Glossary

An Ayurvedic concept that appears in several notes on this site. The three Doshas represent the three types of substance found in an organism. They are each composed of the five Ayurvedic elements but with two predominating which determine its nature. They are then divided into five further subtypes depending on their location.

• Vata: The principle of Movement, primarily composed of Air and Ether.
  • Prana Vayu: principally in the head and governs the senses and cerebral activity.
  • Udana Vayu: predominantly in the diaphragm, chest and throat, responsible for respiratory functions and upwards movements.
  • Samana Vayu: present in the abdomen and governs digestion and is a form of Agni, the digestive fire.
  • Apana Vayu: mostly in the pelvic cavity and generates the urge for urination and defecation.
  • Vyana Vayu: resides in the heart and governs all forms of circulation, arterial, venous and lymphatic.
• Pitta: The principle of Heat, primarily composed of Fire and Water.
  • Alochaka Pitta: present in the eyes, it governs visual functions, perception and acuity.
  • Sadhaka Pitta: found in the heart, gray matter of the brain and synaptic spaces. It maintains mental functions processing perception into higher level functions.
  • Rajaka Pitta: resides primarily in the liver, spleen and blood. It controls production and consistency of blood and digestive enzymes that aid in metabolising fats and sugars.
  • Pachaka Pitta: mainly in the digestive organs, it differentiates between essential and non-essential foodstuffs and absorbs nutrients from the diet.
  • Bhrajaka Pitta: located in the skin, it regulates temperature, provides a barrier to the external environment and governs tactile perception.
• Kapha: The principle of Water, primarily composed of Water and Earth.
  • Tarpaka Kapha: largely in the white matter of the brain, CSF and nasal and auditory canals. It lubricates, protects and nourishes the nervous system and sinuses.
  • Bodhaka Kapha: resides in the oral cavity and saliva. It lubricates the mouth and throat and governs taste perception.
  • Avalambaka Kapha: present in the chest, lungs and pleural fluid. It lubricates and moistens the lungs and facilitates gaseous exchange.
  • Kledaka Kapha: mainly in the stomach and upper intestines. It liquefies food and protects the gut walls from burning due to Pitta by forming a mucus membrane.
  • Shleshaka Kapha: in the joints and periosteum, it lubricates the joints preventing damage from friction.