Sleshaka kapha, Bodhaka kapha, Tarpaka kapha, Kledaka Kapha, Avalambaka kapha

Kapha

The kapha or sleshma is that which binds together. The root Sanskrit word for sleshama is slish which means to embrace.

It provides stability, strength and resistance to diseases. Since its predominant components are water and earth elements, its physical properties are a combination of those of these two elements as such, it is white, transparent, sweet-saline, dense, slimy, heavy and slow in movement. Snigdhata or unctuousness being its chief property, it lubricates the bloody and thereby preserves it.

The five kaphas

The important sub-divisions of the kapha are avalambaka kapha, kledaka kapha, tarpaka kapha, bodhaka kapha and sleshaka kapha.

Avalambaka kapha

Avalambaka means that which supports, avalambaka kapha, located in the area of the chest, protects and strengthens the heart which its nutrient elements ( annarasa)

Kledaka Kapha

Kledaka that which moistens moistens the food in the stomach to break it up. It is situated in the amasaya (stomach ) which it protects. The amasaya is the dominion of the pitta.

Tarpaka kapha

The chief duty of the Tarpaka kapha, whose seat is the siras or head, is to ensure the well being of the indriyas ( sense organs ) situated in the brain, it nourishes and soothens the indriyas,

Bodhaka kapha

Bodhaka means that which causes perception. The bodhaka kapha, situated in the pharynx. Moistens substances that come in contact with the tongue with the help of saliva.

Sleshaka kapha

Slesha means that which joins. The sleshaka kapha is situated in the joints to keep them firm and lubricated.