The document discusses the five subtypes of Kapha dosha in Ayurvedic physiology: Avalambaka, Kledaka, Bodhaka, Tarpaka, and Shleshaka. Each subtype is characterized by its location, dominant qualities, and physiological functions, including hydration, lubrication, and sensory support. The text also outlines modern physiological understandings of these functions, emphasizing their roles in maintaining body balance and health.

1. KAPHA DOSHA BHEDA
D r. A n i k e t A n i l S h i l w a n t
BAMS, MD (Ayurveda Physiology)
ayuraniket18@gmail.com

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 . AVA L A M B A K A K A P H A
2 . K L E D A K A K A P H A
3 . B O D H A K K A P H A
4 . TA R PA K A K A P H A
5 . S H L E S H A K K A P H A

3. AVALAMBAKA KAPHA
 Characteristics – Sthira guna dominant, provides Bala by receiving nutrient part
(Sara) post digestion
 Mahabhuta – Prithvi Mahabhuta
 Location –
Ura (Chest Region)
Hridaya (Heart)

4. AVALAMBAKA KAPHA

5. FUNCTIONS
 Bala – Role in structural build-up of body and binding structures
 Ambu karma – Helps to maintain the water balance, hydration and moisture
status within body.
 Stimulates enhancement of attributes of other subtypes of Kapha Dosha
AVALAMBAKA KAPHA

6. M O D E R N P H Y S I O L O G I C A L U N D E R S T A N D I N G O F
F U N C T I O N S
 Maintains body hydration, fluid maintenance and water balance
 Supports Biophysical laws – Surface tension, fluid retention capacity
 Helps to build Self-confidence, Courage, and Valor
 Regulates transcellular fluids functions and regulations – Pleural, Pericardial,
CSF, etc.
AVALAMBAKA KAPHA

7.  Characteristics – Madhur Rasa Pradhan, Snigdha guna dominant
 Mahabhuta – Jala Mahabhuta
 Location – Amashaya – Upper part of Stomach including fundus and body with all
mucous and gastric glands along with secretions
 Functions –
 Anna Kledana – Helps to make the food bolus moist
 Supports to circulate the digestive enzymes and juices over the ingested food bolus.
KLEDAKA KAPHA

8. KLEDAKA KAPHA

9. M O D E R N P H Y S I O L O G I C A L U N D E R S T A N D I N G O F
F U N C T I O N S
 Maintains optimum moisture in glandular secretions of GI tract
 Supports Biophysical laws – Secretion of chemical constituents in gastric lumen
by active and passive transport system
 Supports chyme formation
KLEDAKA KAPHA

10. BODHAKA KAPHA
 Characteristics – Shita, Mrudu guna dominant
 Mahabhuta – Teja Mahabhuta
 Location – Jivha (Tongue) which has Kapha, Rakta origin
 Functions –
 Rasa bodhan – Involved mainly in perception and appreciation of taste
 Ropan – Helps in tissue or oral mucosa healing

11. BODHAKA KAPHA

12. BODHAKA KAPHA
M O D E R N P H Y S I O L O G I C A L U N D E R S T A N D I N G O F
F U N C T I O N S
 Maintain optimum glandular secretions of oral cavity
 Facilitates making bolus of ingested food
 Facilitates digestion of carbohydrates
 Other functions attributed to salivary amylase (Ptylin)
 Oral hygiene maintenance
 Prevents conditions like Ageusia, Dry mouth syndrome, etc.

13. TARPAKA KAPHA
 Characteristics – Snigdha and Guru guna, Indriya related subtype of Kapha
Dosha
 Mahabhuta – Vayu Mahabhuta
 Location – Shira Sansthan (Head along with Nervous system)
 Functions –
 Indriya Tarpan – Smoothness in sensory and motor nuclear centers
functioning
 Pooran – Helps to fill the porous bony cavities

14. TARPAKA KAPHA

15. TARPAKA KAPHA
M O D E R N P H Y S I O L O G I C A L U N D E R S T A N D I N G O F
F U N C T I O N S
 Facilitates excitability property of Nervous tissue
 Eases Nerve impulse synaptic transmission process
 Provides optimum nutrition and hydration of Nervous structures
 Prevents Neuro-muscular incoordination symptoms, UMN and LMN disorders,
etc.

16. SHLESHAKA KAPHA
 Characteristics – Shlakshna guna dominant
 Mahabhuta – Akasha Mahabhuta
 Location – Bone Joints
 Functions –
Sandhi Shleshan – Lubrication of bony joints

17. SHLESHAKA KAPHA

18. SHLESHAKA KAPHA
M O D E R N P H Y S I O L O G I C A L U N D E R S T A N D I N G O F
F U N C T I O N S
 Provides lubrication and Oleation of bony joints
 Ease of Locomotion
 Free access for range of movements

19. SUBTYPES OF KAPHA DOSHA
Name Guna Mahabhuta Location Function
Avalambaka Sthira Prithvi
Ura – Chest Region
Hridaya – Heart
Bala – Strength, Storage,
Stamina, Vigor and
Vitality
Kledaka Snigdha Jala
Amashaya – Upper part
of Stomach
Snehan – Unctuousness
and hydration
Bodhaka
Shita,
Mrudu
Teja Jivha – Tongue Ropan – Healing
Tarpaka
Snigdha,
Guru
Vayu
Shira sansthan – Head
with Nervous tissue
Pooran – Filling hollow
structures
Shleshaka Shlakshna Akash
Asthi Sandhi – Bony
joints
Sandhi Sanshleshan –
Lubrication at bony joints

20. Tha nk Yo u !!!
Dr. Aniket A. Shilwant
BAMS, MD (Ayurveda Physiology)
ayuraniket18@gmail.com