5 VATA HUMORS
- PRANA Vata
Literally Prana means “what is giving you life and allow yourself to live longer”. The 2 main symbols of it are the FORCE and the LIFE. In the yogic concepts it’s been said that thanks to the respiratory process, the Prana (vital energy) supply energy to the pranic body system which Nadis are made of.
This energy gives life to all the material processes working in the physical body. To maintain alive life, the matter should develop a non balance state relating with outside ambience (negentropy process). Those processes like hosmosis, the diffusion and transport of active substances through the membrane cells are only possible with the permanent expenditure of energy that come into the body through Prana.
The simplify representation of Prana from physiologists is associated with the oxygen required for oxidation (burning) and energy production in cells. However, Prana is not oxygen; rather it is the energy extracted from the complicated process of tissue respiration. In other worlds, Prana is related to electricity that animated the body than without it is just a bunch of plastic and metal.
In the modern biophysic, exists an equivalent for the Prana concept: delocated states (not bound to a specific molecule) electronically excited that can migrate in the tissues and transport energy according to our know physcial laws.
The absorption and the control of this energy in the cells still remain unknown to the modern science.
According to Ayurveda, it is believed that Prana is concentrated in the brain and it controls many unconscious visceral functions (controlling the structure of the brain stem). At first, it controls the respiration that is essential to maintain the Prana in the body. Then it regulates the senses, mind, heart and consciuosness. The mental regulation, possibly, is related to the sleep-wake cycle which determines the functional state of the nervous system through invigorating structures of the reticular formation of the brainstem.
The heart regulation is related to 2 factors: at first, often as a “heart” concepts is intended emotional sensations (Ahamkara), and secondly it is the control of physiological processes in the heart as a blood supply organ. To the extend that, according to yoga, our soul expresses itself through the heart, it becomes apparent why is the Prana that regulates the manifestation (enlightment) of our consciousness in the material world. It connects ourself (the identity of this incaration) with our inner being (true immortal personality).
Prana is our cosmic vital energy side which controls all other types of Dosha Vata in the body. Energically, according to Yoga, the Prana is corelated to the Sahasrara Chakra.
2. UDANA Vata
Udana literally means “what is going up”. If Prana is the vital energy that we assimilate from the outside world (through breathing and nutrition), so Udana is the Prana transformed by the body that has been mastered and directed to the regulation of other physical processes.
It is situated in the chest and focused in the throat, the Udana controls the exhalation and the speech, it is also responsable of memory, willpower and conation. The physiological equivalent “Udana” concept could be consider the entire information neurosensory on the state of visceral organs that get into brain (air moving up) through afferent nerves (sensory) from the upper half of the body (chest).
As the flow and the quality of those sensory information can be managed through the conscious control of the breath (exhalation), so the yoga practice is directly connected to the Udana development. Udana defines our karmic life aspirations.
When it perfectly develops, the being can controls the different mental ability and can get out beyond the edges of the ordinary world. It is believed that at the time of death Udana helps us separate from the body and directs us in subtle worlds, according to our will and our karma acting through Udana.
Energically, according to Yoga, the Udana is corelated to the Vishudha and Anahata Chakras.
3. SAMANA Vata
Samana is located near the fire of digestion, moves everywhere in coshtha (the digestive tract and abdominal organs), holds food in the digestive tract, digests it, separates the essence and waste, which then removes. Thus, Samana is concentrated in the small intestine and is a nervous force that controls the digestive system (David Frawley, 2004).
From a physiological point of view, it is about the nerve ganglions of the solar plexus involved in the control of the digestion process (secretion, peristalsis, absorption, etc.). The main purpose is to control the extraction of prana from the food and its utilization by the tissues. Energetically, according to yoga, Samana is associated with Manipura chakra.
4. VIANA
Literally means “a penetrating or diffusing air”. Main site: penetrating. Viana is concentrated in the heart and spreads through the vascular system throughout the body. By controlling the circulatory system, Viana controls muscle tone, speed of nerve impulses, the nature of internal secretion.
From a physiological point of view, we are talking about the transfer of prana (energy) through the blood to the organs performing control of locomotion and glands of internal secretion.
Disorders of Viana are related to the problems of blood pressure, the number of autoimmune processes in the muscles (myasthenia) and nerves (multiple sclerosis), and endocrinopathy (diseases of the endocrine glands).
5. APANA
Literally means “what promotes life, bringing the products of life activity” or the “moving down air”. Main site: the colon. Apana is concentrated in the colon and manages all nerve impulses directed downwards. Apana enables the body to remove seed, menstrual fluid, feces, urine and fetus during childbirth (David Frawley, 2004).
Physiologically, Apana is associated with the sacral plexus controlling organs of the lower area of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis (large intestine, urinary system, reproductive system).
Energetically, according to yoga, Apana is associated with Swadhisthana and Muladhara chakras.
As udana – the rising air – carries our life force up and contributes to the evolution or liberation of consciousness, apana is the downward air – bornes it down and leads to regression or limitation of consciousness. However, Apana supports and controls all other types of Vata, and its violations are in the basis of most disorders of Vata type. Therefore, in the treatment of Vata disorders one should first pay attention to the treatment of Apana.
5 PITTA HUMORS
- Pachuca
Literally “the one who digests, cooks”. Main meanings: fire, cook. Pachuca Pitta is the digesting fire. It is located in the small intestine, controls the digestive power (David Frawley, 2004). Pachuca digests food, shares its essence and waste.
From a physiological point of view Pachuca is connected, on the one hand, directly with secreted into the cavity of the duodenum (the main chemical reactor of our body) secretes, on the other hand, gastro-intestinal endocrine system (APUD-system) that secretes hormones, that regulates the process of digestion in the small intestine and stomach.
As a first step, let’s note that the digestion of food in the body is not in the stomach (as many think), but in the small intestine. In the stomach there is only the initial process of protein fermentation under the action of hydrochloric acid (which causes denaturation process) and pepsins (enzymes secreted by the chief cells of the gastric mucosa), “cutting” long polypeptide chains in half.
Complete digestion of food begins in the cavity of the duodenum. Three secrets are allocated in the cavity of the duodenum during digestion. The first secret is pancreatic juice (naturally secreted from the pancreas in an amount of 1.5-2 litres a day). It contains a complete set of enzymes required for hydrolysis coming from the stomach chyme (bolus, impregnated with mucus and gastric juice).
These include proteolytic enzymes that cleave proteins (e.g. trypsin), amylolytic enzymes that break down complex carbohydrates (pancreatic amylase), and lipolytic enzymes that break down fats (lipase), and other enzymes. Violation of Pachuka may lead to changes in the profile of secreted enzymes that will inevitably affect the quality of the digestion.
The second secret is bile (1.0-1.8 liters per day) that does not contain enzymes, but is composed of components (bile acids and lecithin) required for complete hydrolysis of fats and absorption of fatty acids. Without bile fat is not absorbed by the body. Violations of Pachuca will inevitably affect the quality of the assimilation of fats.
The third secret is actually intestinal juice (2.5 liters a day), secreted by the cells lining the small intestine and incorporating all of the above enzymes like pancreatic secretion.
Thus, Pachuca is associated with these digestive secretions of the small intestine.
Why is Pachuca Pitta called the “digestive fire”? Generally, it is said that during digestion a lot of heat is being produced. The question is how it is formed. And the paradox is that at this stage of decomposition of matter (in order to extract from it the energy for spending on the processes the body needs) it is impossible to generate heat from food.
Then where does the heat come from? It turns out that for the full digestion the body must include a very large number of energy-consuming biochemical and biophysical processes, among which the main ones are the synthesis and secretion of enzymes and mechanisms of absorption of the food hydrolysis’ products. In these processes the body expends a tremendous amount of power (enhanced by filling with blood of the digestive tract), which at the time of digestion is felt as heat. This is the “fire of digestion» – Pachuca Pitta, i.e. its own body heat, which it removes for the absorption of Prana from food to recover the energy spent on digestion.
Another aspect associated with Pachuca, is an endocrine system of the gut itself, which is represented with the single cells that secrete a broad spectrum of hormones involved in setting up of complex mechanisms of digestion and located diffusely in the mucous membrane.
These hormones are secretin, cholecystokinin, gastrin and others. In this regard, duodenum is often being compared with the pituitary gland of the digestive system, because it surpasses all the glands of the body with the amount of hormones produced per day during digestion. Violations of Pachuca will inevitably affect “thin strings” of regulation of the digestive process that is often associated with psychosomatic disorders (peptic ulcer, peptic ulcer of duodenum, duodenitis and gastritis).
It should be noted that Pachuca Pitta is associated with Vata, as the excretion of enzymes, bile and acid are associated with the Vago-vagal (derived from “vagus” – parasympathetic nerve) reflexes and enteric nervous system (nerve plexus of the intestinal lining). Pachuca Pitta is the foundation and support for all other types of Pitta. In the treatment of Pitta, it should be given special attention, as the digestive fire is our main source of heat.
2. Ranjaka
Literally, “the Dyer; the one who paints”. Gives a pinkish color to Rasa (plasma). Contributes to the transformation of Rasa into Rakta that is the formation of red blood cells. According to Sushruta, Ranjaka is located in the liver and spleen. Another location is in the blood (David Frawley, 2004). Stains the blood, bile and feces.
From the standpoint of physiology, the fire of Ranjaka is associated with the totality of the biochemical systems involved in the metabolism of heme and iron metabolism. Thus, Ranjaka contributes to the maintenance of hemoglobin level which is necessary for Prana Vata and Viana Vata to transport the oxygen into tissues and to supply the energy to tissues.
Heme is a prosthetic group (cofactor determining the functional activity of enzymes) of many vital compounds:
- hemoglobin of red blood cells and myoglobin of muscles that facilitate the exchange of respiratory gases between tissues and blood;
- cytochromes (powerful system of enzymes that perform detoxification function and neutralize the toxins that are located in many cells, but mainly in hepatocytes, liver cells);
- catalase (system of enzymes (from the Greek. χαταλύω – destroy) that decompose peroxide formed in the process of biological oxidation of hydrogen to water and molecular oxygen, also oxidize low molecular weight alcohols and nitrites in the presence of hydrogen peroxide; it contains almost in all organisms, and involved in tissue respiration);
- peroxidase (see catalase).
Heme is synthesized in all cells, but mostly in the liver and bone marrow. It consists of ionized ferrum in the divalent state and protoporphyrin (protein, containing a light-sensitive component – chromophore). Disorders of Ranjaka can be cause of a disease group referred as “porphyria” in which the metabolites of heme synthesis accumulate in tissues, causing staining and increased light sensitivity (which is very typical for Pitta dosha in general because of a genetic predisposition and a higher level of normal porphyrins).
These metabolites can have toxic effects on the nervous system, causing neuropsychiatric symptoms. Higher levels of porphyrins in the blood in people with Pitta dosha makes them irritable and short-tempered, but at the same time, insightful and extremely active.
The catabolism of heme leads to the formation of degradation for products of bilirubin, which stains the skin, urine and feces.
In extreme variants in diseases of the liver this leads to jaundice. It is very important to understand that disorders of Ranjaka Pitta is always associated with disorders of the liver.
Ranjaka is associated with ferrum metabolism. Its violations can result in various types of anemias (ferrum deficiency, autoimmune, etc.).
3. Bhrajaka
Literally, “shine, flash”. This is the fire managing the shine and colour of the skin. Located in the skin, provides the preservation of skin color and face. When the disorder hives and red spots appear. Bhrajaka Pitta is responsible for the absorption of heat coming from the outside through the skin (David Frawley, 2004).
Bhrajaka is closely related to Ranjaka Pitta, because their disorders are bound to affect the skin color. This relationship is, apparently, determined by the metabolism of porphyrins (degradation products of heme, for example, bilirubin), but has its own features associated with skin pigment melanin and the hormone melatonin, immune system and skin microvasculature.
It is known that gamma-melanocytestimulating hormone stimulates the reproduction of melanocytes of the skin and enhancing the production by the melanocytes of black pigment – melanin. Due to this effect of gamma melanocytestimulating hormone increases pigmentation of the skin and improves the skin’s resistance to UV light, thus adjusting the heat absorption through the skin. It is known that black color absorbs sunlight and, consequently, heat well. The color of melanin can be perfectly seen in moles. And people with a Pitta constitution are often “marked” by the Sun with flecks of sunlight (accumulation of melanocytes).
In addition, melatonin neutralizes the destructive effects of oxidative processes, which are the main cause of aging and fading of skin. The most important function of melatonin’s antioxidant activity, which is manifested in the body everywhere, since melatonin penetrates into all organs and tissues.
The mechanism of antioxidant action is manifested in the fact that melatonin possesses a high capacity to bind free radicals, including those produced during the lipid peroxidation of hydroxyl radicals, and exogenous carcinogens, it also activates glutathione peroxidase – factor protecting the body from free radical damage. The main functions of antioxidant action of melatonin is aimed at protecting the DNA.
Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland, however, the amount of hormone that is produced in the pineal gland, is insufficient to provide so many biological effects of melatonin. Extra pineal sources of melatonin synthesis are enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract (ECcells). This basic cells depot serotonin (contain up to 95% of the total endogenous serotonin) – precursor of melatonin. This important factor connects Bhrajaka with Pachuca Pitta.
It is known that serotonin is a potent regulator of vascular tone, its level in the blood can determine the level of heat loss and heat absorption associated with skin.
Another physiological function, closely related to Bhrajaka Pitta, is the immune system of the skin. There are unique cells (Langerhans) in certain layers of the skin, which have the ability to teach the blood lymphocytes to find and destroy foreign agents in the body.
In addition, the skin constantly possesses microbial flora with which we have an “agreement on mutual cooperation”. It helps protect us from aggressive disease-causing agents, creating the biocenosis of the skin (similar to bacteria of the intestine). Disorders of Bhrajaka Pitta can change the laws of cooperation between the immune system of the skin and these bacteria, contributing to the development of inflammatory skin diseases.
Furthermore, it is known that the active form of vitamin D is formed in the skin by ultraviolet radiation, which has a strong immunomodulatory effect (in addition to the participation in the exchange of calcium, the absorption of which it amplifies in the gut). The changing nature of production of vitamin D, apparently, may also affect the immune system of the skin.
4. The Sadhaka
Literally “one who makes efforts to achieve the goal”. It is the fire of the mind that determines what is truth or reality. Located in the brain and heart, allows us to achieve the goals set by the intellect, mind or ego. It can be worldly purpose (pleasure, wealth, prestige), as well as the spiritual goal of liberation. Sadhaka Pitta governs our mental energy, mental “digestion” (assimilation of ideas), as well as the ability to distinguish. Yoga, especially Jnana yoga (yoga of knowledge), supposes its development to be a matter of great importance (David Frawley, 2004).
The Sadhaka is located in Hridaya (typically, it is heart, but, apparently, it means also the brain as the organ of thinking). Some authors believe that it is the limbic system and its associated zones of cerebral cortex. By Vagbhata, it achieves the desired result with the help of reason, the ability to discern. By Chakrapani, Sadhaka Pitta is attributed to courage, fear, anger, joy, illusion. Dulhana describes it as something that allows you to achieve the goals of human life.
From a physiological point of view, it is the material projection of the mind that is implemented in the form of the interaction of the brain nerve centers that defines the emotional and motivational behavior, and as inexplicable as that is associated with the activity of the heart.
Recent research in the field of electrophysiology (Pokrovski, 2003) proved that the generation of electromagnetic pulse cells- pacemakers, forcing the heart to contract, is transmitted via afferent projections to the brainstem and tones its reticular formation (which determines the level of manifestation of consciousness in the material world).
5. Alochaka
Literally means “to reflect, to perceive”. This fire is responsible for visual perception. It is located in the eyes, controls the perception and absorption of light from the external world (David Frawley, 2004). From the standpoint of physiology, Alochaka is related to the work of unique cells (photoreceptors) in the retina, that are the only one perceive light in our body.
We speak about rods and cones. In their structure isolated segments are defined where there are the visual pigments (rhodopsin) change its conformation in contact with the quantum of light. Then they generate electromagnetic pulse transmitted by the optic nerve and into the brain, where the synthesis of a light image happens.
Disorders of Alochaka Pitta is associated with visual impairments.
5 KAPHA HUMORS
As a rule, when saying Kapha-dosha, one usually means water element. So, most translated from English Ayurvedic books, such as one by David Frawley (2004), determine subdosha Kapha-dosha as five types of water. We need to specify this concept first before we start describing each subdosha.
There is no free water in the body, and its appearance is always a pathology (e.g., anasarca — free liquid in the abdominal cavity, pleurisy — inflammatory liquid in pleural cavity of lungs). In the body there are liquid mediums, that are not water directly, but are complex and multicomponent compositions of fluids and colloids associated with the ways of their circulation or forming a “liquid crystals” associated with the connective tissue structures. So, better use «phlegm» and “colloid” (or «moisture» in common terminology) instead of the word “water”. However, for simplicity and continuity of the texts in our article we will use the concept of «water».
Thus, there are five subdoshas of Kapha-dosha: Avalambaka, Tarpaka, Kledaka, Bodhaka and Sleshaka. Let’s give each of them a description.
- Avalambaka Kapha
Which literally means “to hold, to support”. It is located in the chest, supports trika (the scapular and shoulders) and the heart. It is the essence of consumed food, decomposed into essence and waste products (Mala) in the process of digestion, meaning the products of hydrolysis of nutrients coming from food into the blood, assimilate with the liquid media of the body, forming Avalambaka Kapha. It is therefore considered that Avalambaka is a raw material for other types of Kapha and mediates their action in the body.
Avalambaka Kapha is the main water component of the body, its distribution controls lungs and heart. The main purpose of Avalambaka Kapha is to maintain the constancy of liquid volume (turgor) of cells and tissues, which determines the possibility of full operation of the cytoskeleton of the cell (earth element), organelles (including the nucleus) and various cytosolic biochemical systems.
Control over Avalambaka by the lungs is associated with the process of respiration and excretion of excess moisture from the exhaled air. Physiologically, the process of gas exchange in the lungs is associated with simultaneous changes in the moisture content of the alveolar gas (the so-called air contained in the alveoli of the lungs). The proportion of water vapor in atmospheric air leaves less than 1% of the gas mixture, at the same time, the proportion of water vapor in alveolar gas is 6.3%.
Therefore, moisture is constantly trying to leave our body through exhaled air. Control over this process depends not only on the frequency and depth of breathing, but also on the complex molecular biological phenomena occurring at the level of aero-haematinic barrier (tissue barrier between the cavity of the alveoli and blood capillaries of the lungs).
This process involves surfactant – a substance which is specific for lung tissue, it represents phospholipoprotein that covers the inside of the alveoli and prevents their deflation. As far as the true moisturizing in the body is provided by phospholipids (not water, as is commonly believed, because the water in its characteristics is dry), surfactant keeps the excess transfer of plasma from the capillaries, having a hydrophobic (water repellent) properties.
It should be noted that the transcapillary exchange of liquid with tissue is much more complicated process, where the surfactant is only a part of the system. In fact, lungs are the main place of Kapha-dosha’s localization. Therefore, the state of the lungs (from a medical point of view) depends on the condition of this dosha.
Interestingly, the mechanism of the body’s cooling by means of the excess moisture removing through the respiratory system is especially well developed in birds that do not have sweat glands, and also in some mammals, such as pigs, cats, dogs.
Sweating and control of diuresis are also the mechanisms to regulate the flow volume of moisture in the body. In Chinese medicine the sweat is called the “juice of heart”, which indicates that the heart controls this process.
And here a natural question arises: how can it regulate water exchange in the body?
As it happens, in addition to contractile cardiac myocytes there are also so-called secretory cardiac myocytes, which are endocrine islets, located mainly in the right atrium in the heart. They produce a hormone called “atrial sodium uretic peptide”. This atriopeptin influences the moisture balance (Avalambaka Kapha), as well as the metabolism of adipose tissue. The latter is known to be the depot of endogenous water.
Thus, the oxidation of a fat molecule involves a sufficiently large number of water molecules’ excretion. Atriopeptin is secreted in response to increased pressure in the vascular system and provides a number of system actions: vasodilatation (expansion of blood vessels and, as a result, drop in pressure); stimulates the excretion of water through the kidneys and sweat glands (reducing the amount of circulating blood); reduces the concentration of sodium (conditionally salt, which retains water in the body) in the blood plasma and enhances the release of adipose tissue free fatty acids. The latter circumstance again connects us with the control of moisture through the control of fat metabolism.
Disorders of Avalambaka Kapha affect such gunas as dryness/humidity.
2. Kledaka
Literally means “to wet, to moisten”. Kledaka Kapha is hydrating moisture. It is located in the stomach in the form of secrets of the mucous membrane, and is responsible for the liquefaction of food during the first stage of the digestive process (David Frawley, 2004)
If you divide the stomach in your mind’s eye into three parts (cardiac, fundic and antral), it should be noted that hydrochloric acid and pepsin are produced primarily by the glands of the fundus (the fundic part of the stomach). Cardiac part (the place of transition of the esophagus into the stomach) and pyloric part (the junction of the stomach and duodenum) only produce viscous mucoid secret — gastric mucus. It is associated with Kledaka Kapha. However, Kledaka is not only the mucus, but it means the mechanisms regulating its release. Gastric mucus is necessary not only for the wetting of the bolus, which comes from the esophagus (the bolus turns into chyme – pasty mass), but also to protect the walls of the stomach from the damaging action of hydrochloric acid and pepsins. Mucus is alkaline and neutralizes excess gastric aggressive factors of the stomach juice.
The main factor governing the production of mucus cells, is a band of tissue hormones — prostaglandins. These hormones, on the one hand, contribute to the restoration of mucous gel covering the stomach inside and protects it from hydrochloric acid; on the other, contribute to reparation (recovery) of damaged areas of the gastric mucosa.
Disorders of Kledaka Kapha manifest decline in the production of prostaglandins and gastric mucus, which leads to the ulcers. Frequent use of drugs, such as aspirin and paracetamol, evolves Kledaka disorders, it directly blocks the formation of prostaglandins and provokes ulcers.
3. Bodhaka
Literally, “to awaken, to realize”. This is the type of water that provides perception. It is located in the mouth and on the tongue in the form of saliva. Thanks to it, we feel the taste of food. As well as Kledaka, it participates in the first stage of digestion (David Frawley, 2004).
According to physiology, taste reception is carried out by special sensory cells placed in the so-called taste buds/bulbs. The bulk of the taste buds (> 90% of their total number – up to 10 thousand) is located at the chemosensitive lingual papilla: phyllode, fungiform and channeled. The average lifetime of a taste bud is 10 days. Each taste bud contains supporting and gustatory (receptor) cells.
There are microvilli on the apical part of most of the cells. These gustatory hairs occupy the gustatory channel opening onto the surface of the gustatory epithelium with the taste poradenolymphitis. Microvilli contain gustatory receptor proteins. Receptor cells contact nerves in basal part of the taste buds. Each taste bud is innervated by approximately 50 nerve fibers, and each sensitive neuron receives signals from about 5 taste buds.
The perception of taste is a complex consistent chain of events that begins with stochastic entering of the food’s taste part into taste pore of taste bulb. This is possible only under one circumstance: food must be moistened with saliva, and this particle in its liquid phase will reach the entrance of the taste bud.
Next, taste particle interacts with receptors on taste cells and this leads to electrical impulses that are transmitted by the gustatory nerves to the corresponding brain structures. Thus, the image of taste is formed, which is closely linked to altering our motivational and volitional behavior, emotiogenic structures of the brain.
Disorder of Bodhaka Kapha is not just a breach of taste sensitivity, it is, primarily, the change of the emotional state of a person and his ability to perceive the reality through the prism of his consciousness.
4. Tarpaka
Literally, “to satiate, to satisfy”. Tarpaka Kapha is the water that gives satisfaction. It is located in the brain (cerebrospinal fluid) and in the heart. It is responsible for emotional peace, balance and happiness, it provides the ability to learn, nutrition and proper functioning of the five senses.
There are cavities in the brain, which are called the ventricles of the brain, they are filled with brain fluid — neurolymph. The neurolymph is being formed in the heavily saturated with blood capillaries areas. It secrets a variety of bioactive substances like waste products of neurons and glia. Blood plasma and interstitial fluid of the brain will be the basic for the formation of cerebrospinal fluid.
From a physiological point of view, the neurolymph is “the tip of the Tarpaka Kapha’s iceberg”, its basic meaning is associated with interstitial (intercellular) space of the brain structures, which is filled with tissue fluid. It directly reflects the metabolism of neurons, varying in accordance with the degree of their activity.
Brain structures responsible for emotional state, composure and happiness (in particular, limbic structures) are the producers of “happiness hormones — endorphins and enkephalins. Of course, Tarpaka Kapha is associated with opiate-ergic neurotransmitter system. Yoga practice helps to increase this form of Kapha, which is manifested as satisfaction and bliss (Ananda).
5. Sleshaka
Literally “to embrace, to entwine,to fasten”. Sleshaka Kapha is water, which provides lubrication. It is located in the joints in the form of a lubricating fluid, it is responsible for their strength (David Frawley, 2004). From a physiological point of view, it is about the synovial membranes of the joint and synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a dialysate of blood plasma with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, it is produced by cells of the synovial layer of the joint capsule. Slide of the bones’ articular surfaces, which are covered with hyaline cartilage without perichondrium, is being facilitated by lubricating them with synovial fluid (it also supplies nutrients and oxygen to the avascular articular cartilage).
Elastic articular cartilage is also an effective absorber of an intermittent mechanical loads that affect many joints. A similar mechanism is observed in the intervertebral discs. Molecules of proteoglycans, which are found singly or in aggregates, form a network and contain significant amount of water. They are matrix components, which are abundant in highly branched glycosaminoglycans that function as a biomechanical spring. Under efforts, the water is squeezed out of the cartilage matrix into the synovial fluid.
When squeezing water out of the cartilage, another mechanism, providing it elasticity, turns on. It is associated with the mutual electrostatic repulsion of negatively charged carboxyl and sulfate groups in the molecules of glycosaminoglycans. These charges provide the separation of glycosaminoglycans branches, which creates a space that can be filled with water. When the pressure is reduced, water is drawn back into the space between the branches of glycosaminoglycans molecules. Such displacement of water is caused by the functioning of the joints. They play an important role in the nutrition of the cartilage and facilitate the mutual exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other molecules between synovial fluid and articular cartilage.
Disorders of Sleshaka Kapha show themselves in impaired production and resorption of synovial fluid, as well as in restoring the integrity of the articular surface.
