The Tridosha Vigyan chapter of Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam Sutrasthāna is one of the most essential teachings in classical Ayurveda. This chapter explains the nature, qualities, functions, locations, and imbalances of Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha. For anyone studying Ayurveda, Tridosha Vigyan is the foundation of diagnosis, treatment, and understanding the human body.
In this article, we explore Tridosha Vigyan in a clear, structured, and practical way so readers can understand how the three doshas govern health and disease.
What Is Tridosha Vigyan? Meaning and Importance
The term Tridosha Vigyan means “the classification and understanding of the doshas.” In Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdayam, Tridosha Vigyan is the chapter that teaches:
- What Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha are
- How they function
- Where they reside
- What qualities they possess
- How they become imbalanced
- How to identify their disturbances
Without mastering Tridosha Vigyan, it is impossible to understand Ayurvedic physiology or pathology.
Chief Constituents of the Body — Dehasya Mūlam
In Ayurveda, Dehasya Mūlam refers to the essential roots that sustain the body. According to classical teachings, including insights from Tridosha Vigyan, the body rests on three primary foundations:
1. Doshas: The functional forces that regulate all bodily activities.
2. Dhatus: The structural tissues that nourish, build, and support the body. The seven dhātus — Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Meda, Asthi, Majjā, Shukra — are the building blocks of the body.
3. Malas: The waste products whose proper elimination maintains internal balance, as emphasized in Tridosha Vigyan.
Together, these three form the Dehasya Mulam, the core pillars that keep the body stable, healthy, and alive.
Functions of Normal Doshas — Prakruta Dosha Karma
According to classical teachings and the principles highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, the normal functions of the doṣas maintain balance and support life.
Vāta – Controls movement, breathing, circulation, elimination, and nervous system activity. Balanced Vāta keeps the body active, responsive, and adaptable.
Pitta – Manages digestion, metabolism, body heat, vision, and intellectual clarity. Balanced Pitta ensures clarity, warmth, and efficient metabolic processes.
Kapha – Provides strength, stability, lubrication, immunity, and emotional calmness. Balanced Kapha keeps the body grounded, nourished, and resilient.
These natural functions, as emphasized in Tridosha Vigyan, keep the body healthy and harmonious when the doṣas remain in their balanced state.
Functions of Body Tissues — Dhatu Karma in Tridosha Vigyan
According to classical Ayurveda and the principles aligned with Tridosha Vigyan, each dhātu has a specific role that maintains strength, nourishment, and stability in the body.
Rasa: Nourishes all tissues and maintains moisture.
Rakta: Supports vitality, complexion, and life force.
Māṃsa: Provides structure, protection, and physical strength.
Meda: Lubricates, insulates, and stores energy.
Asthi: Gives support, stability, and body framework.
Majjā: Nourishes bones and supports nerve function.
Śukra: Maintains reproductive strength and overall vitality.
These functions, as emphasized in Tridosha Vigyan, keep the body healthy when each dhātu performs its natural role.
Functions of Malas — Mala Karma in Tridosha Vigyan
According to classical teachings reflected in Tridosha Vigyan, the three malas play a vital role in maintaining internal balance.
Purīṣa (Stool): Supports digestive strength and stabilizes the body.
Mūtra (Urine): Regulates fluid balance and removes liquid waste.
Sveda (Sweat): Controls body temperature and eliminates toxins.
These essential functions, as emphasized in Tridosha Vigyan, help keep the body clean, cool, and properly regulated.
Effects of Increased Doṣas — Vriddha Karma in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles outlined in Tridosha Vigyan, increased doṣas create early signs of imbalance that disturb both body and mind.
Vāta Increase: Causes dryness, constipation, anxiety, pain, and disturbed sleep.
Pitta Increase: Leads to heat, acidity, irritability, redness, and inflammation.
Kapha Increase: Produces heaviness, sluggish digestion, mucus buildup, and lethargy.
These effects, emphasized in Tridosha Vigyan, show how aggravated doṣas begin the process of disease formation.
Effects of Increased Body Tissues — Vriddha Dhātu Karma in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles reflected in Tridosha Vigyan, an increase in any dhātu leads to heaviness, obstruction, and early signs of imbalance in the body.
Rasa Increase: Causes heaviness, nausea, and reduced appetite due to excess fluid and stagnation.
Rakta Increase: Produces heat, redness, burning sensations, and inflammatory skin changes.
Mamsa Increase: Leads to tissue overgrowth, muscular heaviness, and blockage of bodily channels.
Meda Increase: Results in obesity, lethargy, excessive sweating, and slow metabolism.
Asthi Increase: Creates bone spurs, rigidity, and abnormal growth of nails and hair.
Majjaa Increase: Causes heaviness in bones, excessive lubrication, and mental dullness.
Shukra Increase:Leads to increased desire, heaviness, and over‑nourishment of tissues.
These effects, emphasized in Tridosha Vigyan, show how aggravated dhātus contribute to early disease formation.
Effects of Increased Waste Products — Vriddha Mala Karma in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles described in Tridosha Vigyan, an increase in malas disrupts digestion, fluid balance, and temperature regulation.
Purīṣa Increase: Leads to abdominal heaviness, gurgling sounds, discomfort, and excessive stool accumulation.
Mūtra Increase: Causes frequent urination, increased urine volume, bladder fullness, and discomfort.
Sveda Increase :Results in excessive sweating, foul odor, itching, and persistent skin moisture.
These effects, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show how increased malas create early signs of imbalance and contribute to obstruction and discomfort.
Effects of Decreased Doṣas — sheena Doshakarma in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, decreased doṣas weaken their natural functions and create subtle deficiencies in the body.
Vāta Decrease: Leads to sluggish movement, weak circulation, dull speech, and reduced mental activity.
Pitta Decrease: Causes low digestion, coldness, slow metabolism, pale complexion, and reduced clarity.
Kapha Decrease: Results in dryness, weakness, poor lubrication, restlessness, and lowered immunity.
These effects, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show how diminished doṣas reduce vitality and disturb the body’s natural balance.
Effects of Decreased Body Tissues — Sheena Dhatu in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, decreased body tissues weaken nourishment, strength, and stability in the body.
Rasa Sheena: Causes dryness, fatigue, and poor nourishment.
Rakta Sheena: Leads to pale skin, weakness, and low circulation.
Mamsa Sheena: Results in muscle loss, low stamina, and weakness.
Meda Sheena: Creates dryness, poor lubrication, and visible thinness.
Asthi Sheena: Causes weak bones, brittle nails, and hair fall.
Majja Sheena: Leads to low immunity, nerve weakness, and anxiety.
Shukra Sheena: Results in low vitality, weak reproductive power, and mental tiredness.
These signs, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show how reduced tissues affect overall strength and long‑term health.
Effects of Decreased Waste Products — Sheena Mala in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, decreased waste products show dryness, heat buildup, and poor elimination in the body.
Purisha Sheena: Causes constipation, hard stools, abdominal discomfort, and gas due to lack of proper stool formation.
Mutra Sheena: Leads to reduced urination, dark urine, dryness, and burning sensations.
Sveda Sheena: Results in dry skin, heat intolerance, roughness, and stiffness because the body cannot release heat.
These signs, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show how reduced waste formation disturbs digestion, hydration, and temperature balance.
Relationship Between Dosha and Dhatu in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, each dosha lives in a specific dhatu, creating a host–hosted relationship.
Vata & Asthi (Bone): Vata stays in the bones. When vata increases, bones become weak or painful. But reducing vata does not always reduce bone tissue — a special rule noted in Ayurveda.
Pitta & Rakta (Blood): Pitta stays in blood and sweat. When pitta rises, blood becomes hot, red, or inflamed.
Kapha & Remaining Dhatus: Kapha stays in muscle, fat, marrow, and reproductive tissue. When kapha increases, these tissues become heavy or excessive.
This connection, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, shows how dosha and dhatu depend on each other for balance and stability.
Causes for Dosha Increase & Decrease in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, doshas increase mainly due to over‑nourishment and decrease due to depletion.
Causes for Increase (Vriddhi)
- Eating heavy, oily, sweet, rich foods
- Overeating
- Excess rest and no exercise
- Habits similar to the dosha’s own qualities
Causes for Decrease (Sheena)
- Eating too little
- Dry, light, rough foods
- Over‑exercise or fasting
- Excess stress or exhaustion
Special Note on Vata: Vata becomes disturbed very easily. Both increase and decrease of vata create many diseases, so vata must be treated gently.
These principles, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show that increase is caused by nourishment, decrease by depletion, and treatment must follow the rule of reducing or nourishing accordingly.
Treatment for Increased & Decreased Doshas in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, dosha imbalance is corrected using two main methods: langhana for excess and brimhana for deficiency.
When Doshas Increase (Vriddhi): Use langhana — lightening and reducing therapies. This includes light food, fasting, exercise, sweating, and digestive herbs. It removes heaviness and clears blocked channels.
When Doshas Decrease (Sheena): Use brimhana — nourishing and strengthening therapies. This includes milk, ghee, tonics, rest, and oil massage. It rebuilds tissues and restores strength.
Special Note for Vata: Vata must be treated gently. Even when increased, it needs warmth, oil, and mild reduction.
These principles, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show that correct treatment depends on whether a dosha is excessive or depleted.
Treatment for Dosha & Dhatu Disorders in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles described in Tridosha Vigyan, each type of increase or decrease in blood, muscle, fat, bone, stool, urine, or sweat has a specific treatment method.
Rakta Increase: Use bloodletting and purgation to reduce heat and excess blood.
Mamsa Increase: Abnormal muscle growth is treated with surgery, alkali therapy, or cauterization.
Meda Disorders: Obesity is treated with reducing therapies; thinness is treated with nourishing foods like milk and ghee.
Asthi Depletion: Strengthen bones with milk, ghee, bitter herbs in ghee, and oil enemas.
Stool Disorders: Excess stool is treated with bowel‑cleansing; low stool is corrected with nourishing foods like goat meat soup and barley.
Urine & Sweat Disorders: Urinary problems follow meha treatment; low sweat is treated with exercise, massage, sweating therapy, and warm drinks.
These treatment rules, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show how Ayurveda tailors therapy based on the exact type of increase or decrease.
Kayagni — Digestive Fire in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, kayagni is the main digestive fire that controls digestion, absorption, and metabolism.
Types of Kayagni:
- Sama agni — balanced digestion
- Tikshna agni — fast, sharp digestion
- Manda agni — slow, weak digestion
- Vishama agni — irregular digestion
Why Kayagni Matters: Kayagni keeps the body strong, nourished, and free from toxins. When kayagni is weak, ama forms and disease begins. These ideas, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, show that maintaining healthy kayagni is essential for overall well‑being.
Effects of Vitiated Doshas on Dhatu & Mala in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, when doshas become dusta (polluted), they corrupt both the body tissues (dhatu) and waste products (mala).
Effects on Dhatu: Dusta doshas damage all seven dhatus, causing weakness, inflammation, degeneration, and abnormal tissue changes.
Effects on Mala: They disturb stool, urine, and sweat, leading to constipation, urinary issues, foul smell, and blocked elimination.
Effects on Channels: When channels become blocked, diseases arise in the specific area affected. This connection, highlighted in Tridosha Vigyan, shows how dusta dosha leads to deep‑rooted disease.
Ojas — Essence of Dhatus in Tridosha Vigyan
According to the principles explained in Tridosha Vigyan, ojas is the pure essence formed after all seven dhatus are nourished. It stays mainly in the heart and spreads throughout the body to support life, strength, and immunity.
Nature of Ojas
The verse describes ojas as:
- Snigdha — slightly oily
- Somatmaka — cooling, nourishing, lunar in nature
- Shuddha — pure
- Ishal lohita‑pitakam — slightly reddish‑yellow in color
Ojas is gentle, smooth, and life‑supporting.
Location of Ojas: Ojas is:
- Primarily located in the heart
- But also spread throughout the entire body
It flows through all channels (srotas) and maintains the stability of body and mind.
Function of Ojas: Ojas is responsible for:
- Immunity (vyadhi‑kshamatva)
- Strength and vitality
- Mental stability
- Emotional balance
- Longevity
- Healthy complexion
- Proper functioning of all organs
Ayurveda says: “Where ojas stays, life stays.”
Importance of Ojas
“Yannashe niyatam nasho, yasmin tishthati tishthati”
Meaning:
- If ojas is destroyed → life ends
- If ojas remains → life continues
This shows that ojas is the foundation of life.
How Ojas Is Formed
“Nishpadyante yato bhavaah vividhah deha-samshrayah”
Meaning:
- All bodily functions and qualities arise from ojas.
- It is the source of all physical and mental strength.
Ojas is formed when:
- Digestion is strong
- Dhatus are well nourished
- Lifestyle is balanced
- Mind is calm
Loss or Damage of Ojas: Ojas is damaged by:
- Excess stress
- Lack of sleep
- Excessive sexual activity
- Severe disease
- Trauma
- Grief
- Poor digestion
- Toxins (ama)
Loss of ojas leads to:
- Weak immunity
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Palpitations
- Dryness
- Weight loss
- Fear and instability
Thus ends the chapter called Doshadi Vijnaneeya Adhyaya.
Sholoka from books with meaning
The 11th chapter of Sutrasthana of Ashtanga Hrudayam explains in detail regarding Tridosha in Ayurveda. Tridosha are – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Understanding the Tridosha concept is your first step towards learning Ayurveda. The chapter is called Doshadi Vijnaneeya Adhyaya.
Chief constituents of the body :- Dehasya Mulam –
दोष-धातु-मला मूलं सदा देहस्य
- Dosha – Vata, Pitta and Kapha
- Dhatu – Body tissues – Rasa (lymph / product of digestion), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle),
- Meda (fat), Asthi (bone), Majja (bone marrow) and Shukra (male and female reproductory secretions)
- Mala – waste products – sweat, urine and faeces Doshas, are the roots of the body. 1.
Functions of normal Doshas – Prakruta Dosa Karma –
Functions of Vata Dosha –
तं चलः ।
उत्साहोच्छ्वास-निश्वास-चेष्टा-वेग-प्रवर्तनैः ॥ 1 ॥
सम्यग्-गत्या च धातूनाम् अक्षाणां पाटवेन च ।
अनुगृह्णात्य् अ-विकृतः
Vata is responsible for all movements. (Movement of blood in blood vessels, movement of nutrients, movement of air in lungs, locomotion movements of hands and legs etc. )
In its normal state Vata causes enthusiasm, Vatha Dosha regulates respiration process, Regulates all locomotor movements, Regulates all activities of mind, speech, initiation of natural urges (tears, faeces, urination, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, yawning etc), maintenance of the Dhatus (tissues) in their normalcy and proper functioning of the sense organs.
Functions of Pitta Dosha –
पित्तं पक्त्य्-ऊष्म-दर्शनैः ॥ 2 ॥
क्षुत्-तृड्-रुचि-प्रभा-मेधा-धी-शौर्य-तनु-मार्दवैः ।
In its normal state Pitta causes digestion and metabolism, maintenance of body temperature,
vision, Causes hunger, thirst, appetite, maintains skin complexion, intelligence, courage, valour, and softness (suppleness) of the body.
Functions of Kapha Dosha –
श्लेष्मा स्थिर-त्व-स्निग्ध-त्व-संधि-बन्ध-क्षमादिभिः ॥ 3 ॥
Kapha confers stability, lubrication, compactness (firmness) of the joints, Kshama – It is the cause for mental capacity to withstand or withhold emotions, strains etc. It is also cause for forgiveness 1½ – 3.
Functions of body tissues and waste products – Prakrita Dhatu Mala Karma –
Functions of body tissues –
प्रीणनं जीवनं लेपः स्नेहो धारण-पूरणे ।
गर्भोत्पादश् च धातूनां श्रेष्ठं कर्म क्रमात् स्मृतम् ॥ 4 ॥
- Rasa Dhatu (product of digestion and metabolism) – provides nourishment
- Rakta (blood) maintenance of life activities,
- Mamsa (muscle) – enveloping (covering) – it covers around bones and enables voluntary and involuntary actions
- Meda (fat) – lubrication,
- Asthi (bones) – support, forms the framework of the body
- Majja (bone marrow) – filling the inside of the bones and
- Shukra (male and female reproduction system)- conception and pregnancy 4.
Functions of waste products –
अवष्टम्भः पुरीषस्य मूत्रस्य क्लेद-वाहनम् ।
स्वेदस्य क्लेद-विधृतिर्
- Maintenance of strength of the body is the chief function of faeces;
- Elimination of moisture (water) is of urine, and
- Slow elimination of moisture is of the sweat. 5.
Effects of increased Doshas – Vriddha Dosha Karma:-
Effects of increased Vata –
वृद्धस् तु कुरुते ऽनिलः ॥ 5 ॥
कार्श्य-कार्ष्ण्योष्ण-काम-त्व-कम्पानाह-शकृद्-ग्रहान् ।
बल-निद्रेन्द्रिय-भ्रंश-प्रलाप-भ्रम-दीन-ताः ॥ 6 ॥
Vata, when increased produces
- Karshya – emaciation,
- Karshnya – black discoloration,
- Ushnakamitva – desire for hot things,
- Kampa – tremors
- Anaha – bloating, fullness, distention of the abdomen,
- Shakrut Graha – constipation,
- Bala bhramsha – loss of strength,
- Nidra bhramsha – loss of sleep
- Indriya bhramsha – loss of sensory functions,
- Pralapa – irrelevant speech,
- Bhrama – Delusion, Dizziness giddiness
- Deenata – timidity (peevishness). 5½ – 6.
Effects of increase of Pitta
पीत-विण्-मूत्र-नेत्र-त्वक्-क्षुत्-तृड्-दाहाल्प-निद्र-ताः ।
पित्तं
Pitta when increased produces yellow discoloration of the faeces, urine, eyes, and skin; excess of hunger and thirst, feeling of burning sensation and very little sleep.6 ½.
Effects of increased of Kapha
श्लेष्माग्नि-सदन-प्रसेकालस्य-गौरवम् ॥ 7 ॥
श्वैत्य-शैत्य-श्लथाङ्ग-त्वं श्वास-कासाति-निद्र-ताः ।
Kapha, when increased produces
- Agnisadana – weak digestive activity,
- Praseka – excess salivation,
- Alasya – lassitude, laziness
- Gaurava – feeling of heaviness,
- Shvaithya – white discoloration,
- Shaithya – coldness,
- Shlathangatva – looseness of the body parts,
- Shwasa – dyspnoea, asthma, COPD
- Kasa – cough, cold
- Atinidrata – excess of sleep. 7 – 7½.
Effects of increased body tissues – Vriddha Dhatu Karma:-
रसो ऽपि श्लेष्म-वद् रक्तं विसर्प-प्लीह-विद्रधीन् ॥ 8 ॥
कुष्ठ-वातास्र-पित्तास्र-गुल्मोप-कुश-कामलाः ।
व्यङ्गाग्नि-नाश-संमोह-रक्त-त्वङ्-नेत्र-मूत्र-ताः ॥ 9 ॥
मांसं गण्डार्बुद-ग्रन्थि-गण्डोरूदर-वृद्धि-ताः ।
कण्ठादिष्व् अधि-मांसं च तद्-वन् मेदस् तथा श्रमम् ॥ 10 ॥
अल्पे ऽपि चेष्टिते श्वासं स्फिक्-स्तनोदर-लम्बनम् ।
अस्थ्य् अध्य्-अस्थ्य् अधि-दन्तांश् च मज्जा नेत्राङ्ग-गौरवम् ॥ 11 ॥
पर्वसु स्थूल-मूलानि कुर्यात् कृच्छ्राण्य् अरूंषि च ।
अति-स्त्री-काम-तां वृद्धं शुक्तं शुक्राश्मरीम् अपि ॥ 12 ॥
Rasa when increased in similar to Kapha, produces the same symptoms of increased Kapha;
Rakta (blood) when increased produces
- Visarpa – Herpes, spreading skin disease,
- Pleeha – diseases of the spleen,
- Vidradhi – abscesses,
- Kushta – skin diseases
- Vatasra – gout
- Pittasra – bleeding disease,
- Gulma – abdominal tumors,
- Upakusa – a disease of the teeth,
- Kamala – jaundice,
- Vyanga – discoloured patch on the face,
- Agninasha – loss of digestion strength
- Sammoha – Coma, unconsciousness,
- Red discoloration of the skin, eyes, and urine. 8 – 9.
Mamsa (muscle tissue), when increased produces
- Ganda – cervical lymphadenitis
- Granthi – tumor, Increase in size of the cheeks, thighs, and abdomen, over growth of muscles of the neck and other places 9 – 9½.
Medas (fat tissue), when produces similar symptoms and in addition, it causes fatigue, difficulty
in breathing even after little work, drooping of the buttocks, breasts and abdomen. 9½ – 10.
Asthi (bone tissues), when increased, causes overgrowth of bones and extra teeth. 10½.
Majja (marrow), when increased produces heaviness of the eyes and the body, increase of size
of the body joints and causes ulcers which are difficult to cure. 10½ – 11½.
Shukra (semen) when increased produces great desire for the woman (sexual desire) and seminal calculi (spermolith). 12.
Effects of increased waste products – Vriddha Mala Karma –
कुक्षाव् आध्मानम् आटोपं गौरवं वेदनां शकृत् ।
मूत्रं तु वस्ति-निस्तोदं कृते ऽप्य् अ-कृत-संज्ञ-ताम् ॥ 13 ॥
स्वेदो ऽति-स्वेद-दौर्गन्ध्य-कण्डूर्
Shakrit (feces), when increased causes distension of abdomen, gurgling noise and feeling of heaviness. 12½
Mutra (urine), when increased produces severe pain in the bladder and feeling of on-elimination even after urination. 13
Sweda (sweat) when increased produces excess of perspiration, foul smell and itching. 13½
एवं च लक्षयेत् ।
दूषिकादीन् अपि मलान् बाहुल्य-गुरु-तादिभिः ॥ 14 ॥
The increase of Dushika (excretion of the eyes) and other waste products are to be understood by nothing their increased quantity, heaviness (of their sites) and such other symptoms. 14.
Functions decreased Doshas – Ksheena Doshakarma –
Decreased Vata produces symptoms like –
लिङ्गं क्षीणे ऽनिले ऽङ्गस्य सादो ऽल्पं भाषितेहितम् ।
संज्ञा-मोहस् तथा श्लेष्म-वृद्ध्य्-उक्तामय-संभवः ॥ 15 ॥
- Angasada – debility of the body,
- Alpa bhashite hitam – the person speaks very little
- Sanjna moha – loss of sensation (awareness) and of consciousness and occurrence of all the symptoms of increased Kapha. 15.
Decreased Pitta causes
पित्ते मन्दो ऽनलः शीतं प्रभा-हानिः
- Mande anala – weakness of digestive activity,
- Shaitya – coldness and
- Prabha hani – loss of luster (complexion). 15½.
Decrease of Kapha causes
कफे भ्रमः ।
श्लेष्माशयानां शून्य-त्वं हृद्-द्रवः श्लथ-संधि-ता ॥ 16 ॥
- Bhrama – Delusion, Dizziness,
- Shunyatva – emptiness of the organs of Kapha,
- hrudrava – tremors of the heart (palpitation) and
- Shlatha sandhita – looseness of the joints. 16.
Symptoms of decrease of Dhatu (body tissues) –
रसे रौक्ष्यं श्रमः शोषो ग्लानिः शब्दा-सहिष्णु-ता ।
रक्ते ऽम्ल-शिशिर-प्रीति-सिरा-शैथिल्य-रूक्ष-ताः ॥ 17 ॥
मांसे ऽक्ष-ग्लानि-गण्ड-स्फिक्-शुष्क-ता-संधि-वेदनाः ।
मेदसि स्वपनं कट्याः प्लीह्नो वृद्धिः कृशाङ्ग-ता ॥ 18 ॥
अस्थ्न्य् अस्थि-तोदः शदनं दन्त-केश-नखादिषु ।
अस्थ्नां मज्जनि सौषिर्यं भ्रमस् तिमिर-दर्शनम् ॥ 19 ॥
शुक्रे चिरात् प्रसिच्येत शुक्रं शोणितम् एव वा ।
तोदो ऽत्य्-अर्थं वृषणयोर् मेढ्रं धूमायतीव च ॥ 20 ॥
Decrease of Rasa dhatu produces dryness, fatigue, emaciation, exhaustion without any work and noise intolerance.
Decrease of Rakta produces desire for sour and cold things, loss of tension of veins (and arteries) and dryness. 17.
Decrease of Mamsa causes debility of the sense organs, emaciation of cheeks, buttocks and pain in the joints. 17½.
Decrease of Medas causes loss of sensation in the waist, enlargement of spleen and emaciation of the body. 18.
Decrease of Asthi causes pain in the joints, falling off of the teeth, hairs, nails etc. 18½.
Decrease of Majja causes hollowness (of the bones inside) giddiness and seeing of darkness 19.
Decrease of Shukra results in delay in ejaculation, ejaculation accompanied with bleeding, severe pain in the testicles and a feeling of hot fumes coming out of the urethra. 20.
Symptoms of decreased waste products –
पुरीषे वायुर् अन्त्राणि स-शब्दो वेष्टयन्न् इव ।
कुक्षौ भ्रमति यात्य् ऊर्ध्वं हृत्-पार्श्वे पीडयन् भृशम् ॥ 21 ॥
मूत्रे ऽल्पं मूत्रयेत् कृच्छ्राद् वि-वर्णं सास्रम् एव वा ।
स्वेदे रोम-च्युतिः स्तब्ध-रोम-ता स्फुटनं त्वचः ॥ 22 ॥
मलानाम् अति-सूक्ष्माणां दुर्-लक्ष्यं लक्षयेत् क्षयम् ।
स्व-मलायन-संशोष-तोद-शून्य-त्व-लाघवैः ॥ 23 ॥
Decrease of faeces gives rise to gurgling noise in the intestines and bloating, vata moves in upward direction in the intestine causing discomfort and pain in the region of the heart and flanks. 21.
Decrease of urine causes scanty urination, dysuria, urine discoloration or hematuria. 21½.
Decrease of sweat leads to falling of hair, stiffness of hair and cracking of the skin. 22.
Decrease of Malas which are of little quantity is difficult to perceive, it should be inferred from the dryness, pricking pain, emptiness and tightness of their sites of production and elimination. 23.
दोषादीनां यथा-स्वं च विद्याद् वृद्धि-क्षयौ भिषक् ।
क्षयेण विपरीतानां गुणानां वर्धनेन च ॥ 24 ॥
वृद्धिं मलानां सङ्गाच् च क्षयं चाति-विसर्गतः ।
The decrease of Dosha Dhatu etc can be observed by the increase of opposite qualities.
The increase of Dosha Dhatu etc can be observed by the increase of similar qualities.
The increase of Malas is observed by their non-elimination (too much of waste product accumulation leading to obstruction) and their decrease by too much of elimination in little quantities. 23½ – 24½.
मलोचित-त्वाद् देहस्य क्षयो वृद्धेस् तु पीडनः ॥ 25 ॥
Body being accustomed to accumulation of waste products (in intestines and bladder) , the decrease of waste product formation is more troublesome than their increase. 25.
Relationship between Dosha and Dhatu
तत्रास्थनि स्थितो वायुः पित्तं तु स्वेद-रक्तयोः ।
श्लेष्मा शेषेषु तेनैषाम् आश्रयाश्रयिणां मिथः ॥ 26 ॥
यद् एकस्य तद् अन्यस्य वर्धन-क्षपणौषधम् ।
अस्थि-मारुतयोर् नैवं
- Vata resides in Asthi (bones)
- Pitta resides in Sweda (sweat) and Rakta (blood)
- Kapha resides in rest of the Dhatu and Mala.
In case of Pitta and Kapha, when there is an increase of Pitta or Kapha, there is also respective increase of tissues and waste products associated with them. For example, if Pitta increases, then sweat and blood vitiation also increases. The same rule applies to decrease as well. But in the case of Vata, if Vata decreases, then Asthi increases. They are inverse proportionately related to each other. 26 – 27.
Cause for increase or decrease of Dosha
प्रायो वृद्धिर् हि तर्पणात् ॥ 27 ॥
श्लेष्मणानुगता तस्मात् संक्षयस् तद्-विपर्ययात् ।
वायुनानुगतो ऽस्माच् च वृद्धि-क्षय-समुद्भवान् ॥ 28 ॥
विकारान् साधयेच् छीघ्रं क्रमाल् लङ्घन-बृंहणैः ।
वायोर् अन्य-त्र तज्-जांस् तु तैर् एवोत्क्रम-योजितैः ॥ 29 ॥
The increase of Doshas, Dhatus and Mala is usually due to excess nutrition (Tarpana), which is followed later on with an increase of Kapha. Whereas the decrease of Doshas, Dhatus and Malas is due to loss of nutrition which is followed, later with increase of Vayu (Vata).
Hence, the diseases arising from increase of Dosha and Dhatu should be usually treated quick by adopting Langhana (therapy causing thinning of the body, reducing the quantity). The diseases arising from the decrease of Dosha and Dhatu should be treated with Brimhana therapy (causing stoutening the body, increasing the quantity etc.) But in the case of Vata, the order is reversed. If Vata is increased, then Brihmana therapy (nourishing therapy) should be adopted and if Vata decreases then Langhana therapy should be adopted. 28 – 29.
Treatment of increased dhatus
विशेषाद् रक्त-वृद्ध्य्-उत्थान् रक्त-स्रुति-विरेचनैः ।
मांस-वृद्धि-भवान् रोगान् शस्त्र-क्षाराग्नि-कर्मभिः ॥ 30 ॥
स्थौल्य-कार्श्योपचारेण मेदो-जान् अस्थि-संक्षयात् ।
जातान् क्षीर-घृतैस् तिक्त-संयुतैर् वस्तिभिस् तथा ॥ 31 ॥
विड्-वृद्धि-जान् अतीसार-क्रियया विट्-क्षयोद्भवान् ।
मेषाज-मध्य-कुल्माष-यव-माष-द्वयादिभिः ॥ 32 ॥
मूत्र-वृद्धि-क्षयोत्थांश् च मेह-कृच्छ्र-चिकित्सया ।
व्यायामाभ्यञ्जन-स्वेद-मद्यैः स्वेद-क्षयोद्भवान् ॥ 33 ॥
In particular the disease arising from – increase of rakta should be treated with- a. blood letting and b. Purgations.
Increase of mamsa by use of – a. sharp instruments (surgery), b. caustic alkalies and, c. fire cautery.
Increase of medas by therapies indicated for obesity, and decrease by therapies indicated for emaciation. Decrease of asthi by enema therapy using – a. milk, b. ghee and, c. bitter drugs.
Increase of feces by the use of – a. abdominal viscera of ram or goat, b. half steamed pulses, c. barley and, d. the two varieties of masha etc. as food.
Increase and decrease of mutra / urine – By adopting treatments indicated for diabetes and dysuria respectively. Decrease of sveda / sweat by adopting – a. physical exercises, b. oil bath, c. sudation therapies and d. use of wine.
Kayagni
स्व-स्थान-स्थस्य कायाग्नेर् अंशा धातुषु संश्रिताः ।
तेषां सादाति-दीप्तिभ्यां धातु-वृद्धि-क्षयोद्भवः ॥ 34 ॥
पूर्वो धातुः परं कुर्याद् वृद्धः क्षीणश् च तद्-विधम् ।
Kayagni, present in its own place, has portions of itself, present in the dhatus also. Their decrease in qualities, quantities or functions give rise to increase and decrease of dhatus respectively. The proceeding dhatu which is either increased or decreased gives rise to the succeeding dhatu of the same condition.
Effects of vitiated Doshas – Dusta Dosha Karma –
दोषा दुष्टा रसैर् धातून् दूषयन्त्य् उभये मलान् ॥ 35 ॥
अधो द्वे सप्त शिरसि खानि स्वेद-वहानि च ।
मला मलायनानि स्युर् यथा-स्वं तेष्व् अतो गदाः ॥ 36 ॥
The Doshas which are vitiated [become abnormal undergoing either increase or decrease] cause vitiation of the Rasa and other Dhatus (tissues) next; Both Doshas and Dhatus together vitiate the Malas (waste products) which in turn, vitiate the Malayanas (channels of their elimination).
Malayana – routes of elimination of waste products are – two below – anus and urethra, seven in the head, and the channels of sweat; from these vitiated channels develop their connected diseases. 34½ – 36.
Ojas – the essence of Dhatus :-
ओजस् तु तेजो धातूनां शुक्रान्तानां परं स्मृतम् ।
हृदय-स्थम् अपि व्यापि देह-स्थिति-निबन्धनम् ॥ 37 ॥
स्निग्धं सोमात्मकं शुद्धम् ईषल्-लोहित-पीतकम् ।
यन्-नाशे नियतं नाशो यस्मिंस् तिष्ठति तिष्ठति ॥ 38 ॥
निष्पद्यन्ते यतो भावा विविधा देह-संश्रयाः ।
Ojas is the essence of the Dhatus; It is mainly located in the heart. It is present all over the body and regulates health.
Qualities of Oja –
- Snigdha – unctuous, oily
- Somatmaka – watery
- Shuddha – clear (transparent),
- Ishat Lohita Peetakam – slight reddish yellow in colour;
- Loss of Ojus leads to loss of life.
All aspects of health are related to Ojas.
Cause for decrease of Ojas
ओजः क्षीयेत कोप-क्षुद्-ध्यान-शोक-श्रमादिभिः ॥ 39 ॥
बिभेति दुर्-बलो ऽभीक्ष्णं ध्यायति व्यथितेन्द्रियः ।
दुश्-छायो दुर्-मना रूक्षो भवेत् क्षामश् च तत्-क्षये ॥ 40 ॥
जीवनीयौषध-क्षीर-रसाद्यास् तत्र भेषजम् ।
Ojas undergoes decrease in quantity by anger, hunger (starvation), worry, grief, exertion etc.,
Symptoms of Ojas decrease –
The person becomes fretful, debilitated, repeatedly worries without any reason, feels discomfort in sense organs, develops bad complexion, negative thoughts and dryness;
Treatment – Use of drugs of Jivaniya group (Enlivening) (mentioned in chapter 15) milk, meat juice etc. 39 – 40.
Notes :- Many more causes of decrease of Ojas have been mentioned in other texts of Ayurdeva, they are
- Ativyayama – too much exercise
- Anashana – fasting for long periods of time
- Alpasana – eating less quantities of food
- Rooksapana (intake of alcoholic beverages which cause dryness),
- Pramitasana (intake of mixture of good and bad foods),
- Bhaya (fear),
- Prajagara (waking up at night),
- Abhighata (injury),
- Abhishanga (assault by evil spirits; micro organisms like bacteria, virus etc.),
- Dhatukshaya (depletion of tissues such as by haemorrhage etc.),
- Ativisarga (too much of elimination) of Kapha, Sonita (blood), Sukra (semen) and Mala (waste
- products);
- Visha (ingestion of poison)
Increase of Ojas
ओजो-वृद्धौ हि देहस्य तुष्टि-पुष्टि-बलोदयः ॥ 41 ॥
Increase of Ojas makes for contentment, nourishment of the body and increase of strength. 41.
यद् अन्नं द्वेष्टि यद् अपि प्रार्थयेता-विरोधि तु ।
तत् तत् त्यजन् समश्नंश् च तौ तौ वृद्धि-क्षयौ जयेत् ॥ 42 ॥
The increase of Doshas should be controlled by avoidance of foods which are disliked. The decrease of Doshas should be managed by food indulgence of food that is desired. 42.
कुर्वते हि रुचिं दोषा विपरीत-समानयोः ।
वृद्धाः क्षीणाश् च भूयिष्ठं लक्षयन्त्य् अ-बुधास् तु न ॥ 43 ॥
The Doshas which have undergone increase and decrease generally produce desire for foods which are dissimilar and similar (in properties to those of the Doshas) respectively; but the unintelligent people do not recognize them. 43.
यथा-बलं यथा-स्वं च दोषा वृद्धा वितन्वते ।
रूपाणि जहति क्षीणाः समाः स्वं कर्म कुर्वते ॥ 44 ॥
The Doshas, when increased, produce their respective features (signs and symptoms) depending upon their strength; when decreased they do not produce signs and symptoms and when normal, they attend to their normal functions. 44.
य एव देहस्य समा विवृद्ध्यै त एव दोषा विषमा वधाय ।
यस्माद् अतस् ते हित-चर्ययैव क्षयाद् विवृद्धेर् इव रक्षणीयाः ॥ 45 ॥
The very same Doshas, which when normal, are the causes for growth of the body, become the causes for its destruction when abnormal. Hence by adopting suitable measures, the body should be protected from their decrease and increase 45.
Thus ends the chapter called Doshadi Vijnaneeya Adhyaya.
