Chapter 7

GUNA

Guna means quality, attribute, property.
Every substance in the universe has a particular quality or a set of qualities which makes it function in a specific way.
There are 20 gunas / qualities in Ayurveda which holds 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 are considered as utmost important as all the treatment principles including diet and usage of herbs, understanding patient’s health, understanding the substances are dependent on the understanding of Gurvadi gunas or Shareerika Guna.
For example – Increase of one quality will be treated using the opposing quality which is antagonist to each other thereby obtaining balance or equilibrium in the body.
These qualities are made up of Panchamahabhutas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.