Every substance in the universe has a particular quality or a set of qualities that makes it function in a specific way.
There are 20 gunas / qualities in Ayurveda that hold utmost importance as they are related to substances or tissues of the body.
Hence they are also called ‘Shareerika Gunas’ (Pertaining to the body) and ‘Gurvadi Guna’(As it starts with Guru guna)
There are 10 qualities and 10 other opposing qualities which totally make 20 qualities.
The knowledge of these 20 qualities is considered of utmost importance as all the treatment principles including diet and usage of herbs, understanding patient’s health, and understanding the substances are dependent on the understanding of Gurvadi gunas or Shareerika Guna.
For example – An increase of one quality will be treated using the opposing quality which is an antagonist to each other thereby obtaining balance or equilibrium in the body.
These qualities are made up of Panchamahabhutas.
Enumeration of qualities
Heavy (Guru)
Light (Laghu)
Dull (Manda)
Sharp (Teekshna)
Cold (Hima)
Hot (Ushna)
Oily (Snigdha)
Dry (Ruksha)
Smoothness (Shlakshna)
Roughness (Khara)
Dense (Sandra)
Fluidity (drava)
Soft (Mrudu)
Hard (Kathina)
Firm (Sthira)
Chala (Moving)
Subtle (Sookshma)
Gross (Sthoola)
Clear (Vishada)
Sliminess (Picchila)
Relationship of 20 qualities and 5 major elements
Heavy (Guru)
EARTH + WATER
Light (Laghu)
FIRE + AIR
Dull (Manda)
EARTH + WATER
Sharp (Teekshna)
FIRE + AIR
Cold (Hima)
AIR + WATER
Hot (Ushna)
FIRE
Oily (Snigdha)
EARTH + WATER
Dry (Ruksha)
FIRE + AIR
Smoothness (Shlakshna)
ETHER
Roughness (Khara)
EARTH + AIR
Dense (Sandra)
EARTH
Fluidity (drava)
WATER
Soft (Mrudu)
ETHER + WATER
Hard (Kathina)
EARTH + AIR
Firm (Sthira)
EARTH
Chala (Moving)
AIR
Subtle (Sookshma)
ETHER + AIR + AGNI
Gross (Sthoola)
EARTH
Clear (Vishada)
EARTH + AIR + FIRE
Sliminess (Picchila)
WATER
Heavy (Guru) – EARTH + WATER
Guru substances are heavy, dense, and often rich, leading to a feeling of fullness.
They take longer to digest and can leave a lingering sensation of fullness.
Guru foods can provide grounding, nourishment, and stability.
They can increase strength and bulk, making them beneficial for individuals who are underweight or weak.
Light (laghu) – FIRE + AIR
Laghu substances are light in weight, easy to digest, and do not create a feeling of heaviness.
They tend to be quickly assimilated and promote a sense of buoyancy and energy.
Laghu foods can stimulate metabolism, increase energy levels, and improve circulation. They are beneficial in reducing excess Kapha and Pitta doshas, which can lead to lethargy and heaviness.
Cold (Hima) – AIR + WATER
Shita substances are perceived as cold in nature.
They can lower body temperature and have a cooling effect.
Shita foods can help reduce inflammation, soothe heat, and calm hyperactivity.
They are beneficial for balancing Pitta dosha, which is associated with heat and metabolism.
Often recommended in hot weather or during summer months to cool the body and mind.
Hot (Ushna) – FIRE
Ushna substances are warm or hot in nature, generating heat in the body and stimulating digestion.
Ushna foods can enhance metabolic processes, stimulate digestion, and promote circulation.
They are beneficial for balancing Vata and Kapha doshas.
Often recommended in colder months to provide warmth and nourishment.
Can invigorate the body and mind, making them useful for improving energy levels and combating fatigue.
Dry (Ruksha) – FIRE + AIR
Ruksha substances are dry in nature. They tend to absorb moisture and can create a rough or abrasive sensation.
Ruksha foods can help reduce excess moisture and oil in the body.
They are beneficial for pacifying Kapha dosha, which is associated with heaviness and lethargy.
Ruksha qualities can aid in weight loss or management by promoting dryness and reducing fluid retention.
Often recommended in damp or humid weather to counteract excess moisture in the environment.
Oily (Snigdha) – EARTH + WATER
Snigdha substances are oily, rich, and lubricating. They provide moisture and smoothness.
Snigdha foods can nourish the body, enhance lubrication, and promote smooth functioning of bodily systems.
They are beneficial for pacifying Vata dosha, which is associated with dryness and mobility.
Helpful for individuals experiencing dryness, roughness, or conditions like constipation and anxiety.
Snigdha qualities support skin hydration and can alleviate conditions like dryness and flakiness.
Often recommended in dry or windy weather to provide moisture and warmth.
Shlakshna (Smooth) – WATER + AIR
Smooth substances create ease and gentleness.
They facilitate digestion and absorption.
Beneficial for soothing irritated tissues.
Khara (Rough) – EARTH
Rough substances have an abrasive, drying quality.
They aid in exfoliation and detoxification.
Useful in managing conditions related to excess moisture.
Sandra (Dense) – EARTH
Dense substances offer solidity and structure.
They support bodily functions and provide nourishment.
Beneficial for maintaining strength.
Drava (Fluid) – WATER
Fluid substances flow easily and are associated with movement.
They enhance circulation and hydration.
Useful for maintaining balance in bodily fluids.
Mrudu (Soft) – WATER + AIR
Soft substances are flexible and tender.
They promote comfort and ease in the body.
Beneficial for soothing tension and discomfort.
Kathina (Hard) – EARTH
Hard substances are rigid and strong.
They provide support and structure.
Useful for enhancing resilience in the body.
Sthira (Stable) – EARTH
Stable substances promote steadiness and grounding.
They help maintain balance in the body.
Beneficial for reducing anxiety and promoting focus.
Chala (Mobile) – AIR
Mobile substances enhance movement and change.
They stimulate circulation and activity.
Useful for energizing the body and mind.
Sookshma (Subtle) – SPACE
Subtle substances affect finer, more hidden levels.
They promote deeper healing and balance.
Beneficial for addressing underlying issues.
Sthoola (Gross) – EARTH + WATER
Gross substances are obvious, large, and palpable.
They provide tangible support and nourishment.
Useful for maintaining physical health.
Vishada (Clear) – SPACE
Clear substances provide transparency and clarity.
They enhance perception and understanding.
Beneficial for mental clarity and focus.
Picchila (Slimy) – WATER + EARTH
Slimy substances offer smoothness but may become sticky when in excess.
They enhance lubrication but can lead to obstruction.
Useful in moderation for digestive health.
Manda (Dull) – WATER
Dull substances slow down processes.
They create a sense of calm and relaxation.
Helpful for individuals experiencing restlessness.
Teekshna (Sharp) – FIRE
Sharp substances stimulate and activate.
They enhance digestion and metabolism.
Useful for overcoming stagnation in the body.
Summarization
These qualities are essential to understanding how substances interact with our bodies. Each Guna has a direct connection with the Panchamahabhutas (five great elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether).
The Gunas influence not only the behavior of substances but also the state of balance or imbalance in our body.
Maintaining equilibrium between these opposing qualities is key to health, while an imbalance can lead to illness.