A Critical Review on Sleshaka Kapha of Ayurveda and its Affiliates in Physiological Perspective

Background: In Ayurveda, health signifies a equilibrium state where the body’s physiological processes, encompassing Dosha, Dhatu, Mala and Agni, are balanced, alongside a state of overall well-being for the soul, senses and mind. The principles of tridoshas to explain human physiology, etiology of diseases, clinical sciences, etc. are emphasized. There are five subtypes of Kapha dosha: Bodhaka, Tarpaka, Avalambaka, Kledaka and Sleshaka. This Kapha dosha regulates body fluids and maintains the body constituents cohesive. Materials and Methods: Materials and methods include gathering and evaluating peer-reviewed and credible journal articles and Classical texts of Ayurveda that have met the set standards for this review through PRISMA. Results and Conclusion: The Sleshaka Kapha is situated in the joints. The liquid component of the secretion of the synovial membrane of the bony joint which lubricates for easy movements of joints can be represented as Sleshaka Kapha. The attributes of Kapha dosha are Guru (heavy) and Sandra (dense), Sita (cold), Mridu (soft), Snigdha (unctuous), Madhura (sweet), Sthira (immobile) and Picchila (slimy). The functions of Sleshaka Kapha can be compared with modern perspective. This article accomplishments to ascertain and establish the correlation between the physiological function of Sleshaka Kapha with concerning modern physiological perspectives. A literature search on primary data was conducted using ancient Ayurvedic texts and their commentaries, alongside textbooks from contemporary medical science.