Kapha

Phlegm, one of the three doṣa in Āyurveda alongside [[vāta]] and [[pitta]]. Kapha governs structure, cohesion and lubrication of the organism: bones, mucous membranes, synovial fluids, adipose tissue. Its primary seat is the stomach (āmāśaya). When kapha is imbalanced, it produces lethargy, congestion and obesity; Haṭha Yoga combats it with the [[ṣaṭkarma]] — especially dhauti and nauli — and with vigorous practices that generate heat (tapas). The Śiva Saṃhitā details the appropriate diet and techniques for pacifying kapha.