Five Forms of Vata, Pitta & Kapha

The universe is an interplay of the energies of the five elements — Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. The human body also consists of these five natural elements and functions with three properties or forces such as Vatham, Pittham, and Kapham. Vatham is the energy of movement, Pittham the energy of digestion or metabolism, and Kapham the energy of lubrication.

Panchapranas or Five Forms of Vata

  1. Praana – The system of perception and movement. Enables you to see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. It governs the senses, mind, heart, and consciousness — our portion of the cosmic life force that controls all other vatas.
    Imbalance: worry, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, neurological disorders, respiratory complaints.
  2. Udana – Governs exhalation, speech, memory, strength, will, and effort.
    Imbalance: speech defects, cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, earaches, fatigue.
  3. Vyana – Governs circulation, movement of joints and muscles, and discharge of impulses and secretions.
    Imbalance: high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythm, stress-related nervous disorders, circulatory and muscular issues.
  4. Samana – Governs digestion and absorption.
    Imbalance: irregular digestion, gas, diarrhea, emaciated tissue formation.
  5. Apana – Governs excretion and reproduction.
    Imbalance: constipation, intestinal cramps, sexual dysfunction, menstrual disorders, prostate problems, lower back pain.

Panchapittas or Five Forms of Pitta

  1. Pachaka Pitta – Digests food and separates nutrients from waste by regulating digestive heat.
    Imbalance: heartburn, acidity, ulcers.
  2. Ranjaka Pitta – Produces healthy red blood cells, balances blood chemistry, and distributes nutrients.
    Imbalance: jaundice, anemia, skin inflammations, anger, hostility.
  3. Sadhaka Pitta – Controls the heart’s physical function and supports good memory and emotions.
    Imbalance: heart diseases, memory loss, emotional instability.
  4. Alochaka Pitta – Located in the eyes; responsible for vision.
    Imbalance: vision problems, bloodshot eyes, and eye diseases.
  5. Bhrajak Pitta – Found in the skin; responsible for sensation and complexion.
    Imbalance: rashes, acne, boils, and other skin diseases.

Five Forms of Kapha (Pancha Kaphas)

  1. Kledaka Kapha – Located in the stomach; keeps the stomach lining moist and is essential for digestion.
    Imbalance: sluggish or heavy digestion.
  2. Avalambaka Kapha – Found in the heart, chest, and lower back; keeps them strong.
    Imbalance: respiratory problems, lethargy.
  3. Bodhaka Kapha – Present in the tongue; allows taste perception.
    Imbalance: impaired taste or salivary gland function.
  4. Tarpaka Kapha – Located in the sinuses, head, and spinal fluids; keeps sense organs moist and supports the nervous system.
    Imbalance: sinus issues, loss of smell, and sensory dullness.
  5. Shleshaka Kapha – Found in the joints; lubricates and cushions them.
    Imbalance: joint pain, inflammation, stiffness.
← Back to Home