Bodhaka Kapha

Bodhaka Kapha is located in the mouth and is represented by saliva, which is liquid, sticky, sweet, and slightly unctuous. The Sanskrit word bodhaka comes from bodhana, meaning "to make known." The liquid quality of Bodhaka Kapha keeps the mouth wet and soft, preventing friction between the soft tissues of the tongue and palate. There are six salivary glands: two sublingual glands at the base of the tongue, two submandibular glands, and two parotid glands situated below and in front of each ear.

Functions of Bodhaka Kapha: It lubricates the oral cavity, esophagus, tonsils, pharynx, and vocal cords. Its thick and unctuous qualities moisten the vocal cords so that speech is effortless — if the tongue becomes dry, one cannot talk. It lubricates the epiglottis so food can slide over it directly into the esophagus without entering the trachea. Bodhaka Kapha also helps nourish Rasa Dhatu (plasma tissue). The agni of Bodhaka Kapha, called Bodhaka Agni, is responsible for maintaining oral temperature.

Taste perception: Bodhaka Kapha is called bodhaka because it helps receive the knowledge of taste. Each taste bud on the tongue is covered with Bodhaka Kapha, and these taste buds send messages about taste to the brain. The tip of the tongue perceives sweet taste; the sides perceive sour; the central part perceives bitter; in front of bitter is pungent; the central sides perceive salty; and the back of the tongue perceives astringent taste.

Taste-organ connections: A moderate amount of sweet taste stimulates the thyroid and pancreas, but excess sweet foods can weaken these organs. Pungent taste stimulates the stomach and small intestines. Salty taste affects the kidneys — excessive salt is harmful for those with high blood pressure, as it can create edema and kidney stress. Bitter taste affects the liver, spleen, and pancreas. Astringent taste is related to the colon. The tongue, made of muscle tissue and blood tissue, is directly connected to plasma — in dehydration, it becomes dry. The tongue is a mirror of all the organs of the body, and many disorders can be diagnosed by examining it.

Bodhaka kapha nourishes kledaka kapha. Through saliva, bodhaka kapha helps to maintain water electrolyte balance. Saliva has healing properties — it helps to create granulation tissue, which is necessary for healing ulcers. Healthy saliva kills bacteria and speeds healing because of its antiseptic properties.

The digestion of starch begins in the mouth. When food is chewed, it mixes with enzymes present in the saliva, and bodhaka kapha helps to move the food down into the stomach to mix with kledaka kapha. Kledaka kapha works in conjunction with bodhaka kapha in the digestion of protein, starch, and carbohydrates.