Sub-dosha

What Does Sub-dosha Mean?

Within each of the three doshas of Ayurveda, there are five sub-doshas, responsible for overseeing specific actions, organs or emotions. Relative imbalance in these energetic sub-categories tends to be the root cause of illness, disease and ill-health.

According to Ayurveda, doshas are the functional energies that regulate all physiological and psychological characteristics within a person's body and mind. The three primary doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha, a unique ratio of which makes up an individual's constitution (Prakriti).

Yogapedia Explains Sub-dosha

The five sub-doshas of Vata are:

1. Prana Vata – governs inhalation, sense perception and movement of the mind.
2. Udana Vata – governs exhalation, speech, self-expression and movement of the diaphragm.
3. Samana Vata – governs digestive system and movement of the small intestine.
4. Vyana Vata – governs circulation, heart rate and movements of the joints and muscles.
5. Apana Vata – governs downward impulses, such as urination, menstruation and elimination.

The five sub-doshas of Pitta are:

1. Pachaka Pitta – governs digestion of food into nutrients and waste.
2. Ranjaka Pitta – governs formation of red blood cells, white blood cells and bile.
3. Sadhaka Pitta – governs emotions and transforms sensations into feelings. Also responsible for the ego and sense of "I".
4. Alochaka Pitta – governs visual perception and eye health.
5. Bharajaka Pitta – governs colour, temperature and complexion of the skin.

The five sub-doshas of Kapha are:

1. Kledaka Kapha – governs liquefying of food in the initial stages of digestion, and hydrates cells and tissues.
2. Avalambhaka Kapha – governs lubrication of heart and lungs.
3. Bodhaka Kapha – governs saliva and perception of taste.
4. Tarpaka Kapha – governs stability in the nerve cells, and responsible for sense of contentment.
5. Shleshaka Kapha – governs lubrication of the joints and protects bones from deterioration.