting their wealth and luxurious possessions.

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Signs of Pitta Dosha Imbalance: 

Angry, Irritable

Hostile, Enraged, Destructive

Impatient

Critical of self and others

Argumentative, Aggressive

Bossy, controlling

Frustrated, Willful, Reckless

Acidity, heartburn, Stomach ulcer

Fitful sleep, Disturbing dreams

Diarrhea, Food allergies

Bad breath, Sour body odor

Very sensitive to heat, Hot flashes

Skin rashes

Boils

Bloodshot eyes

Acne

Weakness due to low blood sugar

Fevers, Night sweats

When you experience symptoms such as, excessive body heat, digestive problems, a tendency to be hostile or angry and controlling, impatience, a tendency to exert excessive effort to achieve goals, vision difficulties, and being prone to make errors in judgment because of mental confusion or because passion or emotion blurs powers of intellectual discernment, there is a good possibility that you are suffering from pitta imbalance.

Indications of balanced pitta influences are strong powers of digestion, vitality, goal-setting inclinations, good problem-solving skills, keen powers of intelligence, decisiveness, boldness and courage, and a bright complexion.

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PITTA DOSHA VRIDDHI CHIKITSA                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

1. Virechan & Raktmokshan

2. Sheeta pradeha, Pariseka * Abhyanga

3. Madhur-Tikta, Kasaya rasa pradhan & Sheeta dravya sevana

4. Ksheer & ghrita prayoga

5. Pitta samak dravya prayoga - Chandan, Heebera, Mukta, Praval etc.

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General Tips on Health and Wellness For Pitta Types 

Pitta constitutions will be upset by alcohol and cigarettes, as well as by overwork, overexertion, and overheating. When out of balance, they are susceptible to feeling such negative emotions as hostility, hatred, intolerance, and jealousy. Therefore it is very important for Pittas to keep cool (literally and figuratively) and to lead a pure and moderate lifestyle. Choose foods, attitudes, behaviors, personal relationships, and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing pitta characteristics.

Because sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease pitta influences, include these in your food plan if pitta characteristics are too pronounced. Complex carbohydrates, milk, and some fruits are sweet; some green, leafy vegetables are bitter; beans and some green vegetables are astringent.

Do things that cool the mind, emotions, and body. Avoid conflicts. Cultivate the virtues of honesty, morality, kindness, generosity, and self-control.

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A Food Plan to Balance Pitta Dosha 

These guidelines can be used for pitta mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance and to restore balance if necessary regardless of the basic constitution. Pitta influences digestion and metabolism, body temperature, and biological transformations.

Favor

Cool or warm but not steaming hot foods Bitter, sweet, and astringent tastes

As far as practical use less butter and added fat. Consume food with moderately heavy textures.

Since Pittas have strong efficient digestion, they can generally eat just about everything. Most Pittas get into trouble by

continued use of too much salt, overuse of sour and spicy food and overeating.

Take cool, refreshing food in summer. Reduce the consumption of salt, oil, and spices, all of which are "heating" to the body. Salads are good, so is milk and ice cream. Avoid pickles, yogurt, sour cream, and cheese. Avoid vinegar in salad

dressing; use lemon juice instead. Alcoholic and fermented foods should be avoided. Their sour Rasa aggravates Pitta. Coffee is also pitta aggravating due to the acid in coffee. Herb tea is good. Prefer mint, licorice root or other

pitta pacifying tea.

Breakfast: Cold cereals, cinnamon toast, and apple tea is a good breakfast for Pitta. Avoid coffee, orange juice and doughnuts - they aggravate pitta.

The vegetarian foods are the best for pitta. Consuming red meattend to heat the body from the fat. Consume abundant amounts of milk, grains and vegetables.

Avoid oily, hot, salty, and heavy foods such as fried food. Instead consume starchy foods such as vegetables, grains and beans. Avoid the tendency to overeat under stress.

Avoid processed and fast foods as they tend to be heavy on salt and sour tastes. Japanese and Chinese food are good choices. Avoid highly spicy food such as is found in Mexican restaurants.

To bring down aggravated Pitta, take two teaspoons of ghee (clarified butter) in a glass of warm milk. (Avoid taking the ghee if you have problem with high cholesterol).

Summary

Avoid egg yolks, nuts, hot spices, honey, and hot drinks. Cool foods and drinks are better. Add sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes. Reduce use of sour tastes. Spices: black pepper, coriander, and cardamom.

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SAMA PITTA

Pitta dosha can be aggravated in association with ama. This condition is called Sama Pitta. When Pitta is not associated with ama, it is called Nirama Pitta.

Pitta alone can cause diseases when it gets vitiated. Such diseases we call as prakupita pitta janyavyadhis or pittaja diseases. This condition is totally different from saama pitta i.e. pitta associated with toxins derived from improper digestion of food.

NEED FOR KNOWING SAAM AND NIRAM PITTA CONDITIONS

It is very essential for a physician to know about the saam and niraam conditions of pitta because in spite of both being morbid stages will differ in terms of their pathological presentation and treatment when compared to the vitiated pitta. The knowledge will help the physician to differentiate saama pitta from vitiated pitta and hence make appropriate treatment choices.

SYMPTOMS OF SAAMA PITTA

Durgandham – foul smelling due to association with ama

Haritam – pitta gains greenish color

Shyavam – appearance of blackish or bluish black color in pitta

Amlam – pitta acquires sour taste

Ghanam – pitta becomes denser and stable i.e. when placed over the surface of water saama pitta doesn’t float on it

Guru – heaviness develops in pitta in contrast to its light nature

Amlika – manifestation of sour belching

Kanthadahakaram – causes burning sensation in the throat

Hriddahakaram – causes burning sensation in the cardiac region

SYMPTOMS OF NIRAMA PITTA

Tamra – pitta acquires coppery color

Peeta – pitta acquires yellow color

Atiushnam – manifestation of excessive heat

Katuka rasa – pitta acquires bitter taste

Asthiram – pitta is unstable i.e. breaks into fragments and scatters on water

Vigandhi – absence of foul smell in pitta

Ruchipradam – enhances taste in food

Paktipradam – enhances digestion capacity of an individual by kindling the digestive fire

Balapradam – increases strength and immunity of an individual 

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TRETMENT OF SAMA PITTA

The principle of treating pitta associated with ama lay in separating the vicious combination of ama and pitta. Though therapeutic Virechana (purgation) is the chief treatment for morbid pitta, purgation should not be directly administered in this condition. If therapeutic purgation is administered it cannot expel the pitta from the body because the pitta associated with the endo-toxins have adhered to the walls of the cells, tissues and channels of the body owing to the sticky nature of ama.

The purgation therapy administered will try to pull this adhered pitta from the tissues and channels and in doing so will damage those structures and components of the body. This will eventually lead to many complications and may even cause death of the patient.

Pachana – Therefore initially ama digestive medicines should be administered in this pathological condition. These medicines owing to their pungent and bitter tastes, hot quality and potency, hot after-digestion effect, would digest ama and eventually separate it from the pitta association. At the same time these medicines would detach the ama from the walls of tissues and channels and prepare them to be expelled.

Agni deepana – medicines which kindle the digestive fire should also be administered to rectify the digestion process and metabolism. With this the digestive fire will gain strength and will digest the food properly, in such a way that ama would not be formed in future.

Snehana, Swedana and Shodhana – after separation of ama, internal consumption of medicated ghee are administered followed by sudation therapy. This will liquefy and mobilize the pitta towards the stomach. From here, the pitta should be eliminated by administering medicated purgation. 

KAPHA DOSHA AND ITS WHOLE CONCEPTS

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KAPHA DOSHA

Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. Kapha is structure and lubrication. One can visualize the Kapha force as the stirring force to keep the water and earth from separating. For example, if we take a pot, fill it to the half with water and then add sand to it, the sand will gradually sink to the bottom of the pot. (It separates from the water). The only way to keep the sand in equilibrium with the water is by stirring the mixture continuously. The Kapha force can be visualized as this stirring force in our body.

Kapha cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure. This dosha maintains body resistance. Water is the main constituent of kapha, and this bodily water is responsible physiologically for biological strength and natural tissue resistance in the body. Kapha lubricates the joints; provides moisture to the skin; helps to heal wounds; fills the spaces in the body; gives biological strength, vigor and stability; supports memory retention; gives energy to the heart and lungs, and maintains immunity. Kapha is present in the chest, throat, head, sinuses, nose, mouth, stomach, joints, cytoplasm, plasma, and in the liquid secretions of the body such as mucus. Psychologically, kapha is responsible for the emotions of attachment, greed, and long-standing envy. It is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. The chest is the seat of kapha.

Dosha Related Elements -Kapha Water and Earth

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CHARACTERISTICS OF KAPHA TYPES

Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have a predominantly Kapha constitution.

Easygoing, relaxed, slow-paced

Affectionate and loving

Forgiving, compassionate, nonjudgmental nature Stable and reliable; faithful

Physically strong and with a sturdy, heavier build

Have the most energy of all constitutions, but it is steady and enduring, not explosive

Slow moving and graceful

Slow speech, reflecting a deliberate thought process

Slower to learn, but never forgets; outstanding long-term memory

Soft hair and skin; tendency to have large "soft" eyes and a low, soft voice

Tend toward being overweight; may also suffer from sluggish digestion

Prone to heavy, oppressive depressions

More self-sufficient, need less outward stimulation than do the other types A mild, gentle, and essentially undemanding approach to life

Sexually Kaphas are the slowest to be aroused, but they also have the most endurance

Excellent health, strong resistance to disease

Slow to anger; strive to maintain harmony and peace in their surroundings

Not easily upset and can be a point of stability for others

Tend to be possessive and hold on to things, people, money; good savers.

Don't like cold, damp weather

Physical problems include colds and congestion, sinus headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

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Physical Features 

People of kapha constitution have well-developed bodies. There is, however, a strong tendency for these individuals to carry excess weight. Their chests are expanded and broad. The veins and tendons of kapha people are not obvious

because of their thick skin and their muscle development is good. The bones are not prominent.

Their complexions are fair and bright. The skin is soft, lustrous and oily, it is also cold and pale.

The hair is thick, dark, soft and wavy. The eyes are dense and black or blue: the white of the eye is generally very white, large and attractive.

Physiologically, kapha people have regular appetites. Due to slow digestion, they tend to consume less food. They crave pungent, bitter and astringent foods. Stools are soft and may be pale in color: evacuation is slow. Their perspiration is moderate. Sleep is sound and prolonged. There is a strong vital capacity evidenced by good stamina, and kapha people are generally healthy, happy and peaceful.

Psychologically, they tend to be tolerant, calm, forgiving and loving: however, they also exhibit traits of greed, attachment, envy and possessiveness.

Their comprehension is slow but definite: once they understand something, that knowledge is retained.

Kapha people tend to be wealthy. They earn money and are good at holding on to it.  

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Signs of Kapha Dosha Imbalance: 

Sluggish thinking, Dull thinking

Groggy all day

Apathetic, no desire

Depressed, Sad, Sentimental

Slow to comprehend, Slow to react

Procrastinating, Lethargy

Clingy, hanging on to people and ideas

Greedy, Possessive, Materialistic

Sleeping too much

Very tired in the morning, hard to get out of bed

Drowsy or groggy during the day

Weight gain, obesity

Mucus and congestion in the chest or throat

Mucus and congestion in the nose or sinuses

Nausea

Diabetes

Hay fever

Pale, cool, clammy skin

Edema, water retention, Bloated feeling

Sluggish digestion, food "just sits" in the stomach

High cholesterol

Aching joints or heavy limbs

When you experience symptoms such as nausea, lethargy, a feeling of heaviness, chills, looseness of the limbs, coughing, mucus discharges, breathing difficulties, and a tendency to sleep too much, you may be suffering from Kapha imbalance. Other symptoms can be inertia, congestion, stagnation, and circulation problems. There may be a tendency toward obesity. Boredom, laziness, and mental dullness may be present.

Indications of balanced kapha influences are physical strength, a strong immune system, serenity, mental resolve, rational thinking, ability to conserve and use personal resources, endurance, and adaptability.

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KAPHA DOSHA VRIDDHI CHIKITSA                                                                                                                                                                                                               

1. Svedana, Vamana & sirovirechana karma

2. Tikshna virechana prayoga

3. Akash, vayu & agni mahabhuta pradhan dravya prayoga

4. Katu-Tikta-Kasaya,Tikshna, Ushna, Ruksha, guna dravya sevana

5. Vyayama, Ruksha Udhvartana

5. Panchkol, Triphala, Valli panchmula dravya prayoga

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General Tips on Health and Wellness For Kapha Types 

Kapha's are prone to lethargy, sluggishness, depression, and overweight, Kaphas need activity and stimulation. Daily exercise is more important for them than for any other type. Getting out of the house and actively seeking new experiences is also valuable. Be receptive to useful change, renounce impediments to progress, be intentional in implementing life-enhancing actions, and choose foods, mental attitudes, behaviors, exercise routines, and relationships and environmental circumstances which can be instrumental in balancing kapha characteristics.

Pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease kapha influences. Black pepper, ginger, cumin, chili, and some other spices provide the pungent taste; bitter is provided by some green leafy vegetables; and some green vegetables and beans provide the astringent taste. Note that the taste that decreases a dosha usually increases one or both of the other two. For general purposes, mildly increase the proportion of foods which are helpful while somewhat decreasing the proportions of others-having a sampling of all six tastes at your major meal.

Meditation can be more intensive for kapha constitutions than for vata or pitta constitutions. Schedule time every day for prayer and meditation.

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A Food Plan to Balance Kapha Dosha 

These guidelines can be used for kapha mind-body constitutions, to maintain dosha balance, and to restore balance if necessary, regardless of the basic constitution.

Kapha influences the heavy, moist aspects of the body.

What kind of Food to Eat to Balance Kapha

Warm, light food

Dry food, cooked without much water, minimum of butter, oil and sugar

Stimulating foods with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes

Kaphas need to watch the consumption of too much sweet foods or fatty foods. Keep an eye on the salt consumption also, which tend to result in fluid retention in Kaphas.

Light meals are to be favored such as light breakfast and dinner.

Avoid deep fried foods. Eat lightly cooked foods or raw fruits and vegetables. Eat spicy, bitter and astringent foods. Watch out for eating too much food, a typical kapha tendency.

Select hot food over cold food whenever feasible. Dry cooking methods (baking, broiling, grilling, sautéing) are preferable for kaphas over moist cooking such as steaming, boiling or poaching.

As an appetizer eat bitter or pungent foods instead of salty or sour.

Foods such as romaine lettuce, endive, or tonic water are good to stimulate your appetite.

Take ginger tea or a pinch or ginger to stimulate appetite. Other preferred spices are cumin, fenugreek, sesame seed and turmeric.

Any food that is spicy is good for kaphas such as very hot Mexican or Indian food, especially in winter.

Foods that are good for kapha breakfast are hot spiced cider, buckwheat pancakes with apple butter, corn muffins, and bitter cocoa made with skim milk and a touch of honey. Avoid cold cereals, cold juice or milk, and sugary pastries.

Bacon and sausage aggravates kapha due to their salt and oil. Forkapha types, breakfast is optional. (You may skip it if you like).

To pep you up in the morning, take honey, hot water, lemon juice and ginger. Try hot ginger tea. Try skipping a meal or two and take a spoonful of honey in hot water to keep you going.

Kaphas have a sweet tooth. So, cutting down on sugar is difficult for many of them.

Cutting sugar is recommended. Take honey instead. Avoid taking more than a spoonful of honey a day.

Don't overindulge on dairy foods. Butter, ice cream, and cheese are among the worst foods you can take as it aggravates the kapha. Take warm low fat milk. Avoid hamburgers and milk shakes.

Eat raw fruits, vegetables and salads.

Watch out the restaurant foods, especially oily, salty, sweet or deep fried foods - these are all kapha aggravating. Eat salad with minimum salad dressing. Take a glass of hot water instead of ice water. Eat salad instead of soup especially in hot weather.

Summary

Breakfast is usually not necessary. Avoid sugar, fats, dairy products, and salt. Ghee and oils only in small amounts. Choose light, dry foods. The main meal should be at the middle of the day, and only a light, dry meal in the evening. Avoid cold foods and drinks. Reduce use of sweet, sour, and salty tastes. Pungent, astringent, and bitter tastes are all right. All spices.

8

SAMA KAPHA

Ama is the product of altered digestion and metabolism. When Ama is associated with Kapha is called Samakapha. When Kapha is not associated with Ama, it is called NiramaKapha.

It is very essential for a physician to know about the saama and niraamakapha. Vitiated kapha and saama-niraamakapha, both are morbid stages but will differ in terms of pathological presentation and treatment. The knowledge of these different pathological state of kapha will help the physician to deferentially diagnose vitiated kapha conditions from saamakapha conditions and also to treat them skillfully.

SYMPTOMS OF SAAMA KAPHA

Aavila – kapha associated with ama is dirty in appearance

Tantula – string or thread like structures are seen in kapha

Styaana – kapha associated with ama is thick in appearance

KanthaDesheAvatishtate – gets adhered to the throat, becomes difficult to expel the phlegm stuck within the throat

Durgandha – it acquires foul smell

Kshudvighaatakrit – reduces appetite

Udgaaravighaatakrit – obstructs belching, though there is urge for belching the ama associated with immature food juices doesn’t allow its manifestation

SYMPTOMS OF NIRAAMA KAPHA

Phenavaan – kapha is frothy in nature

Pindita – kapha appears like a lump being accumulated in the form of thick and condensed mass

Pandu – kapha appears pale in color

Nisaara – semi-solid and tends to flow

Agandha – devoid of any type of odor

Chedavaan – easily gets separated

VaktraShuddhikrit – it keeps the throat clear i.e. it doesn’t stick to the throat 

9

TREATMENT OF SAMA KAPHA

The main strategy in treating the pathological condition of kapha associated with ama lay in separating the vicious combination of kapha and ama.

Therapeutic emesis is the main treatment of choice to expel morbid kapha. Still, in the condition of kapha associated with ama, vomiting therapy should not be directly given as first choice.

In saamakapha conditions, the kapha associated with endo-toxins have adhered to the walls of the tissues and channels of the body owing to the sticky nature of ama as well as kapha since both share similar properties. In such condition if therapeutic emesis is administrated, it cannot expel the kapha from the body since it is not easy to expel the doshas which are sticking to the body components.

If emesis is forcibly administered, the therapy will try to forcibly pull this adhered kapha from the tissues and channels of the body. While doing so, the vomiting therapy will cause damage to the structures and components of the body instead of helping in the recovery process, i.e. emesis doesn’t work therapeutically. This will lead to many complications including the death of the patient.

AmaPachana – Initially ama digestive medicines should be administered in treating the kapha associated with ama. The medicines used for pachana or ama digestive treatment are pungent and bitter in taste; possess hot and intense qualities and potency, and pungent post-digestion effect. These properties of pachana would help in digesting and liquefying ama and eventually will separate it from the kapha association. The medicines on the other hand would detach and separate the ama from the walls of tissues and channels and thus prepare them to be expelled from the body.

Agni deepana – The digestive fire should be corrected and brought to normal terms while treating these conditions. The herbs and medicines which kindle the metabolic fire should be administered. As an effect of these medicines the digestive fire will gain strength. It will regain the capacity to digest the food properly. When the food gets digested properly by the digestive fire, ama is not formed in future.

Snehana, Swedana and Shodhana – Oleation therapy should be administered following the separation of ama with the help of ama destroying and fire kindling treatments as mentioned above. For oleation, the person should be administered with medicated ghee for oral consumption. Following oleation, sweat inducing treatments should be administered. Oleation and sweating together will help in liquefying and mobilizing the morbid kapha towards stomach. From the stomach, the kapha should be eliminated by the administration of therapeutic emesis. 

RASA DHATU

1

INTRODUCTION 

Rasa is the first tissue formed in the sequence of tissue formation as explained in Ayurvedic texts. It is formed immediately and directly from the food juices formed after the digestion of the food. The tissues are formed one after the other and one from the other according to the concepts explained in Ayurveda pertaining to chronology of tissue formation.

If RasDhatu is properly formed in terms of its quality and quantity, the successive tissues too will be formed in a proper and healthy way.

The Rasa is produced soon after digestion. It is the essence part of the food that circulates all over the body and nourishes all the body tissues. It is grossly compared to plasma part of blood. Its basic function is Preenana – to nourish all the body tissues.

It is controlled by KaphaDosha. Usually KaphaDosha increase causes increase of Rasa Dhatu and Kapha decrease leads to Rasa dhatu decrease.

After completion of digestion process, the food is divided into essence part and waste part. The essence part is called as Rasa Dhatu. It is the nourishing fluid, which circulates all over the body and nourishes all the body parts. The nourishing action is brought about by Kapha.

• This is the first tissue to get nourished

• It constantly circulates in the body

• It is formed in 24 hrs.

• The main function of rasa dhatu is nourishment so that the other 6 dhatus can be formed accordingly

• The essence part of food – entering into blood stream, from Gastro intestinal tract = Rasa Dhatu

• It circulates all over the body by the pumping of heart. (VyanaVata). 

2

RASA DHATU KSHAYA

Rasa is the first tissue that is formed as a result of food digestion. After food is digested, the essence part of the food is called as Rasa dhatu. Some compare this with blood plasma.

Rasa dhatu and Kaphadosha are directly connected. Increase or decrease of Kaphadosha directly causes the same in Rasa Dhatu.

Decrease of Rasa dhatu indicates dehydration, and lack of nutrients.

The symptoms are –

Ghattate -patient becomes restless,

SahateShabdam Na – he does not stand loud sounds, becomes intolerant;

Hrudrava – palpitation,

HrudayamTamyatiAlpaCheshtasyaApi – cardiac pain, exhaustion even with the slightest exertion.

All these symptoms can be correlated with the symptoms of dehydration / lack of nutrition. 

3

SAAMA RASA LAKSHANA

Saama Rasa Lakshanas – Ama mixed with nutritious part of food, in blood circulation

Symptoms of lymph or plasma associated with immature juices of food derived due to bad digestion include – lack of interest in food, anorexia, nausea, heaviness of the body, anemia, fever, premature graying of hairs, emaciation etc 

4

RASA PRADOSHAJA ROGA

When Rasa is contaminated by doshas or by ama, it causes many diseases. These diseases are called RasPradoshajVkaras.

Below enlisted are the diseases caused by contaminated Rasa tissue –

Ashraddha – loss of interest towards taking food

Aruchi / Arochaka – tastelessness, anorexia

Avipaka – indigestion of food

Aasyavairasya – manifestation of opposite tastes, i.e. when food of one taste is taken it is actually perceived as some other taste, example – when sweet taste is consumed it tastes bitter or salty

Arasagnataa – not able to perceive taste of the food in its actual sense

Hrillasa – nausea

Gouravam – heaviness of the body parts

Trupti – early satiety even before adequate quantity of food is consumed

Tandra – drowsiness

Angamarda – pain in the body parts as if someone has beaten

Jwara – fever

Tama – feel as if one is entering into the darkness

Pandutvam – pallor, anemia due to the improper formation of blood tissue which is the second in the series to be formed after Rasa

HritRoga – heart diseases

Srotasaamrodaha / Margoparodha – obstruction in the channels of the body

Klaibyam – impotence

Angasaada / Saada – weakness of the body parts

Krushangata / Kaarshya – emaciation of the body parts

Naashoagnehe – deterioration of digestive fire

Ayathakalavali – premature wrinkling of skin

Ayathakalapalita – premature graying of hairs 

5

IMPORTANT POINT

Simultaneous contamination of rasa, kapha and ama in rasa pradosha – Most of the symptoms of rasa pradoshaja diseases resemble the kaphaincrease symptoms. This is because rasa is a tissue which belongs to the kapha category of body elements and both these share ashrayaashrayi relationship i.e. among many tissues in which kapha resides, rasa is one. Contamination of rasa will also increase kapha located in rasa. Both these elements will contaminate each other. Therefore the symptoms like slow digestion, heaviness of the body, indigestion, early satiety, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness etc are manifested. The same symptoms are also the symptoms of formation of ama.

Contamination of rasa and disturbance of digestion process takes place interchangeably, cyclically and in the form of feedback mechanism – Most of the symptoms like anorexia, indigestion, lack of interest in food, feeling opposite tastes or not feeling taste of food at all, nausea, heaviness of the body, feeling of early satiety, all these point towards the slowing down of digestive mechanism in the stomach and subsequent formation of ama.

This leads to contamination of rasa tissue by ama and kapha, subsequent weakening of the rasa tissue fire and disturbed metabolism within the said tissue. Since the rasa is not converted into the next tissue i.e. blood tissue there is stagnation in the rasa. As a negative feedback there is lack of interest in the food, tastelessness and relative indigestion. This continues as a vicious cycle. Thus, rasa is contaminated following sluggish digestion and in turn the contaminated rasa would lead to metabolic disturbances apart from not forming the subsequent tissues.

Rasa contamination directly related to cardiac disorders – Rasa circulates through heart. Heart is one of the chief roots for rasavahasrotas i.e. channels responsible for carrying rasa. Therefore rasa contamination causes heart diseases.

Contaminated rasa causes blocks in the body leading to many diseases and complications – Rasa contaminated with ama and kapha tends to block the channels and ducts of the body. Due to this the body will be deprived of nutrition and essential components like oxygen etc. this will eventually result in manifestation of body pain, feeling of weakness and darkness in front of the eyes, premature graying and wrinkling, and emaciation.

Rasa Dhatu contamination manifests in the form of fever – Rasa contamination causes indigestion and metabolic disorders of stomach. The fire in the stomach gets displaced to the periphery and causes fever.

Rasa vitiation causes deficit formation of blood and other tissues – Manifestation of anemia points towards the inadequate formation of blood tissue from rasa. Impotence indicates that the subsequent tissues are also not formed.

Rasa vitiation leads to malnutrition and emaciation – Emaciation is a consequence of deficit formation of all the tissues due to contamination of rasa.

Vata and Pitta too may be involved in certain rasa borne diseases – It is not a rule that only kapha contaminates the rasa. When vata contaminates rasa it may cause body pain, weakness, emaciation, untimely wrinkles of skin, impotence, loss of interest in food etc symptoms. Similarly when pitta contaminates rasa, it may cause symptoms like indigestion, premature graying of hairs, heart diseases, pallor, anemia, fever, etc conditions.

RAKTA DHATU

1

INTRODUCTION 

It is compared directly with blood and its components. It is formed by receiving the nourishment from Rasa Dhatu. Its main function is Jeevana – enlivening. It is directly related with Pitta Dosha. Pitta Dosha increase leads to Rakta increase and vice versa.

• The name “raktadhatu” indicates the red colour of this tissue. This tissue gets it red colour due to the action of Pitta.

• Rasa Dhatu gets coloured to become RaktaDhatu

• RaktaDhatu is influenced by Pitta Dosha.

• Pitta in good condition = good quality blood tissue.

• The term Rakta implies the liquid that gets nourished by essence part of food, which is the cause for skin complexion, strength and immunity in the body. Ayurveda opines that blood originates from liver and spleen. Hence, blood, Pitta, liver disorders and skin conditions are inter-related.

• Following seasonal and daily regimens of wholesome foods and activities is a basic pre-requisite for healthy blood tissue.

Features of people having normal blood:

• Clarity and uniformity in skin complexion,

Normal functioning of sense organs

unobstructed digestion and bowel evacuation, happiness, contentment, nourishment and strength.

• Blood is responsible for strength and immunity, skin complexion, happiness, comfort and longevity of the individual. It plays a very vital role in the sustenance of Vital force of life. 

2

RAKTA DHATU KSHAYA

Blood tissue gets its nourishment from Rasa Dhatu. Rakta and Pitta are directly related. Increase / decrease of Pitta dosha directly causes the same with blood tissue.

Depletion of blood tissue causes symptoms of anemia, which are explained as –

Parusha – Roughness,

Sphutita – cracks,

Mlana- dullness,

TvakRukshata – skin dryness. 

3

SAAMA RAKTA LAKSHANA

Sama Rakta Dhatu Lakshanas – Ama with blood tissue

Symptoms of blood tissue associated with immature juices of food derived due to bad digestion include – skin diseases, herpes, menorrhagia, spleen enlargement, abscess, pigmentation disorders, gout, piles etc 

4

RAKTA PRADOSHAJA ROGA

Rakta Pradoshaja Rogas – Diseases caused by contaminated Blood tissue

When blood tissue is contaminated by doshas or by ama, it causes many diseases. These diseases are called RaktaPradoshajVikaras.

Blood vitiated disorders are –

Kushta – skin diseases, leprosy

Visarpa – herpes

Raktapitta – bleeding disorders

Asrugdhara – menorrhagia i.e. excessive bleeding during monthly periods in women

Gudapaka – suppuration and inflammation of anus, rectum and lower colon

Medhrapaka – suppuration of penis

Asyapaka – ulcers in the mouth, stomatitis

Pleeha – enlargement of spleen

Gulma – abdominal tumors

Vidradhi – abscesses

Neelikaa – blue colored raised eruptions on the skin of face, cyanosis, blue moles

Kamala – jaundice

Vyanga – freckles

Piplu – port wine mark

Tilakalaka – black moles

Mashaka – painless, hard, elevated mole

Dadru – tinea, ringworm infestation

Charmadala – peeling of skin

Shwitra – leucoderma, vitiligo

Pama – scabies, itching in groin

Kotha – urticaria

Asru mandala – red colored elevated patches over the skin, red colored wheels

Indralupta – circular patchy balding over the scalp, alopecia

Vatashonita – gout arthritis

Arsha – piles

Arbuda – tumors

Angamarda – body pains as if someone has beaten 

5

IMPORTANT POINT

Simultaneous contamination of blood and pitta in blood vitiated disorders – looking carefully, many symptoms mentioned in blood vitiated diseases resemble the symptoms caused due to vitiation of pitta. This happens because blood, according to Ayurveda, belongs to the pitta category of body elements. Blood and pitta are related by ashrayaashrayi relationship i.e. blood is one of the tissues of the body in which pitta resides.

Inflammatory diseases are predominantly seen in Blood vitiated diseases – Blood and Pitta contaminate each other i.e. contamination of blood will increase pitta and vice versa. Due to this, the symptoms and diseases caused by vitiation of blood and pitta predominantly present with inflammation. This is because of increased heat in the body which is the basic nature and quality of both morbid elements involved in causation of pathology of these diseases. Example, eruptions, inflammation of anus, penis and oral cavity, red colored patches, gouty arthritis, piles, body pains etc

Mutual contamination of blood and pitta causes excessive bleeding – as already said pitta and blood mutually contaminate each other. When, due to this their quantity increases, they tend to overflow and cause excessive bleeding from all orifices of the body including anus, oral cavity, nose, eyes, ear, skin pores etc as in Raktapitta and in menorrhagia.

Contaminated and vitiated blood causes wide array of disorders of skin, hairs, hair follicles and skin appendeges – Bhrajaka Pitta is one of the subtypes of pitta and when blood and pita are vitiated this subtype of pitta is affected as much as other type of pittas are affected. The skin immunity is lost along with loss of blood supply or excessive congestion and inflammation in skin and soft tissues leading to the manifestation of skin diseases like leprosy, leucoderma, herpes, scabies, urticaria, peeling of skin red inflammatory patches, scabies, inflammation etc

Contaminated blood gives rise to many types of pigmentation disorders – many pigmentation disorders like freckles, port wine marks, blue moles, black moles, elevated moles etc are manifested due to contamination of ranjaka and bhrajaka subtypes of pitta whose normalcy keeps the skin healthy and in good complexion.

Liver and Spleen disorders are manifested due to blood contamination – liver and spleen are the chief sites of pitta, mainly the ranjaka subtype of pitta. When this pitta is afflicted the spleen and liver are damaged. This leads to diseases like jaundice and enlargement of spleen.

Vata and Kapha too may be involved in certain blood borne diseases – It is not a rule that only pitta contaminates the blood. Vata contamination of blood may take place in diseases like gouty arthritis, skin diseases, herpes, menorrhagia, abdominal tumors, body pains etc. Similarly kapha contaminated blood may cause many diseases like skin diseases, some pigmentation disorders, abscess, tinea, scabies, urticaria etc.

Read related: Raktamokshana Benefits, Types, Procedure, Indications

Contamination of blood gives scope for frequent infections – when the blood is contaminated by pitta and kapha frequent infections of skin and other organs can occur leading to certain types of infective and stubborn inflammatory skin conditions, scabies, ringworm infestations, abscesses etc. 

MAMSA DHATU

1

INTRODUCTION 

It is compared with muscle tissue. It gets its nourishment from RaktaDhatu. Its main function is Lepana – It gives shape to the body parts and it sticks to the bones, helping in locomotor activities. It is controlled by KaphaDosha.

When the blood tissue is acted upon by normal tissue fire of blood, a part of it is forms blood tissue, another part forms the muscle tissue while ear wax, eye discharges, nasal discharges, oral debris, sebum and smegma are formed as tissue excreta. Along with this, the sub-tissues of muscle tissue i.e. muscle and skin are formed.

The muscle tissue is formed in its optimum quality and quantity only if the previous tissue i.e. blood is properly formed. Therefore the normalcy of blood and its fire is the key for muscle formation, maintenance and equilibrium.

Balanced and normal quantum of muscles is said to be one of the indicators of health and immunity.

Muscle tissue is the third tissue to be formed in the sequence of tissue formation according to Ayurvedic literature. It is formed from its predecessor tissue blood.

Usually Kapha Dosha increase and decrease leads to Mamsa Dhatu increase and decrease respectively.

• Gets nourished by RaktaDhatu.

• Influenced by KaphaDosha.

• It is made up predominantly of the earth element

• Lepana (smearing) is the most important function

• The bulk, strength, composure of muscle tissues is due to KaphaDosha.

Muscle tissues are responsible for

• Locomotion – skeletal muscles

• Heart beat – cardiac muscles

• Functioning of organs such as blood vessel, urinary bladder, kidney, esophagus, stomach, small intestine etc. 

2

MAMSA DHATU KSHAYA 

Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya – depletion of muscle tissue –

Muscle tissue gets its nutrition by RaktaDhatu.

Depletion of muscle tissue directly causes weakening of limbs and causes –

Sphik, GreevaUdaraShushkata – emaciation of the buttocks, neck and abdomen. 

3

SAAMA MAMSA LAKSHANA 

SAMA MAMSA DHATU LAKSHANAS – AMA WITH MUSCLE TISSUE

Symptoms of muscle tissue associated with immature juices of food derived due to bad digestion include – tumors, muscle overgrowth, neck swellings, lymphadenitis, goiter, etc 

4

MAMSA PRADOSHAJA ROGAS 

When muscle tissue is contaminated by doshas or ama, it causes many diseases. These diseases are called Mamsa Pradoshaja Rogas.

Adhimamsa – overgrowth of muscular tissue, granuloma

Arbuda – tumors, myoma

Keela – outward growth of muscles appearing in the shape of nails, piles

Gala shaaluka – granular eruptions within the throat, uvulitis,

Gala shundika – tonsillitis

Putimamsa – gangrene, sloughing of muscle tissue

Alajee – boils in muscle tissue

Galaganda – goiter

Gandamala – swelling of lymph glands around the neck region giving it an appearance of a garland or necklace

Upajihwika – cystic swelling of tongue 

5

MAMSA DHATU TREATMENT 

For muscle tissue disorders,

Samshuddhi – Panchakarma purification treatment

Shastrakarma – surgery

Ksharakarma – application of Kshara (water insoluble ash of herbs)

Agnikarma – cautery treatment 

6

IMPORTANT POINTS

Simultaneous vitiation of mamsa and kapha in mamsapradosha leads to muscle outgrowths – muscle tissue and kapha share ashrayaashrayi relationship i.e. muscle tissue is one of the tissues of the body in which kapha is located.

Due to this relationship there is always a chance that kapha and mamsa contaminate each other. When kapha increase add up to the increase of muscle tissue, there may be overgrowth of muscle tissue in many places of the body. Example, granuloma, myoma, piles, goiter, cystic swelling of tongue, enlargement and elongation of uvula etc

Overgrowth of body organs which looks muscular in nature is the characteristic feature of mamsapradosha – muscle tissue vitiated by the morbid doshas will present as bulges which are muscular in appearance and texture. This may occur in any organ or around any tissues, orifices or channels.

This may occur due to accumulation of kapha and ama in the muscle cells or inflammation occurring in the muscle tissue which has been contaminated by pitta.

Example, piles, granuloma, epiglottitis, myoma, elongated uvula etc appear like muscle outgrowths.

Read related: Muscle cramps: Causes, Symptoms, Ayurvedic Treatment, Herbs

Goiter, cervical lymphadenitis, uvulitis, tonsillitis etc are glandular swellings due to inflammation or otherwise are actually not muscular outgrowths, but by touch, appearance and texture they would appear like muscular outgrowths. Therefore they are included under diseases caused by contaminated muscle tissue.

Vata and Pitta too may be involved in certain contaminated muscle borne diseases – Not only the kapha which resides in the muscle tissue but also the vitiated vata and pitta causes many diseases when they contaminate the muscles.

When Vata contaminates the muscles, there is loss of muscle mass and degeneration or weakness and pain in the muscles.

Example, the dry form of piles, granular eruptions in throat etc.

Similarly when the morbid pitta vitiates the muscles it causes inflammation in the muscles and causes many diseases of the muscles including uvulitis, tonsillitis, piles, boils, lymphadenitis, epiglotitis etc.

Excessive contamination of muscles by pitta and kapha will cause decaying of muscles and susceptibility for infection – this happens due to excessive inflammation and accumulation of contaminated fluids in the muscles and soft tissues around it or in muscular compartments.

The inflammation and decay of muscle and related tissues makes them susceptible to infection. This will lead to many conditions like gangrene, decaying of muscle tissue, sloughing of muscle tissue, boils etc.

MEDA DHATU

1

INTRODUCTION 

It is compared to fat tissue. It gets nourished by MamsaDhatu. Its main function is Snehana – lubrication. Its increase and decrease is influenced by KaphaDosha. Hence, Kaphadosha dominant person is usually rich in fat tissue.

• The word “meda” is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning oleation / to apply oil, it is an unctuous dhatu like ghee

• Oily, soft food products undergo digestion and immediately produce meda

• Meda has the following qualities: Unctuousness, softness, heaviness and stability

• It is influenced by KaphaDosha. Hence, Kapha dominant foods increase fat tissue.

Fat tissue / adipose tissue is present

– Subcutaneous layer deep to skin

– Around the heart

– Around the kidneys

– Yellow marrow of the long bones

– Padding around the joints

– Inside the eye-socket, posterior to the eyeball.

• Adipose tissue acts as an insulating layer, helping to reduce heat loss through skin

• It also has a protective function, providing mechanical protection (“padding”) and support around some of the major organs, e.g. kidneys.

• Adipose tissue is also a means of energy storage.

Food that is excess to requirements is converted into fat and stored within adipose tissue in the body.

MedaDhatu means fat tissue. Fat forms insulation to many tissues and organs and thus provides protection from wear and tear. Excessive accumulation of fat tissue in the body tissues and tummy leads to overweight and obesity. Both these conditions are dangerous for health. They are root causes for many systemic and autoimmune diseases.

In a pathological condition called as MedoRoga, it is quoted as ‘Medasaavrutamaargatvaatpushyantianyenadhatavah’ i.e. when the fat obstructs the passages and channels of transportation of the body, other tissues will not be nourished. This leads to abnormal decrease and imbalance of tissues leading to loss of strength and immunity. This provides an ideal platform and backdrop for manifestation of many systemic diseases.

Atisthula i.e. excessively obese person is one among the ashtaninditapurushas i.e. 8 categories of despicable people in the society.

At the same time when the fat deteriorates in the body, the defensive mechanism of the body takes a beating. This leads to emaciation and degeneration of tissues with increased susceptibility for inflammations and degeneration.

Fat tissue is the fourth tissue to be formed in the sequence of tissue formation according to Ayurvedic literature. It is formed from its previous tissue muscle tissue.

When the muscle tissue is acted upon by normal muscle tissue fire of muscle tissue located in the muscle, a part of it forms muscle tissue, and another part forms the fat tissue while sweat is formed as tissue excreta. Along with this the sub-tissues of fat tissue i.e. ligaments, tendons and bone joints are formed.

Read related:

The fat tissue is formed in its best and optimum quantity and quality only if its previous tissue i.e. muscle tissue is properly formed in terms of its quality and quantity. Therefore for the formation, maintenance and balanced status of fat tissue it is very important that the muscle tissue and its health be in best status.

When the fat tissue is contaminated by the doshas or ama it leads to the manifestation of many diseases. These diseases are called medopradoshajarogas. 

2

MEDO DHATU KSHAYA 

Fat tissue gets nourishment by MamsaDhatu. Depletion of this causes thinness of the body.

Sandhi sphutana – cracking of the joints,

Glani – Lassitude,

AkshnoAyasa – tired eyes,

Udaratanutva – thinness of the abdomen. 

3

SAAMA MEDA LAKSHANA 

Symptoms of fat tissue associated with immature juices of food derived due to bad digestion include – 8 types of despicable, abused personalities, premonitory symptoms of diabetes, cysts, tumors, obesity, excessive sweating, goiter etc. 

4

MEDO PRADOSHAJA ROGAS 

Granthi – cysts

Vriddhi – hernia, enlargement of organs and tissues, hydrocele,

Galaganda – goiter

Arbuda – tumor

Medojaoshtakopa – lip disorders caused by contaminated fat tissue

Madhumeha – diabetes, urinary disorders

Atisthoulya – excessive obesity

Atisweda – excessive sweating

Ashta Nindita Purushas – Eight types of despicable people of the society are considered to be the conditions caused by contamination of fat tissue by the doshas. They are –

• Atisthula – excessive obesity

• Atikrisha – excessive emaciation

• Atideergha – gigantism

• Atihrisva – dwarfism

• Atiloma – excessive presence of body hairs

• Aloma – deficit or absence of body hairs

• Ati Krishna – excessively dark complexion

• Atigoura – excessively fair complexion, albinism

Prameha Purvarupas – the premonitory symptoms of diabetes or urinary disorders are also categorized under the diseases caused by contaminated fat tissue. They are as enlisted below –

• Jathilakesha – matting of hairs

• Aasyamaadhurya – feeling of sweet taste in the mouth in spite of not having consumed sweets

• Kara padadaha – burning sensation in the hands and feet

• Kara padasupti – numbness in the hands and feet

• Mukhashosha – dryness in the mouth

• Talushosha – dryness of the palate

• Kanthashosha – dryness of the throat

• Pipaasa – excessive thirst

• Aalasya – excessive tiredness

• Mala adhikya – excessive formation of excreta in the body

• Kaayachidreshuupadeha – coating of fat and blocks in the body tissues, channels and orifices

• Angeshuparidaaha – severe burning sensation in the body parts

• Suptataamangeshu – numbness in the body parts

• Shatpadapipeelikaabhih cha shareeramutraabhisarana – flies and ants will be attracted towards the body and urine

• Mutre cha mutradoshaan – contamination and infection of urine

• Visrashareeragandha – foul smell from the body

• Sarvakaalamnidraa – always feeling to sleep

• Sarvakaalamtandra – always feeling drowsy 

5

IMPORTANT POINTS

Simultaneous vitiation of meda and kapha in medapradosha leads to many systemic disorders – the fat tissue and kapha share ashrayaashrayi relationship i.e. the fat tissue in one of the tissues of the body in which kapha resides.

Being closely related to each other they always tend to contaminate each other i.e. when kapha gets vitiated it contaminates the fat and when the fat tissue contaminates it contaminates kapha. Therefore in comparison to other doshas the fat tissue always is susceptible to be made morbid by the company of vitiated kapha.

Kapha increase will also lead to increase in fat and thus cause many diseases related to fat contamination. Similarly ama is another element which has similar qualities as that of kapha and meda. Therefore ama too can cause fat contamination.

Many kapha related symptoms are seen in medapradosha, like those seen in premonitory symptoms of diabetes like excessive sleep and drowsiness, excessive sweetness in the mouth, matting of hairs and excessive body hairs, gigantism, albinism, excessive tiredness, blocks in cells and channels, etc

Contaminated fat causes abrupt, abnormal and scattered fat deposition in the body – the contaminated fat deposits at abnormal sites and in an abnormal way causing disfiguration due to imbalanced scattering of fat tissue. This causes diseases like fatty lips, overweight, obesity, neck swelling and goiter, lipoma, fatty coating and blocks in cells, orifices and channels of the body etc

Fat contaminated with kapha and pitta causes accumulation of unwanted material, fluids and tissues in the body – and causes certain pathological conditions like cysts, tumors, hydrocele, hernia, urine stagnation, obesity etc.

Contaminated fat when contaminates the excreta causes many diseases related to them – when the contaminated fat vitiates urine it causes urinary infections, excessive formation of urine, retention of urine, urinary disorders, diabetes and premonitory symptoms of diabetes, insects, flies and ants attracted towards the body and urine etc conditions. Similarly when it contaminates the feces it causes excessive formation of feces. Since sweat is the waste byproduct of fat, fat contamination leads to excessive sweating.

Contamination of fat by vata and pitta causes serious symptoms – it is not essential that only kapha should contaminate the fat tissue. Pitta and vata too contaminate fat tissue and cause serious symptoms.

When fat tissue is contaminated by morbid vata, one would have symptoms and diseases like numbness of hands, feet and body parts, dryness of mouth, palate and throat, thirst, excessive tiredness, emaciation, excessive darkening of body, emaciation, deficit hairs on the body etc. similarly contamination of fat tissue by pitta leads to pathological symptoms like burning sensation of hands, albinism, feet and body parts and foul smell from the body. 

ASTHI DHATU

1

INTRODUCTION 

It is compared to bone tissue. It gets nourished by MedaDhatu. Its main function is Dharana – to hold the body up straight. It is influenced by VataDosha. But VataDosha increase leads to AsthiDhatu decrease and VataDosha decrease leads to AsthiDhatu increase. This is why, in old age, when Vata is increased, bone tissue degeneration occurs.

• This is the hardest and firmest dhatu in the body

• Gets its nourishment from Medadhatu

• It is predominantly made up of Pruthvi Mahabhuta (Pruthvi or Prithvi means “earth”)

• The qualities of this dhatu are strong, rough, dry and hard

• The function of asthi dhatu is “dharana” or support; it keeps the body erect

• All the soft structures like muscle, vessels and nerves are found around this Dhatu

• Asthi dhatu gives shape to the skeletal body and protects vital organs such as the heart, lungs etc.

• Asthi dhatu is the main site of Vata dosha. But increase of Vata decreases AsthiDhatu.

Bones

• Forms the framework of the body

• Locomotion – walking, jogging etc

• Voluntary motions of hands and legs

• Holds the muscles in their place

o Protects body organs –

–skull – brain,

–rib cage – heart and lungs

–Vertebra – spinal cord

Bone tissue is the fifth tissue to be formed in the sequence of tissue formation according to Ayurvedic literature. It is formed from its previous tissue i.e. medadhatu or fat tissue.

When the fat tissue is acted upon by normal tissue fire of fat tissue located in the fat, a part of it forms fat tissue, and another part forms the bone tissue while body hairs and nails are formed as tissue excreta.

If the bone tissue is to be formed in its optimum quality and quantity, its predecessor tissue i.e. fat tissue should have been formed in its best quality and quantity. Hence, for the formation, maintenance and balanced status of bone tissue it is very important that the fat tissue should be at its healthiest best.

When the bone tissue is contaminated by the doshas or ama it leads to the manifestation of many diseases. These diseases are called asthipradoshajarogas. 

2

ASTHI DHATU KSHAYA

As per Ayurveda, bone tissue gets nourishment by fat tissue. This is why, oral administration of oil, ghee etc are advised during osteoporosis, osteo arthritis etc.

Bone tissue is inversely related with VataDosha. This means that, increase of Vatadosha causes depletion of bone tissue and vice versa.

Ayurveda explains that teeth, nail, mustache are also related with bone tissue. Hence, depletion of bone tissue exhibits the following symptoms. –

Kesha, Loma, Nakha, Shmashru, Dvijaprapatana – falling of hair, nails hair of the beard including mustaches and teeth,

Shrama – tiredness,

Sandhi shaithilya – looseness of joints. 

3

SAAMA ASTHI LAKSHANA

Symptoms of bone tissue associated with immature juices of food derived due to bad digestion include – bone overgrowth, tooth overgrowth, bone pain, discoloration, excessive hair fall etc

4

ASTHI PRADOSHAJA ROGA

Adhyasthi – Hypertrophy of the bones

Adhidanta – excess teeth,

Dantabheda – cracking sensation in the teeth

Asthibheda, Shoola – crackling sensation and pain in bone,

Vivarnata – discoloration of hair

Deformity of hair of head, body hairs, nail as well as beard. 

5

IMPORTANT POINTS

Simultaneous vitiation of asthi and vata in asthipradosha leads to many types of bone related pathologies and malformations – according to the concept of ashrayaashrayi relationship explained in Ayurveda, bone is the only tissue of the body in which vata resides with the authority. As vata and bone tissue are closely related, they always tend to contaminate each other easily i.e. when vata gets contaminated it causes bone related morbidity. Similarly when the bone tissue undergoes pathological increase or decrease it disturbs the vata.

Bone tissue and vata also share reverse relationship unlike other tissues and their related doshas. This means to tell that when vata increases, the bone tissue decreases in quantity and density while when vata decreases; there is an increase in quantity of bone tissue.

When we see the other tissues, their relationship with their related doshas is proportional.

Example, when pitta increases, the blood tissue increases, likewise when kapha increases, its tissues i.e. muscle, fat etc gain increase.

Read related: AsthiShareera – Definition, Anatomy, Types Of Bones

Different types of bone pain, malformations of bone like in superadded bone etc are examples of mutual contamination of bone tissue and vata.

Contamination of bones lead to deformities of its sub-tissues – since body hairs and nails are the sub-tissues of bone tissue, the contamination of bones also leads to deformities of these sub-tissues including deformities and disorders of hairs of the body and nail bed infections and other type of nail deformities.

Read related: Sandhi Shareera: Study of Bone Joints As Per Ayurveda

Contamination of bones will cause deformities and diseases of tooth, nails and skin due to genetic connectivity – all hard tissues of the body are said to be having a paternal lineage i.e. they come from the genes of the father i.e. pitruja bhavas. Thus bones are connected to the hard tissues like hairs, body hairs, nails and tooth genetically.

Therefore pathology in one element will lead to the deformity and pathology in the other.

Example – pain and cracks in tooth, pain and cracks in bones, deformities of body hair, hair and moustache, deformities of tooth etc.

Contamination of bone tissue by pitta will cause various bone related deformities and diseases – Infection of nails and nail bed takes place due to contamination of bones and nails by pitta resulting in inflammation and suppuration. Involvement of vata and pitta will also cause discoloration of tooth and nails.

MAJJA DHATU

1

INTRODUCTION 

Majja Dhatu means bone marrow. The bone marrow fills in the bones. It is a site wherein blood cells are formed. Even the brain tissue is called as Mastulunga and is described as bone marrow like substance. Bone marrow, according to Ayurveda is one among the four types of best unctuous substances useful in treating many diseases (the other three unctuous substances are ghee, oil and muscle fat).

Bone marrow is the sixth tissue to be formed in the sequence of tissue formation according to Ayurvedic treatises and literatures. Bone marrow is formed from its predecessor tissue i.e. bone tissue.

When the bone tissue is acted upon by normal bone tissue fire located in the bone, a part of it forms bone tissue and another part forms the bone marrow tissue. On the other hand, the sebaceous secretions of the skin, thick eye secretions and mucus of the feces are formed as tissue wastes.

If the bone marrow tissue is to be formed in its optimum quality and quantity, bone tissue i.e. bone marrow’s previous tissue should have been formed in its best quantity and quality and also should have been maintained in its optimum and healthy levels. Therefore, for the proper formation, maintenance and balance of bone marrow tissue it is mandatory that the bone tissue should be at its healthiest best.

When the bone marrow tissue is contaminated by the doshas or ama it leads to the manifestation of many diseases. These diseases are called majjapradoshajarogas.

• Majja or bone marrow is filled in the cavity of long bones

• Bone tissue nourishes MajjaDhatu.

• It is predominantly made up of water and earth

• The most important function of majja dhatu is “purana” which means to fill the cavities inside the long bones

• MajjaDhatu is controlled by KaphaDosha.

• Bone marrow is present inside the shaft / cavity of long bones

• The major function of bone marrow is to generate red and white blood cells.

• Bone marrow also produces fat, cartilage, fibrous connective tissue (found in tendons and ligaments), stromal cells that support blood formation, and bone cells.

• Marrows remove old cells from circulation. 

2

MAJJA DHATU KSHAYA

As per Ayurveda, marrow gets its nourishment by Asthidhatu.

depletion of Majjadhatu causes –

AsthiSheeryata – emptiness of bones,

Durbala, LaghuAsthi – thinness,weakness, and lightness of the bones,

VataRoga – frequent affliction with Vata imbalance disorders. 

3

SAAMA MAJJA LAKSHANA

Symptoms of bone marrow tissue associated with immature juices of food derived due to bad digestion include – pain in small joints of the hands, giddiness, loss of consciousness etc

4

MAJJA PRADOSHAJA ROGAS

When the bone marrow tissue is contaminated by doshas or ama, it causes many diseases. These diseases are called MajjaPradoshajaRogas.

RukParvanaam – Pain in interphalangeal joints of the hands and feet

Bhrama – giddiness

Murcha – unconsciousness

Tama darshana – feeling as if entering into darkness

Arumshika – seborrhic dermatitis or boils on head, eruptions on scalp, dandruff

Sthoolamoolaamparvajaanaam – enlargement at bony joints of fingers and toes

Netra abhishyanda – conjunctivitis 

5

MAJJA AND SHUKRA DHATU TREATMENT

Majja (marrow) and ShukraDhatu (reproductive system) treatment:

Majja and Shukra Dhatu diseases are treated with diets of sweet and bitter tastes, sexual intercourse, exercise and timely elimination of Doshas (Panchakarma) in proper quantity. 

6

IMPORTANT POINTS

Simultaneous vitiation of bone marrow tissue and kapha in majjapradosha leads to many types of bone marrow related pathologies and malformations – According to Ayurveda, the doshas and tissues of the body are connected by an inseparable ashrayaashrayi relationship in which the tissues form the abode in which the doshas reside.

Each dosha resides in particular tissue which shares common qualities and properties with it. In this instance, the bone marrow tissue and kaphadosha share such relationship wherein both are alike in nature.

Kapha resides in bone marrow (among many other tissues in which it resides). As kapha and bone marrow tissue are closely related to each other and share a relationship very closely they always contaminate each other easily. This means to tell that when kapha gets vitiated it causes diseases related to bone marrow.

Similarly when the bone marrow tissue undergoes vitiation in the form of pathological increase it causes disturbance in kapha. Example, giddiness, unconsciousness, feeling of darkness in front of the eyes, scalp boils etc

Contamination of bone marrow by vata and pitta will produces symptoms related to those morbid doshas – apart from the resident dosha i.e. kapha, the bone marrow will also be afflicted by vata and pitta. When this happens, the symptoms of vata and pitta will be manifested in the conditions caused by contaminated bone marrow tissue.

Examples of such conditions are manifestation of pain and swelling in the interphalangeal joints of hands and feet, giddiness etc caused by contamination of bone marrow by vitiated vata, fainting, vertigo, unconsciousness, scalp boils and conjunctivitis caused by contamination of bone marrow by vitiated pitta etc.

Bone marrow contamination chiefly afflicts small bones, bony joints, brain, eyes and scalp – contamination of bone marrow causes diseases related to

• Bones and bony joints of hands and feet – like pain in interphalangeal joints of hands and feet, swelling in interphalangeal joints etc

• Brain – fainting, giddiness, vertigo, unconsciousness, feeling of darkness in front of the eyes etc

• Eyes – conjunctivitis

• Scalp – scalp boils

This shows that the health of these structures is related to the health and balance of bone marrow tissue. This also shows that Ayurveda sees the brain as a representative of bone marrow. 

SUKRA DHATU

1

INTRODUCTION 

It is compared to male and female reproductive system and its secretions. Its main function is Garbhotpadana – reproduction. It is controlled by KaphaDosha. It gets nourishment from MajjaDhatu.

• The word Shukra is derived from the Sanskrit word “shucha” which means pure

• Gets nourished by MajjaDhatu.

• Shukra pervades the entire body

• It is controlled by KaphaDosha.

• Male and female reproductive system

• Sex hormones – estrogen, progesterone, testosterone

• Semen, Sperm, Ovum 

2

SHUKRA DHATU KSHAYA

As per Ayurveda, Shukradhatu comprises of male and female reproductive system. It gets its nourishment by MajjaDhatu.

Its depletion causes –

Daurbalya – weakness,

MukhaShosha – dryness of mouth,

Pandutva – pallor,

Sadana – lassitude,

Shrama – tiredness,

Klaibya – impotency and

ShukraAvisarga – non-ejaculation of semen, non-ovulation.

Understanding body depletion symptoms helps in better understanding of disease process and this article is a small step in that direction. 

3

SAAMA SHUKRA LAKSHANA

Symptoms of reproductive tissue associated with immature juices of food derived due to bad digestion include – impotency, lack of sexual interest, formation of immature fetus, seminal vesicles etc

4

SHUKRA PRADOSHAJA ROGA

Due to the vitiation of Shukra or semen the individual suffers from

Klaibya – impotent

Aharshana – lack of erection and enjoyment in sex

His progeny, if any, will be sick, sterile, short lived and disfigured.

Either there is no conception or there will be abortion or miscarriage. Thus the vitiation of Shukra (semen) brings misery to the couple and progeny. 

5

MAJJA AND SHUKRA DHATU TREATMENT

Majja (marrow) and ShukraDhatu (reproductive system) treatment:

Majja and Shukra Dhatu diseases are treated with diets of sweet and bitter tastes, sexual intercourse, exercise and timely elimination of Doshas (Panchakarma) in proper quantity.