Doshas And Subdoshas

There are 3 main doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. Each dosha is broken into five subdoshas which make diagnosis and treatment more accurate in ayurveda.

Udana Vata: Located in throat and lungs. Physically, this subdosha controls the process of speech. Through the speech centre in the brain, it is also responsible for memory and movement of thought.
Imbalance of Udana Vata is linked to speech defects, dry cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, earache and general fatigue.

Samana Vata: Located in stomach and intestines. This subdosha controls the movement of food throughout the digestive tract; it is responsible for the rhythm of peristalsis.
Imbalance of Samana Vata is linked to too slow or too rapid digestion, gas diarrhea, nervous stomach, inadequate assimilation of nutrients and emaciated tissue formation.

Apana Vata: Located in the colon and lower abdomen. This downward moving sudosha is responsible for elimination of waste, for sexual function and menstruation. One of its locations, the colon is considered the principle seat of Vata and is the site where ready signs of Vata imbalance are likely to originate.
Imbalance is linked to constipation, diarrhoea, gas, intestinal cramps, colitis, genitor-urinary disorders, menstrual disorders, swollen prostrate, various sexual dysfunctions and lower back pain, including muscle spasm.

Vyana Vata: Located throughout the body via the nervous system, skin and circulatory system. This subdosha governs dilation and constriction of blood vessels and peripheral circulation. Blood pressure is regulated by Vyana Vata; it is also responsible for sweating, yawning, and sensation of touch.
Imbalance is linked to high blood pressure, poor circulation, irregular heart rhythem and stress related disorders.

To be continued