Subdosha

The Sanskrit word "Dosha" can be translated as "that which, when out of balance, causes disease". From the perspective of modern medical physiology, Doshas can be seen as the body's regulatory systems (the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems). Dysfunctions within these systems lead to the development of pathological conditions.

The concept of Subdoshas is part of the broader Dosha theory, where each of the three main regulatory systems is further divided into specific subdivisions. Each Subdosha is associated with a particular part of the body or a specific physiological function. There are fifteen Subdoshas in total — five for each Maha (major) Dosha. Simply put, this means there are five types of Wind (Vata), five types of Fire (Pitta), and five types of Water/Kapha (Mucus/Phlegm).

Subdosha - the subtle components of human constitution:

• 5 types of Wind (Prana, Udana, Samana, Vyana, Apana):

  The five types of Vata Subdosha are named in Sanskrit by adding various prefixes to the root "an-", meaning "to breathe" or "to supply energy." They are: Apana Vayu - the downward-moving air, Samana Vayu - the balancing/equalizing air (that moves in the center), Udana Vayu - the upward-moving air, Vyana Vayu - the pervasive/diffusive air, Prana Vayu - the fundamental life force governing inhalation and the movement of air as a principle.

• 5 types of Fire (Pachaka, Ranjaka, Bhrajaka, Sadhaka, Alochaka):

  There are five types of Pitta (Fire): Pachaka Pitta (governs digestive fire), Ranjaka Pitta (governs the fire of blood transformation (located in the spleen and liver)), Bhrajaka Pitta (governs the skin's metabolic fire), Alochaka Pitta (governs visual perception and ocular health), Sadhaka Pitta (governs mental fire, including intellect and comprehension).

• 5 types of Water (Avalambaka, Tarpaka, Kledaka, Bodhaka, Sleshaka):

  There are five types of Kapha Subdosha (often referred to as the "Biological Water" principle): Tarpaka Kapha - cerebrospinal fluid (nourishes the brain and spinal cord), Bodhaka Kapha - moisture of the oropharynx and ENT cavities (responsible for taste and initial digestion); Sleshaka Kapha - synovial fluid (lubricates the joints), Avalambaka Kapha - the fundamental internal medium of the body (provides support, primarily in the heart and chest), Kledaka Kapha - mucus of the proximal gastrointestinal tract (moistens and breaks down food).

The Subdosha tab consists of 4 subtabs: General, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

The General subtab displays a bar chart, while the Vata, Pitta and Kapha subtabs use pie charts, as their values are determined by palpation of the corresponding fingers.

Clicking on a bar or sector in the right-hand part of the screen displays a detailed textual description for each regulatory system or Subdosha, including:

• Name, etymology, and general description;
• Qualities (Gunas);
• Localization – the area where the Subdosha originates and concentrates in the body, including its pathways of spread;
• Modern definition – the biophysical mechanisms and physiological processes correlated with each Subdosha;
• Physiological equivalent – a comprehensive analysis from the perspectives of clinical medicine, Ayurvedic and TCM physiology, metabolic features, and common symptoms associated with an imbalance of each Subdosha.

Learn more about Subdoshas:

Subdosha. Part I: Vata dosha

Subdosha. Part II: Pitta dosha

Subdosha. Part III: Kapha-dosha

To copy the bar chart from the General subtab to the clipboard, click the .