Kapha

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Kapha is the water material constituent of the body and it is derived from "kena jalena va phalatiati kaphah".

It is predominantly produced from water sources and is full of water; in other words, its major constituent is water "slisha - alingane".

Kapha helps in the binding and joining of tissues, bone, cells, organs and other structures of the body.

Functions of Kapha:

Lubricating the tissues of the body, providing stability, binding and fixing tissues together, hearing, sexual capacity and immunity, capacity to hear, carrying out difficult tasks and strength are the functions of kapha.

Places of Kapha:

Thorax, neck, pancreas, joints, stomach, rasadhatu (plasma), fat deposits in the body, nose and tongue are the places of kapha.

Properties of Kapha:

Oily, sticky, cold, heavy, slow, smooth, slimy (earthy smell), stable and static are the properties of kapha.

Major Classifications of Kapha:

• Avalambaka Kapha: Situated in the thorax. It helps in maintaining body fluids and water metabolism. It gives strength to other kapha sources.
• Kledaka Kapha: Situated in stomach. It helps in bowel formation and the moistening of food.
• Bodhaka Kapha: Situated in the tongue it helps in taste perception.
• Tarpaka Kapha: Situated in the head it gives support to the five sense organs.
• Sleshaka Kapha: Situated in the bone joints it helps in their lubrication and proper maintenance.

If kapha is reduced, it can result in vertigo, palpitations, pain and the relaxation of joints and tissues. If kapha is increased, it can produce a loss of appetite, watering of the mouth, laziness, loss of body temperature, breathlessness, excess sleep, cough and loss of strength.