Tell me about Kapha
Kapha lends structure, solidity, and cohesiveness to all things, and is therefore associated primarily with the earth and water elements. Kapha also embodies the watery energies of love and compassion. This dosha hydrates all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, moisturises the skin, maintains immunity, and protects the tissues.
If you have a predominantly kKpha constitution, the qualities of Kapha (slow, steady, moist, smooth, oily, cool, heavy) will be expressed in your body and mind. Your frame and build will tend towards strong and robust and you will likely have large eyes, a radiant complexion and thick, lustrous hair.
You are probably friendly, compassionate and easy going too. If you know someone with a kapha personality then they are probably a really loyal and nourishing friend. When in balance, Kapha types are the teddy bears amongst us, sweet in nature and an absolute pleasure to be around.
However, the heavier qualities of Kapha can sometimes leave Kapha types feeling a little sluggish and lethargic; they are the soundest sleepers of all the dosha types.
When it comes to getting things done then, Kapha-dominated types tend to take their time! However, while they might be slow getting going, they are dedicated and absolutely dependable.
Kapha types often have a sweet tooth and may struggle with their weight, especially when it comes to shedding pounds. With a kapha-balancing diet however they can feel much more balanced.
Generally, the sites of Kapha are in the chest, lungs, throat, head, sinus, basal passage, mouth, tongue, saliva and fatty tissue. The primary seat if in the chest.
Kapha in balance
Stable temperature
Good, long term memory
Healthy and robust physiology
Good strength and stamina
Compassionate and affectionate
Attentive lover
Deep and sound sleeper
Pleasant and deep voice
Low thirst
Moderate sweating
Smooth and glossy skin
Calm and polite nature
Moderate appetite but tendency to gain weight
Causes of Kapha imbalance
Lack of physical exercise
Indulgence in luxurious lifestyle
Indulgence in food made of milk, fat and sugar
Eating starchy foods such as rice and potato
Eating meats such as pork and wild animals, excessive consumption of yoghurt and other fermented foods
Excessive consumption of raw fruit and vegetables
Excessive consumption of ghee
Sedentary activities
Insufficient stimulus for the mind
Experiencing a lot of sadness, grief or attachment
Emotional over eating
Inability to get out of bed
Imbalance may manifest as
High blood pressure
Fibroids, polycystic ovaries
Recurrent chest infections, sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, coughs and colds, lethargy
Obesity, diabetes,
Feeling heavy - gains weight easily, food cravings
Cholesterol
Lack of energy and general tiredness
Boils and tumours
Kapha type of psoriasis
Kapha type of depression, feelings of sadness
Kapha type of arthritis and fluid retention
Getting easily attached or possessive, Feeling overly sentimental, complacent or stubborn
Thick, white coating on tongue
How to balance Kapha:
Lifestyle
· Enjoy daily exercise that gets your blood and lymph moving, such as power walking, jogging, cycling, yoga, swimming, a minimum of 5 days a week.
· Staying warm and dry, regardless of the weather
· Lively and invigorating music, smells, experiences and company.
· Saunas and sunbathing
· Trying not to over sleep – early bed, early rise!
· A daily massage with warm sesame oil
· Getting lots of fresh air
· Trying new hobbies and activities, taking risks and being spontaneous – even taking a different route to work each day can help!
Stimulating your body and mind on a daily basis.
Dietary
Enjoy
Foods that are bitter, pungent and astringent in taste.
Warm foods, both energetically and in temperature.
Heating spices—like chili, black or cayenne pepper, ginger, cumin and cinnamon
Whole, freshly cooked foods including lots of fresh veggies (favour warm cooked veggies as much as possible)
Light, dry, and warm foods (both energetically and in temperature)
Honey, in moderation, and never cooked.
Only room temperature or warm drinks and herbal teas
Most beans, mung dal, well-cooked tofu or tempeh, or warm soy milk are all okay.
A minimal amount of high-quality sesame, sunflower oil, or ghee in your daily diet.
Eating your meals at routine times.
Taking a deep breath after swallowing your last bite and heading off for your next activity.
Enjoy coffee and caffeine only in moderation.
Avoid:
· Foods that are sweet, sour and salty in taste
· Cooling foods both energetically and in temperature – no frozen foods or foods eaten straight from the fridge
· Heavy and oily foods such as cheese, milk chocolate, chips, nuts, pastries etc
· Heavily processed foods such as canned food or ready-meals.
· Overeating or eating heavy meals, especially in the evening
· Excessive red meat
· Foods or drinks which contain refined sugar or syrup, no carbonated drinks
· Deep fried foods
· Alcohol except the off glass of dry white or red wine
Medicines
Please note that there are various medicines which can support doshic imbalance - but you are best to book for a consultation with a qualified practitioner to better understand what you individually and specifically need, rather than basing your assessment on what the internet says.
Time of Year
Please note that the Kapha time of the year is winter to early spring season. This holds the perfect antidote to the fast-paced movement of summer and autumn This is a time to rest, reflect, hold space, vision, hibernate, and withdraw some of our outwardly-focused energy and redirect it inward.
On the other hand, the calm, peaceful nature of the winter/early spring can also seem a bit oppressive at times and can leave us feeling weighed down, heavy, stagnant, or uninspired. Actually, every season has the potential to either boost or reduce your sense of well-being depending on your natural constitution and any imbalances.
Love Emma x
