The Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor Program

KAA 102: Ayurvedic Physiology (Dosha Dhatu Mala Vigyan)

 Dosha, Dhatu, Mala: An Introduction

The human body is a mirror of our physical surroundings. The

space we inhabit, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the No. of
heat of the sun and the earth underneath our feet are each an Name Translation Types
example of the physiological structures outside our bodies Types
which are reflected in our own elemental composition. When imbalanced,
Dosha 3 Vata, Pitta, Kapha
In Ayurvedic Philosophy, you were introduced to the three causes disorder.
Doshas and the principle of Prakriti and its underlying tenets.
Ayurvedic Physiology takes Philosophy a step further. It That which holds Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda,
Dhatu 7
describes the specific operations of these major energies and together. Asthi, Majja, Shukra/Artava
laws as the physiological energies, structures and byproducts
in the body and mind. That which spoils or
Mala 3 Purisha, Mutra, Sweda
decays the body.
Human physiology can be summarized into three categories:
Governing energies (Dosha), organs and structures (Dhatu)
and wastes (Mala).
 The Subdoshas
Subdosha: Secondary Governing Energy

Each of the doshas have five (5) Subdoshas

with specific actions within the physiological
structure. They affect and govern the emotional
and mental faculties as well as specific organ
functions and operations.
The Subdoshas

The Subdoshas can be found

acting in every part of the body.
They are distributed according to
the organs and actions that take
place at each respective location.
The Subdoshas | Vata

Vata and its Subdoshas
create and sustain
physiological functions related
to Vata, such as action,
transportation, movement,
inspiration and buoyancy.
The Subdoshas | Vata
1. Prana Vayu
Location Action Movement Signs of Imbalance Balancing
Herbs
Brain, lungs, heart, throat, Sensory perception, inhalation, nervous control of From outside Weakened senses & Tulsi, Brahmi
tongue, nose and ears. heart, ingestion of food, coughing, spitting, sneezing, to inside confusion, physical &
belching, thinking and mind control: Joy, happiness. psychological imbalances.

2. Udana Vayu
Location Action Movement Signs of Imbalance Balancing
Herbs
Mainly in the chest; Moves Energizes mind, awakens intelligence, controls speech, Upward Stuttering, congestion, Licorice
from the navel to the self-expression, exhalation, memory recall. Gives difficulty in exhaling.
heart, lungs, throat and strength to the body and glow to the skin. Indecisiveness, difficulty in
brain. responding.
The Subdoshas | Vata
3. Vyana Vayu
Location Action Movement Signs of Imbalance Balancing
Herbs
In the heart; circulates Represents the seat of life, consciousness and From the Circulation problems, Arjuna
throughout the body. unconditional love. Circulates Rasa Dhatu center to the heart palpitations, (Lotus),
(nutrients), Rakta Dhatu (blood), thoughts, periphery. Tachycardia, Bradycardia, Ghokshula
emotions and energy to the rest of the body. Angina pectoris, murmurs,
Releases sweat, controls muscular contraction panic attacks, anxiety
and relaxation. Regulates motor nerve impulses. attacks.
Governs physiological and psychological functions
of the Anahata or Heart Chakra.
The Subdoshas | Vata
4. Samana Vayu
Location Action Move- Signs of Balancing
ment Imbalance Herbs
Stomach, small Kindles Agni (helps digestion), separates nutrients and wastes from the food From the Malabsorption Cumin,
and large “juice.” Absorbs nutrients and water, maintains peristalsis, and controls the periphery Diarrhea Coriander,
intestine, liver, secretion of digestive enzymes. Converts the intelligence in the food into our to the Constipation Ajwan, Hinga,
pancreas and consciousness. Represents the meeting point of Prana and Apana. Governs the center Indigestion Ashtak
spleen. physiological and psychological functions of the Manipura or Solar Chakra.

5. Apana Vayu
Location Action Move- Signs of Imbalance Balancing
ment Herbs
Colon, pelvic Supports and strengthens intestinal walls. Maintains the tone of the tissues Down- Constipation, bloating, Haritaki,
distension, lower abdominal
cavity and pelvic and muscles in the pelvis. Absorbs nutrients, eliminates urine and feces, ward Triphala,
pain. Irritable bowel syndrome,
organs. starts menstrual flow, ejaculation of semen and sperm and assists with incontinence, hyperactive Ajwan
conception. Induces labor, contracts uterus and assists with childbirth. bladder. Prolapsed uterus,
Nourishes the other Vayus. Governs physiological and psychological vagina, rectum. PMS, dryness of
vagina. Sterility, miscarriage, ED.
functions of Muladhara or Root Chakra and Swadhisthan or Sacral Chakra.
The Subdoshas | Pitta

Pitta and its Subdoshas
create and sustain
physiological functions
related to transformation,
conversion, digestion, heat
and radiance.
The Subdoshas | Pitta

1. Sadhaka Pitta
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Brain and heart Digestion of ideas, thoughts; discrimination, Sandalwood

awareness. Controls thinking, learning,
understanding. Moves in the heart as compassion and
love. All thoughts like desire, goals and determination
are the function of Sadhaka Pitta
The Subdoshas | Pitta

2. Alochaka Pitta
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

All parts of the eyes Maintains visual acuity, absorbs different images, Poor eye sight, foggy Triphala, Rasanjan
colors, and processes visual images. At subtle level it vision, near- or far-
gives clarity, light and understanding sightedness, color-
blindness,
conjunctivitis
The Subdoshas | Pitta

3. Pachaka Pitta
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Small intestine & lower Creates hunger and thirst; Aap part of Pitta liquefies food When Low: Indigestion, To Strengthen: Ginger,
part of stomach and agni part cooks the food. Digests sour, pungent and ama production. Cloves, Chilies, Garlic, Ajwan,
bitter foods. Moves food through different parts of Chitrak.
digestive tract with the help of Samana Vayu; The essential When High: Nausea,
part of the food is absorbed and the remaining part is vomiting, acidity, ulcers, To Reduce: Amalaki,
passed to the colon. When the digestive fire is strong we heartburn Guduchi, Licorice, seashell
experience contentment, strength, energy and clarity of powder (Shankha Bhasma).
mind.
The Subdoshas | Pitta

4. Bhrajaka Pitta
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Skin Controls the color & luster of the skin, maintains blood Skin inflammations, Chandana (Cooling, blocks
flow and body temperature, controls sweat glands and blisters, acne, rosacea, the sun’s rays)
absorption of sunrays to form nutrients. Absorbs psoriasis, hives, moles, Manjishta (Balancing)
medication patches. Forms the barrier between the melanoma, and skin Turmeric (Cooling)
internal and external environments. ulcers, also eats the Red Sandalwood (Cooling.
stomach lining and
causes ulcers.
The Subdoshas | Pitta

5. Ranjaka Pitta
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Liver, spleen, and small Gives color to blood, urine and feces. In the liver, the Jaundice, anemia, Turmeric
intestine absorbed food (Ahara Rasa) is cooked and digested again. leukemia, bleeding
Represents the seat of Panchamahabhutagni where the disorders
food particles are separated into Panchamahabhutas. The
liver also destroys old red blood cells, separating enzymes
which are excreted through the stool, giving a yellow color
to the urine and feces.
The Subdoshas | Kapha

Kapha and its Subdoshas create

and sustain physiological functions
related to construction,
lubrication, nourishment, cohesion
and stabilization.
The Subdoshas | Kapha

1. Tarpaka Kapha
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Brain and spinal cord, Protects nervous system, nourishes nervous tissue, Dull mind, lack of Brahmi Vacha (Calamus),
heart lubricates brain cells, regulates the action of the understanding, slow Ginger powder, Brahmi Oil
nervous system, works as a shock absorber against learning, slow memory Nasya
injuries, and creates calmness, compassion, caring, recall, MS
love and affection.
The Subdoshas | Kapha

2. Bodhaka Kapha
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Mouth, tongue and Keeps the oral cavity moist, interprets taste, Irregular coating, To Increase: Ginger,
salivary glands. lubricates the mucus membrane, liquefies the food plaque. See notes on Cloves
for better chewing, digestion (carbohydrates) and tongue diagnosis.
swallowing, and protects the mouth against acidity To Decrease: Licorice
and cavities. Lubricates the throat for softer and
clearer voice. Is very sensitive to emotions. When we
experience anxiety, fear, depression, Bodhaka Kapha
decreases. With a smell, look or thought of good
food, Bodhaka Kapha is secreted.
The Subdoshas | Kapha

3. Avalambaka Kapha
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Thoracic cavity, lungs, Lubricates all the organs in the lungs and provides Emphysema, Asthma, Ginger, Bibhitaki
pleural cavity, in nourishment. Carries love and compassion from the heart Bronchitis, cough,
pericardium, around to the rest of the body. Every thought and emotion affects Pleurisy, heaviness in the
alveoli, and bronchi Avalambaka Kapha. For a long healthy life, Avalambaka chest.
Kapha is essential.
The Subdoshas | Kapha

4. Kledaka Kapha
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Stomach (upper part), Moistens food for better digestion and movement
Stomach Lining, Secretions of food in the stomach. Protects and nourishes
in the Stomach stomach lining (mucus membrane), prevents
ulcers. Represents the alkaline secretion in the
stomach.
If Increased: Indigestion, heaviness, ama Ginger, Pippali
formation, mucus in stools.
If Decreased: Ulcers, burning in the
stomach
The Subdoshas | Kapha

5. Shleshaka Kapha
Location Action Signs of Imbalance Balancing Herbs

Joints Lubricates joints for smooth action, provides nourishment Arthritis, swollen joints, To Decrease: Punarnava,
to the bones, ligaments and cartilages. Works as a shock water retention, edema. Ginger, Guggulu
absorber. Lubricates the skin. To Increase: Licorice
Dhatu | That Which Holds Together
Dharanat Dhatavah
The Universe is made up of energy and
matter. Energy needs matter to
mobilize and serve its function. Matter
doesn’t move without energy. For this
purpose, the Doshas represent energy
and the Dhatus represent matter. They
are both close friends who cannot live
or function without each other. The
doshas work through the Dhatus.

Each Dhatu has a primordial vibration and is an expression of


consciousness.
The Dhatus hold (support) the body together.

The Doshas do the function and Dhatus provide the site to do the
function.

The Dhatus are developed from and nourished by food.

There are seven Upadhatus, or secondary tissues, developed as a
byproduct of Dhatu digestion.
The Malas, or waste products are also produced during each Dhatu


digestion.

The Dhatus support the body and provide nutrition to the more subtle
Dhatus. The Upadhatus support the body but do not provide nutrition.

In the disorder process the Dhatus become affected, which is called
Dushya.

The Dhatus are measured in Anjali pramana. Anjali is a measure created
by cupping the palms together to equal roughly 8 fluid ounces.

The grosser Dhatus nourish the subtler Dhatus and subtler the Dhatus
protect the grosser Dhatus.
Dhatu | That Which Holds Together
Dhatu Location Function Upadhatu Mala
Rasa Plasma, Lymph, Serum Preenan (Nourishment) Stanya (Breast milk) Kapha
Raja (Menstrual fluid)
Rakta Blood Jeevana (Giving life) Kandara (Tendons) Pitta
Sira (Blood vessels)
Mamsa Muscle Lepana (Plastering of the Vasa (Subcutaneous fat) Khamala (Waste from
body) Twak (Skin) natural openings)

Meda Fat Snehana (Lubrication) Snayu (Ligaments) Sweat

Asthi Bone Dharana (Supporting the Teeth Hair, Nails
organs)
Majja Bone Marrow Poorana (Filling, feeling) Tears Oiliness in the eyes,
skin and feces

Shukra/Artava Reproductive Fluid Prajaotpadana (Recreation) n/a n/a

(Sperm or Ovum)
Rasa Dhatu | Plasma, Serum, Lymph

Rasa is the grossest of all the Dhatus; it
is plasma, serum, lymph.

Rasa is a juice or liquid (the juice of life)
with nutrients for all the other Dhatus.

Rasa takes 1 day to form after food
ingestion.

It measures 9 anjali.

Its Upadhatu is breast milk, menstrual
fluid and the superficial layer of the
skin.

Its Mala is Kapha.
 Rasa Dhatu | Plasma, Serum, Lymph
Composition Made up of all Mahabhutas, but primarily Aap (jala, water)
Sites Pervades in the whole body but main sites are heart, lymph channels, and
venous blood.
Functions 1. Preenan: Nourishes all Dhatus. Due to process of catabolism, Dhatus
break down and become deficient. Rasa Dhatu replenishes those, to
maintain balance.
2. Ahara Rasa (Digested Food) is absorbed by blood vessels and carried
to Liver. Liver contains Panchamahabhutagnis, which further digest
Ahara Rasa. Dhatu agnis do further digestion to develop particular
Dhatus. First, Rasa is created, which has all Bhutas for other Dhatus.
Thus, it provides nourishment to others.
3. The intelligence and the subtle energy of Rasa, which comes from
food, gives contentment to other Dhatus. This energy maintains
strength, love and compassion
4. It maintains body temperature and pH through sweat glands.
Coagulates blood due to Kapha.
5. Responsible for lactation and menstruation.
Signs of Rasa 1. A person is happy, strong, healthy and has good memory
Sara, or 2. Skin is soft, smooth and glowing
3. The hair (on the body and head) is oily, soft and silky
Optimum Rasa
Rakta Dhatu | Red Blood Cells

Rakta Dhatu represents the Red Blood
Cells in the body.

It is the second Dhatu in the body.

It is named due to its color. Rakta means
red.

Rakta Dhatu requires 6 days to form
after food ingestion.

It measures 8 anjali.

Its Upadhatus are tendons and blood
vessels.

Its Mala is Pitta.
 Rakta Dhatu | Red Blood Cells
Composition All the Mahabhutas but mainly fire and water.
Sites Bone marrow, liver, spleen, red blood cells, heart and
uterus.
Functions 1. Jeevana: Gives life by carrying Prana.
2. Provides strength, energy, luster, happiness.
3. Carries Prana to all the cells.
4. Nourishes subtle Dhatus.
5. Provides enthusiasm, compassion, creativity and
ambition.
6. Emotionally connected to anger, irritability, and
jealousy (because related to Pitta).
Signs of 1. Person is bright, brilliant, and happy.
Rakta Sara 2. There is vitality and strength.
3. Skin is reddish and lustrous, eyes are bright.
4. Pink lips, nails, conjunctiva.
5. Body always feels warm and desires cooler things.
Mamsa Dhatu | Muscle Tissue

Mamsa Dhatu represents the muscles in the body.

It takes 11 days to form after food ingestion.

The quantity of Mamsa Dhatu is variable
depending on the individual, their prakriti and
their personal habits.

Its Upadhatus are subcutaneous fat and skin.

Its Mala is ear wax, nasal crust, smegma and navel
discharge.
 Mamsa Dhatu | Muscle Tissue
Composition Mainly earth, fire and water
Sites Muscle tissue, organs of the body; Over the bones.
Functions 1. Lepana: Plastering of the body.
2. Many organs are made of Mamsa Dhatu.
3. Regulates activities, moving joints and bones,
coordination, power.
4. Gives strength to our body frame.
5. Keeps skin smooth.
6. Gives confidence, courage and strength.
7. Emotions are stored in fascia and connective tissue.
8. Nourishes Meda Dhatu.
Signs of 1. Muscular body, with a good tone.
Mamsa Sara 2. Great strength and stamina.
3. Strong joints and co-ordination.
4. Person looks strong, healthy, confident, wealthy and
intelligent.
Meda Dhatu | Adipose Tissue

Meda Dhatu represents the fat, lipids,

adipose tissue and cholesterol in the
body.

It takes 16 days to form after food
ingestion.

It generally measures 2 anjalis,
depending on the individual.

Its Upadhatu is ligaments.

Its Mala is Sweda or sweat.
 Meda Dhatu | Adipose Tissue
Composition Water, earth and fire.
Sites All over the body, under skin, belly, omentum, buttocks,
breasts, around joints, around heart, kidney.
Functions 1. Snehana: Keeps muscles lubricated for constant
contraction and retraction; lubrication of joints.
2. Keeps body strong, and supple; soft voice; oily and
lustrous hair.
3. Nourishes Asthi Dhatu.
4. Retains heat.

Signs of Meda 1. Well-built body, melodious voice.

Sara 2. Skin, hair, eyes, nails, lips and teeth are smooth, oily
and lustrous.
3. Rounded and strong joints.
4. Person is loving, forgiving and compassionate.
Asthi Dhatu | Bone

Asthi Dhatu is the hardest Dhatu in the body. Stha means to

stand or endure.

Asthi Dhatu is one of the seats of Vata.

The junction of the bones is a Sandhi or joint, which is filled
and lubricated by Shleshaka Kapha to prevent friction during
movement.

It takes 21 days to form after food ingestion.

Its Upadhatu is teeth and cartilage.

Its Malas are hair and nails.
 Asthi Dhatu | Bone
Composition Mainly earth, space and air.
Sites All the bones in the body.
Functions 1. Dharana (To support): Supports the other Dhatus in the body.
2. Provides skeleton, shape and stability to the body.
3. Provides attachment to muscles.
4. Protects vital organs (brain, spinal cord, pelvic organs) within.
5. Assists in self defense and protects the body.
6. Carries sound (bones in the ears).
7. Retains memory of pain, pleasure, sadness and happiness,
subconscious emotions.
8. Many bone disorders are caused by old age.
9. It nourishes Majja Dhatu.
Signs of Asthi 1. Long and strong bones, big and strong joints.
Sara 2. Strong nails, hair, teeth.
3. Is hardworking, energetic, and has great strength and stamina.
Majja Dhatu | Bone Marrow

Asthi Dhatu is the hardest Dhatu in the
body. Stha means to stand or endure.

Asthi Dhatu is one of the seats of Vata.

The junction of the bones is a Sandhi or
joint, which is filled and lubricated by
Shleshaka Kapha to prevent friction
during movement.

It takes 21 days to form after food
ingestion.

Its Upadhatu is teeth and cartilage.

Its Malas are hair and nails.
 Majja Dhatu | Bone Marrow
Composition Mainly air, water and earth.
Sites Within the bones, nerve tissue and endocrine
glands.
Functions 1. Poorana: Filling and strengthening the
bones.
2. Strengthening the body.
3. Nourish Shukra Dhatu.
4. Communication, Sensory and motor
function.
5. Majja is related to feelings, thoughts, and
emotions in the past, present and in the
future.
Signs of 1. Body is strong but supple.
Majja Sara 2. Skin and voice are soft.
3. Joints are strong and well built.
4. Eyes are big and lustrous.
5. Person is strong, intelligent and respectable
and lives longer.
Shukra/Artava Dhatu | Reproductive Tissue

In males, Shukra Dhatu represents the sperm
and in females it represents the ovum in the
body.

It is the most subtle Dhatu in the body.

It is the essence of all the Dhatus.

Shukra is cool, white, oily, sweet, liquid and
heavy.

Artava is hot, astringent, sour, and acidic in
smell

It takes 31 days to form

It measures ½ anjali.
 Shukra/Artava Dhatu | Reproductive Tissue

Composition Mainly water.

Sites Male/female reproductive system.
Functions 1. Reproduction and procreation.
2. Provide vigor and vitality.
3. Is the seed potential of all Dhatus.
Signs of 1. Body is strong but supple.
Shukra Sara 2. Skin and voice are soft.
3. Joints are strong and well built.
4. Eyes are big and lustrous.
5. Person is strong, intelligent and respectable
and lives longer.
 Shukra/Artava Dhatu | Reproductive Tissue

Why is Shukra Dhatu So Important?

It increases the immune system, vigor, and vitality.

In spirituality, controlling all the desires (especially sexual) is very important. The goal is to close
the lower chakras so that the life energy is moved upwards (Kundalini).

Mental calmness and clarity is increased by Shukra.

Shukra keeps body very strong and free from disorder, and the intellect very sharp.
 Ojas

The essence of all the Dhatus.

The prime energy reserve of the body.

The immune system.

A link between the body and mind.

Superior to Shukra.
Qualities Cool, oily, clear, heavy, soft, static.
Functions 1. Protects life.
2. Gives strength.
3. Protects against disorders.
4. Controls heart beats.
5. Regulates sense organs and organs of action.
6. Maintains the balance of all Dhatus.
Types of Ojas 1. Para: 8 drops in the heart. Any decrease in quantity
causes death.
2. Apara: ½ anjali pervades the body and strengthens it.
Dhatu: That Which Holds Together
The Relationship of Dosha and Dhatu
Dosha Related Dhatu Relationship
Kapha Rasa, Mamsa, Meda, Majja, Shukra Direct
Pitta Rakta Direct
Vata Asthi Inverse
 Dhatu: Tissue Nutrition
After digestion by Bhutagnis, Ahara Rasa (the essence of the food) is
digested further by the Dhatuagnis to provide nutrition to each
particular Dhatu.

The nutrition of the Dhatus is governed in any of the following ways,

depending on need:

The Law of Irrigation (Kedari Kulya)

The Water System in the Farm Law

The Law of Irrigation represents the concept of

water irrigation, which is constant through the
process of circulation. Each Dhatu takes its own
nutrients and then forwards it to the next Dhatu.
Dhatu: Tissue Nutrition
The Law of Transformation (Ksheera Dadhi)
The Milk to Curd Law

Ahara Rasa
Rasa

Rasa
Rakta
Rakta
Mamsa
Mamsa
Meda
Meda
Majja
Majja
Shukra/Artava
Shukra/Artava
Ojas
Dhatu: Tissue Nutrition
The Law of Selectivity (Khale Kapot)
The Pit and Pigeon Law

Each Dhatu goes to the river of Rasa (plasma) to get

its needed (own peculiar) nutrition and takes it back
to nourish its constituents (fat takes fat; bones take
minerals, etc).
Nutrition is step-by-step nourishment from the
gross to the subtlest Dhatu.
Malas: That Which Spoils or Decays the Body

Malas can become toxins if not removed at the right
time.

Malas support the body.

Cleanse the body.

Over-cleansing removes all the Malas and aggravates
Vata, which breaks down Kapha and Pitta and weakens
the Dhatus.

Doshas, Dhatus and Malas all the three support the
body.

There are many forms of Malas. Urine and Feces are
Malas of digested food. All the Dhatus after digestion
create Dhatu Malas.
 Mutra | Urine
Composition Mainly water (and earth)
Taste Acidic, bitter, salty
Odor Odorless
Touch Warm
Color Colorless, slightly yellowish
Transparency Clear
Quantity 4 anjali
Sites Mutravaha strotas. Blood, kidneys (vrukka), uretors (mutra gavini),
bladder (Basti), urethra (medhra).
Function 1. To maintain moistness in the body
2. To remove wastes, salts and minerals from the body.
3. Helps to maintain fluid balance, thereby controls blood pressure.
 Mutra | Urine
Formation In the small intestine, the digested food is separated into Ahara Rasa
(digested food) and Malas (wastes). The digested food is absorbed in small
intestine and the wastes pass on to the large intestine. The water waste is
absorbed and the feces are carried into the descending colon. Water is
carried with Rasa and Rakta to rest of the body and the wastes are added
to this. When this blood is filtered through kidneys, urine is separated and
carried through ureters into the urinary bladder. When the bladder gets
full, Apana Vayu carries the urine through urethra, out of the body.
Signs of Imbalance 1. Formation of increased or decreased quantity
2. Frequency of micturition
3. Painful micturition
4. Change in color, smell or consistency of urine
5. Kidney stones
Signs of Mutra 1. Pain in urinary bladder
Kshaya 2. Scanty urination
3. Thirst
4. Dryness of mouth
Signs of Mutra 1. Excessive urination
Vriddhi 2. Increased frequency
3. Fullness or pain in the bladder
 Purisha| Feces
Composition Mainly earth, little water
Odor Bad smell due to fermentation of food. In many digestive
disorders, the smell is worse, because food is not digested
completely.
Color Yellowish, brownish. This is due to Ranjaka Pitta. (Bile salts
form liver). (In Jaundice, the stools are whitish, or gray, due
to blockage)
Quantity 7 anjali (roughly). In vegetarian people the quantity is
greater as there is more undigested fiber from vegetables.
Sites Purishavaha strotas (caecum, ascending colon, transverse
colon, descending colon, rectum and anus)
Formation In Vata imbalance, if Samana Vayu did not absorb enough
water content, the stools become watery causing diarrhea,
or if there is excess absorption of water then the stools
become very dry and may cause constipation.
 Purisha| Feces
Notes 1. Worms in stools is a disorder. The normal bacterial
flora is different from the amoebae, tapeworm,
round worms.
2. Sensation of defecation: Due peristalsis the feces
move forward. As it starts entering in sigmoid
colon, a person gets the sensation for defecation.
3. Repeated colonics causes weakness. Due to
emptiness, Vata aggravates and causes chest pain,
back pain, bloating, gurgling.
Function 1. Removes solid wastes from the body
2. Supports intestinal walls
3. Removes toxins from the intestinal tract
4. Slows down emptying
Signs of Imbalance 1. Constipation, hard, dry stools, hemorrhoids
2. Diarrhea, loose motions, Bloody diarrhea, colitis,
diverticulitis
3. Irritable bowel syndrome, dysentery, parasites
 Sweda| Sweat
Composition Mainly water
Sites Swedavaha strotas
Function 1. Keeps the skin moist, and prevents from cracking
and drying
2. Maintains the temperature of the body. In hot
temperature, Bhrajaka Pitta aggravates and
dilates the blood vessels in the skin. It also
stimulates sweat glands creating more sweat
carrying more heat in the body. In the cold
environment, Vyana Vayu aggravates and
constricts the blood vessels and the sweat glands.
3. Cleansing the toxins in the skin or superficial
Dhatus
Prakriti| Body Constitution
 Prakriti| Body Constitution
Prakriti, the Body Constitution, is the proportion of Doshas at the time of conception. The most important
factor in Ayurveda is the determination of one’s individual constitution (Prakriti pariksha). Finding the right
Prakriti is critical, as preventive or treatment plans are dependent on the specific Prakriti of the individual
being treated.

There are ten (10) types of Prakriti:

Type Description Number of Categories
Types
Eka Doshaja Predominant in any one Dosha 3 V, P, K
Dual types; Two Doshas at relatively equal proportions
Dwandwaja 6 VP, PV, PK, KP, KV, VK
with one predominating
Tridoshic or Sama Triple Type; Three Doshas at almost equal proportions 1 VPK
Prakriti| Body Constitution
Knowing Your Prakriti Helps To:

Maintain physical balance

Achieve harmony at the subtle levels

Establish an appropriate life regime

Understand disorder tendencies

Suggest or prescribe proper diet and general herbs

Determine the perfect exercise routine

Provide safe and effective treatments

Find the ideal location to live, find a suitable career

Improve relationships

Add life to our living
 Prakriti| Body Constitution
Before finding Prakriti, remember the following
pointers:

 Be objective.
 Choose characteristics which describe and overall
tendency of a person rather than what is
happening right now.
 If more than one description is applicable, weigh
each and select the response that is stronger
than the others.
 V is for Vata, P is for Pitta and K is for Kapha.
 Prakriti| Physical Characteristics
Characteristic Vata (V) Pitta (P) Kapha (K)
Slim and slender, tall or short, tissues Moderately developed body,
Physical stature Well built, stout, stocky
not well developed medium built

Light weight, hardly gain weight (Gain

Medium weight, average, good Heavy, easy to gain weight (gain by
by ounces and lose by pounds), and if
Weight muscles, do not gain weight very pounds and loose by ounces), very
gained weight, can easily get rid of
easily difficult to lose weight
excess pounds

Chest Thin, small, narrow, small rib cage Medium Broad, large, well developed bust

Small, thin, dry, cold, rough, unsteady, Medium, warm, pink, moist,
Hands and Fingers Large, thick, cool, firm, stocky fingers
long thin fingers medium pointed fingers
Thin, excessively long or short,
Legs Medium Large, big, stocky
prominent joints
Complexion Dull, darkish Red, ruddy, flushed, glowing White, pale
Warm, moist, pink, with moles,
Skin Thin, dry, cold, rough, cracked Thick, white, moist, cold, soft, smooth
freckles, acne
Moderate, fine, brown, red or blond
Hair Thin, dry, straight, dandruff (often) color, receding hairline, tendency to Oily, thick, black, very wavy, lustrous
early balding and graying
 Prakriti| Physical Characteristics
Characteristic Vata (V) Pitta (P) Kapha (K)
Triangular, sharp angle, sharp Large, round, fat, white or pale, soft
Shape of the Face Oval, narrow
contours contours

Medium, sharp, blue or green,

Eyes Small, dry, thin, brown, unsteady Big, lustrous, oily, black, attractive
piercing

Lips Thin, small, darkish, dry Medium, soft, nice curve Thick, large, oily, smooth, firm

Joints Small, thin, cracking Medium, soft, loose Large, thick, deep seated

Thin, vertical ridges, dry, rough,

Nails Medium, soft, pink Large, thick, smooth, white, oily
fissured, cracked
Deep, good tone, loose voice due to
Voice Low, weak, hoarse Sharp, loud, high pitch
congestion
Slow, not to the point, not very
Speech Quick, inconsistent, erratic, talkative Definite, argumentative, convincing
talkative (good listeners)
 Prakriti| Physiological Factors
Characteristic Vata (V) Pitta (P) Kapha (K)
Appetite Variable, erratic, goes up and down Strong, sharp, can’t tolerate hunger Low, can easily skip meal

Tend to constipate, skip days, dry Tend to get diarrhea, loose motions, Regular, once or twice a day, well
Bowel Movements
stools, and produce gas and loose stools formed stools

Interrupted, wake up off and on, Light sleeper, moderate, may wake
Sleep Heavy sleep, difficulty in waking up
insomnia, wake at 3:00am up but will fall asleep again

Flying, jumping, moving, nightmares,

Dreams Vivid colors in dream, passionate Romantic, sentimental, few dreams
dreams often
Traveling, dancing, running, aerobics Nature walks, reading, gardening, fun
Hobbies Sports, politics (winning)
(action) activities
Precise, orderly, thoughtful,
Quick, fast, unsteady, in bursts,
Activities motivated, purposeful, goal Slow, steady, relaxed
hyperactive
seeking
 Prakriti| Physiological Factors
Characteristic Vata (V) Pitta (P) Kapha (K)
Low stamina, poor endurance, get Good endurance, keep working for
Stamina/Strength Medium
tired after some activity long duration

Weather Preference Enjoy warm and humid weather Enjoy cooler weather Enjoy dry and warm weather

Resistance to Weak immune system, fall sick Moderate immune system, prone to Strong immune system, do not fall sick
Disorder frequently infections very easily

Pain, arthritis, mental disorders, Infections, inflammatory disorders, Respiratory system disorders, mucus,
Disorder Tendency
nervous system disorders fevers water retention, swelling

Total V: P: K:
 Prakriti| Giving Proportions to the Humors
There are many variations. There is not one standard method. Be consistent with the one you use. Count all
applicable V’s, P’s and K’s. Divide all three numbers by the smallest total.
For Example
Steps Vata Pitta Kapha
Total from Questionnaire 15 8 4
Divided by Smallest Total 15/4 8/4 4/4
Total (Rounded) 4 2 1

There is no better or worse Body Constitution. It is our responsibility to make peace with our Prakriti. It will stay with
us as long as we live. Each Prakriti has particular strengths and weaknesses depending on:

Culture

Profession

Health

Disorder tendencies
 Evaluate as many Prakriti as possible. It is one of the most important tools offered by Ayurveda.
The End