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Pitta
Pitta is derived from the word tap which means heat. It produces digestion, metabolism and other transformations in the body. Complexion, intellect and vision are also pitta produced.
It is unctuous, penetrating, hot, light and fluid.
There are five types of pitta:
Pachaka is the most important and responsible for digestion. It is also called agni. Its sthana is the stomach, and it digests food.
Ranjaka. This pitta transforms the digested food into blood. Its sthana is the yakrut (liver) and pleeha (spleen).
Sadhaka is responsible for mental and intellectual activities. It helps with understanding. Its sthana is the hridhaya (heart).
Alochaka is responsible for vision. Its sthana is the eyes.
Brajaka acts on the skin and gives color and complexion. Its sthana is the skin.
Kapha
It is the life substance which supports the physical structure of the person. Kapha exists in two forms in the body, prakrutha or pure and vikrutha or impure.
Prakrutha kapha is ojas and bala of the body. Vikrutha kapha is the mala or waste that must be excreted from the body.
Kapha is unctuous, cold, heavy, mild, smooth, sticky and solid.
There are five different types of kapha.
Avalambika. It is the most important kapha and it supports the hrdhya and the body. Its sthana is the chest.
Kledaka. It helps in the lubrication of food and helps to digest it. Its sthana is the stomach.
Sleshaka strengthens the joints by binding. Its sthana is the joints.
Bodhaka helps with tasting by dissolving with the food while chewing. Its sthana is the tongue.
Tarpaka nourishes the sense organs. Its sthana is the head.
In the beginning of digestion of food kapha increases. During the middle part of digestion pitta increases and the last stage is dominated by vata.
In childhood during the age of growth kapha is predominant. In youth or during the preservation period pitta is predominant and in old age vata is predominant.
When the three doshas are in balance there is health and when they are not ill health results.
The main aim of Ayurveda is to balance the three doshas.
Mrs. Mira Swami, Department of Ayuveda