Significance of Kapha
Kapha is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, embodying stability, structure, and moisture within the body. It is associated with the elements of water and earth, playing a crucial role in maintaining bodily functions such as lubrication and fluid balance. Imbalances in Kapha can lead to various health issues, including respiratory disorders and metabolic problems. It is also characterized by qualities like heaviness and coldness, influencing overall health and well-being, which highlights its significance in Ayurvedic medicine.
Synonyms: Phlegm, Moisture, Water element, Dosha
In Dutch: Kapha; In German: Kapha; In Finnish: Kapha; In Spanish: Kapha; In Swedish: Kapha; In Malay: Kapha; In French: Kapha
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Kapha'
Kapha in Hinduism represents one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, emphasizing bodily structure, stability, and moisture. Imbalances can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems and eye diseases, highlighting its crucial role in overall health.
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) One of the three doshas (humors) in Ayurvedic medicine, associated with heaviness, coldness, and stability; abnormalities in this humor cause certain urinary disorders.[1] (2) One of the three doshas in Ayurvedic medicine representing earth and water elements, associated with strength, stability, and bodily functions; excess can lead to conditions like spastic paraplegia.[2] (3) One of the three humors in Ayurveda, associated with structure, fluidity, and stability within the body.[3] (4) The third humor in the Ayurvedic system, when provoked, contributes to symptoms like heaviness and numbness in abdominal diseases.[4] (5) One of the three doshas representing water and earth elements, responsible for the body's structure and fluid balance, contributing to gynecic disorders.[5]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) The dosha responsible for structure, stability, and moisture in the body.[6] (2) The element associated with water and earth, contributing to structure, stability, and moisture in the body.[7] (3) The Dosha that embodies structure, lubrication, and stability in the body.[8] (4) The Ayurvedic term for the water element that governs structure and cohesion in the body.[9] (5) One of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, associated with water and earth elements, impacting bodily functions.[10]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) One of the bodily doshas that can become deranged and contribute to the symptoms of asthma.[11] (2) One of the three Doshas linked to structure and stability in the body; its imbalance can contribute to fever symptoms.[12] (3) One of the three Doshas in Ayurveda, indicative of bodily mechanisms that can be deranged to influence health.[13] (4) One of the three doshas in Ayurvedic medicine that can cause underlying issues in eye-health.[14] (5) One of the three Doshas representing water and solidity, which contributes to specific eye diseases.[15]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) Another fundamental humour, associated with earth and water elements, governing structure and stability in the body.[16] (2) One of the three doshas connected to structure, stability, and fluid balance within the body.[17] (3) One of the three doshas in Ayurvedic medicine, which when deranged can obstruct bodily functions such as breathing causing salivation or unconsciousness.[18]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) The third dosha associated with structure and stability; affects health when out of balance.[19] (2) Another dosha that affects the body, can contribute to the formation of cough when in excess.[20] (3) One of the three dosas, pertaining to moisture and stability, its excess can manifest in symptoms affecting the heart and lungs.[21]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A term from Ayurvedic medicine referring to one of the three doshas, related to bodily fluids and health conditions.[22] (2) A metabolic principle in traditional medicine associated with dampness and heaviness, also related to diseases treated by ash.[23]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) One of the three dosas referenced in Ayurveda, its excess being a target condition for this medicine.[24]
The concept of Kapha in local and regional sources
Kapha, an Ayurvedic term for phlegm, represents one of the three bodily humours in Ayurvedic medicine, as mentioned in the Hathapradipika. It also has linguistic roots, with a Sanskrit equivalence to the Persian word "kaf."
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a Sanskrit term, equivalent to the Persian kaf, and is used to describe Ayurvedic phlegm in the context of translation.[25] (2) This is the Ayurvedic word for phlegm, and it is one of the three bodily humours frequently used in the Hathapradipika.[26]