The 3 Doshas and their subdivisions

          While the Caraka Samhita - the original text of Ayurveda - introduced us to the concept of the Tri-Dosha, it wasn’t until a few hundred years later, in the Astanga Hrydaya, that the “sub-doshas” would be introduced into the Ayurvedic paradigm.

“Doshas” are defined in many ways:  bio-energies, functional principles, humours and constitution are some of the main ways we define “Doshas”.  Dosha is the Ayurvedic term that describes our inherited traits and individual unique characteristics, as well as or tendencies for imbalance.   We all have a different balance of the 3 doshas within us.  The 5 great elements come together to form Vata, Pitta and Kapha which exist in all of us in different amounts and manifestations.  The normal balance of the doshas is what makes up our “prakriti”- our unique constitution.  

While our constitution does not change, the doshas as functional principles are constantly changing and interacting with each other.   The changes of the seasons, the different foods and substances we take in and all that we “digest” from our sensory experiences can maintain or disrupt the harmony of the doshas.  If we are not living in harmony with nature and maintaining the balance of the doshas in our individual constitution, then the qualities of the doshas can accumulate in us – creating imbalance.  The abnormal state of the doshas is known as “vikriti”. 

            VATA:  Vata, as a union of the qualities and functions of the Ether and Air elements, is further understood through the actions of its 5 sub-divisions:

Prana:  Vitality, breath, inspiration, life-force.  Prana is the oxygen and the life energy brought in through the breath, food, herbs, drinks and sensory experiences.  It brings life and vitality to our cells, our tissues and our thoughts.  Prana is the regulator of all physiological functions and maintains our balance and equilibrium.  Imbalances of Prana often result in nervous system disorders and is brought back into balance by appropriate herbs (see: Majja and Prana formulas), breathing exercises and meditation.

Vyana:  Vyana is the sub-dosha of Vata that resides in the Heart.  It regulates cardiovascular activity, the circulation of blood/oxygen/nutrients and maintains our coordination and smooth flow of prana.  Imbalances of Vyana result in cardiovascular system disorders, cold extremeties and a lack of coordination.  Vyana is brought back into balance with the assistance of herbs (see:  Rakta and Atarva formulas), massage, stretching and exercise.

Samana:  The Digestive “wind”.  Samana regulates the assimilation of nutrients as well as intestinal peristalsis.  Most digestive disorders (including the accumulation of “Ama” (toxins), involve some malfunction of Samana and are treated by herbs (see:  Anna and Asthi formulas), dietary changes and practices that focus on abdominal relaxation.

Udana:  The Upward, outward movement of Vata.  Udana is primarily responsible for speech, exhalation and output of energy, as well as the regulation of our memories and outward expression of our thoughts.   Problems associated with Udana are related to the breath and lungs (asthma, hiccups, belching, hoarse throat), as well as a lack of expressiveness – an inability to “voice” our needs, concerns and inspirations.  Herbs (see: Prana and Mamsa formulas) can be a great help in regulating Udana .

Apana:  This function of Vata resides in the naval region and regulates the “descending wind”.  Apana regulates elimination of gases and wastes, urination, ejaculation, menstruation, conception and giving birth.  The obstruction of the downward flow of Apana is seen as a major component of many imbalances.  It is considered the primary Vata sub-dosha to be managed by herbs.  Herbs that correct the downward flow of Apana (see:  Purisha, Mutra, Atarva and Shukra formulas) are of great importance for the regulation of Vata.

           PITTA:  Pitta, as a union of the qualities and functions of the Fire and Water elements, is further understood through the actions of its 5 sub-divisions

Alochaka:   Alochaka Pitta resides in the eyes and regulates the “digestion” and transformation and light and sensory experiences.  Alochaka gives color, lustre and brightness to the eyes and on a more esoteric level promotes a clear “vision” for the future, helping us “see” the true reality, assisting our spiritual evolution.  The herbs in the Alochaka – Pitta formula have been carefully blended to assist in this goal, as well as supporting the health of the eyes.

Sadhaka:  The ability to “digest” intellectual information, experience feelings and emotions and navigate the world around us with a clear perception is all governed by the functions ofSadhaka Pitta.  Sadhaka resides in the heart - the seat of the consciousness, the home of the spirit.  It assists in the regulation of the rhythm of the heartbeat, balances the emotions and allows for concentration and critical thinking.  Our Majja-Formulas, the Mano-Sattva formula as well as our special Brahmi-Rose elixir all help with the functions of Sadhaka Pitta.

Ranjaka:  The liver, the spleen and the blood are governed by the functions of Ranjaka Pitta.  Ranjaka imparts color to the body and promotes enthusiasm, strength and joy in life.  Imbalances of the liver, spleen and blood such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, skin discolorations, CFS and even high-cholesterol are all related to Ranjaka.  Many of the herbs in Sahaj formulas assist in the regulation of Ranjaka.  The Ranjaka-Pitta formula, the Rakta formulas and the Rasa formulas are three of the most important ones.

Bhrajaka:  Residing in the skin, bhrajaka maintains the complexion, regulates the touch sensation and metabolizes all the light and nutrients that enter through the skin.  Skin imbalances such as acne, eczema and psoriasis are related to bhrajaka imbalance.  Herbs with a specific “prabhava” for the skin as well as cleansing herbs that work through the “Rakta dhatu” are helpful in bringing bhrajaka back into balance.  Our Rasa and Rakta formulas, as well as the Sveda formulas are all helpful in balancing bhrajaka.

Pachaka:  Pachaka is very closely connected to the “Jathar-Agni” - the digestive fire.  Pachaka “governs” the Agni and helps to break down the foods, herbs and drinks we consume.  Pachaka is aggravated by excess pungent, salty and sour tastes which can contribute to hyperacidity, ulcers and diarrhea.  Herbs that benefit Pachaka are found in the Anna formulas as well as assisting herbs in most of the Pitta formulas.

           KAPHA:  Kapha, as a union of the qualities and functions of the Earth and Water elements, is further understood through the actions of its 5 sub-divisions,

Bodhaka:  Residing in the mouth, Bodhaka functions through the saliva and plays a role in the initial stages of digestion.  Bodhaka also allows for the perception of the tastes and protects the gums and the tongue.  Some of our formulas that have herbs for the benefit of bodhaka are the Anna formulas as well as the Ambhu and Purisha formulas.

 Tarpaka:  This is the mental aspect of Kapha – the cerebrospinal fluid that nourishes the brain cells and aids in the cultivation of peace, contentment and tranquility.  Tarpaka plays a role in storing and recovering all sensory experiences.  When deficient, we may suffer from memory loss, insomnia, lack of contentment and eventually senility.   Herbs that enter the mind and nervous system channels (mano-sattva and Majja formulas) as well as herbs that create or regulate moisture andlubrication (see:  Rasa and Medo formulas) can assist with the functions of tarpaka.

Sleshaka:  Sleshaka is the lubricating sub-dosha of Kapha that manifests as synovial fluid and protects the joints.  All joint, ligament and cartilage problems have a sleshaka component to them and therefore all the Asthi formulas are indicated when we are looking to regulate sleshaka.

Avalambaka:  The nourishing aspect of Kapha that resides in the lungs and heart – it is the great protector and said to be the most important of the Kapha sub-doshas.  Although its home is in the lungs and heart, it is circulated through the whole body, bringing nourishment to all the organs and tissues.  Herbs that focus on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems (see: Prana and Rakta formulas) are good choices; however, since avalambaka plays a systemic role, herbs found in all Sahaj formulas play a role in regulating Avalambaka.

Kledaka:  The protective aspect of Kapha that resides in the stomach and digestive tract, kledaka lubricates and cools – preventing the build up of heat and acids from the primary Pitta digestive functions.  Kledaka plays a role in the absorption and assimilation of nutrients and is therefore responsible for the nourishment of the tissues.  Herbs found in the Plasma formula (Rasa), Digestive formulas (Anna) and Water/Sugar metabolism formulas (Ambhu) are especially helpful in regulating kledaka.