The root cause for good health is Pitta and is the uniting principle out of these three body doshas. It is anabolic in nature and stands for the conservation of energy. It is body itself, and body is nothing but a product of Kapha. It is directly responsible for growth, repair and nutrition of the body. It is the only heavy humour in the body. It is cold and slow acting.
Kapha - Etymologically the term signifies emanation from water (kena jelena phalathi). The synonym sleshma means the uniting principle. Another rarely used synonym is valasa signifies bala or strength.


Kapha and Mahabhutas

Earth and water elements are predominant in Kapha.

Distribution

It is more concentrated in the therapy as far as trunk is concerned. Its main bases are thorax, throat, head, trachea, stomach, joints tissue fluid, olfactory sense organ and tongue.
Qualities

Kapha is slow acting. In this aspect it is opposite to Pitta, which is fast one. It is cold and unctuous, whereas vata is dry cold i.e., non unctuous. It provides stability, strength, solidity, unctuous nature, flooding makes the joints efficient, firm. It provides resistance to disease and enable to recover to normal health. Minor ailments are corrected by this corrective power of Kapha.
Natural Variation

Kapha increases in the morning, in the first part of night, in childhood, and in the first phase of digestion. Kapha accumulates in Winter and is aggravated in Spring.
Abnormal signs and symptoms of Kapha are
Decrease of digestive power
Feeling of heaviness of the body
Excessive salivation
Laziness
White patches over body
Decrease of body temperature
Flabbiness
Difficulty of respiration
Excessive sleep
Cough
Dizziness v Palpitation
Looseness of joints

Divisions

Avalambaka Kapha: The term means supporter. This is the main Kapha division, and its base is chest. This provides support to other Kapha bases.

Kledaka Kapha: Kledaka means that which soaks or moistens. This kapha facilitates the ingested food for proper digestion. Amasaya or the stomach is the base of this Kapha.

Bodhaka Kapha: This is concerned with the perception of taste. It moistens food materials coming in contact with it, so that taste buds can appreciate the taste. Its base is the tongue.

Tarpaka Kapha: Tarpaka means that which nourishes. This is concerned with nourishment of sense organs. Its base is the head.

Sleshaka Kapha: The term means that which binds. It is the provider of lubrication and cohesion of the joints. It is based in the joints.

Abnormal Functions
Hardness v Itching
Coldness v Heaviness
Occlusion or obstruction of channels
Coating of channels
Stagnation of transported materials
Edema
Reduced metabolism
Excessive sleep
Excessive oiliness
Sweet or salty taste