Kapha is the Dosha responsible for lubrication and structure of the body. Kapha people tend to be the healthiest of the three doshas, including mental health. Kapha is our lubrication in the brain, around the joints, reproductive fluids, and is responsible for building most of our tissues. Kapha is the principle that holds the cells together and forms the muscle, fat, bone, and sinew. The primary function of Kapha is protection.
Elements water (aap) + earth (prithvi) Qualities wet, cold, heavy, oily, static, soft, slow, steady. Season spring Nature moon Main Location stomach + chest
Kapha Personality and Body Kapha types have a strong build and excellent stamina. Large, soft eyes; smooth, radiant skin; and thick hair are also important Kapha characteristics. They tend to gain weight easily due to the earth element that is prominent. Kapha predominant sleep soundly and have regular digestion. But when Kapha builds to excess, weight gain, fluid retention, and allergies manifest in the body. When they’re out of balance, Kapha types may become overweight, sleep excessively, and suffer from asthma, diabetes, and depression.
The joyous hosts, the listeners, and the nurturers. They are almost always happy. They are extremely tolerant, patient and they are the first one to offer a helping hand. Kaphas are naturally calm, thoughtful, and loving. They have an inherent ability to enjoy life and are comfortable with routine. When in balance, Kaphas are strong, loyal, patient, steady, and supportive.
Balancing Kapha
Kaphas are cold, heavy and static so the best thing they can do is to get moving. Moving will make them feel so much lighter as well as bring up the heat inside the body
Stay warm and avoid dampness. Kaphas are particularly sensitive to cold, damp conditions and benefit from heat.
Perform a daily garshan (dry massage) on your body to stimulate circulation.
Get regular exercise – preferably every day. This is the best way to avoid stagnation and the accumulation of toxins in the body. Focus on building endurance. Favor running, bicycling, swimming, aerobics, and competitive sports.
Fasting is necessary for Kapha because it will lighten their load and it also increases their agni.
Kapha Balancing Diet
Kapha is heavy, oily and cold, favor foods that are light, dry, or warm. Foods with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes are most beneficial for pacifying Kapha. Reduce foods with sweet, sour, and salty tastes.
Reduce the intake of dairy, which tends to increase Kapha. You can use small amounts of ghee.
Honey is a sweetener that is said to best pacify Kapha. Other sweeteners should be avoided.
Drinking hot ginger tea with meals helps stimulate slow digestion.
Favor lighter fruits such as apples, pears, pomegranates and apricots. Reduce heavier fruits like bananas, avocados, pineapples, oranges, peaches, coconuts, melons, dates, and figs.
Use pungent spices like pepper, mustard seed, and ginger freely in your diet.
Reduce intake of all nuts and seeds.
Eat your largest meal at lunchtime and a smaller meal at dinnertime. Allow at least 3 hours to digest before bedtime.