Sub-Doshas — The Advanced Map
Upadoṣa
The 15 functional sub-doshas
What is Sub-Doshas?
For those who want to go deeper, each dosha divides into five sub-doshas, each governing a precise function in body and mind — fifteen in all. This advanced map pinpoints exactly where an imbalance is expressing itself, far beyond the broad strokes of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
What it reveals
Which of the 15 sub-doshas are most active in you, across the Vata, Pitta and Kapha families.
Why it matters
A sub-dosha reading lets you target support with real precision — the most detailed view Ayurveda offers.
The fifteen sub-doshas
Vata — the five Vayus
Prana Vayu
Seated in the head and chest, the inward-moving force that governs inhalation, the senses, the mind and the heartbeat — your intake of air, food and impressions.
Udana Vayu
Rising from the throat and chest, the upward force behind exhalation, speech, effort, memory and enthusiasm.
Samana Vayu
Centred at the navel, it churns digestion — drawing in nutrients and separating waste — and balances the work of the gut.
Apana Vayu
Seated in the pelvis, the downward, outward force behind elimination, urination, menstruation, sexual function and birth.
Vyana Vayu
Radiating from the heart through the whole body, it governs circulation, movement and the spread of nourishment to every tissue.
Pitta — the five fires
Pachaka Pitta
The central digestive fire in the stomach and small intestine that breaks food down — and fuels all the other pittas.
Ranjaka Pitta
Seated in the liver, spleen and stomach, it colours plasma into healthy red blood.
Sadhaka Pitta
Working in the heart and brain, it digests thoughts and emotions — powering drive, confidence, clarity and the pursuit of your goals.
Alochaka Pitta
Located in the eyes, it governs vision and the perception of light and colour.
Bhrajaka Pitta
Held in the skin, it governs complexion, lustre and body temperature, and absorbs what is applied to the skin.
Kapha — the five waters
Kledaka Kapha
The mucous lining of the stomach that moistens and liquefies food for the first stage of digestion.
Avalambaka Kapha
Seated in the chest, it cushions and supports the heart and lungs and lubricates every breath.
Bodhaka Kapha
Saliva in the mouth and tongue that moistens food and carries the sense of taste.
Tarpaka Kapha
The cerebrospinal fluid of the brain and spine that nourishes the nervous system and steadies memory and emotion.
Shleshaka Kapha
The synovial fluid in every joint, lubricating and protecting them against wear.
Find out your Sub-Doshas
The Sub-Doshas assessment is one of Ojavi’s in-app tools. Download the app to take it, get your result, and turn it into a personalised plan.
New to Ayurveda? Start with the free Dosha Quiz first.