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Writer's pictureLisa Maria

Kapha - Water and Earth



Kapha is composed of the elements of water (ap) and earth (Prithvi). Kapha people tend to be calm, grounded and solid as an expression of these elements.

A Kapha person tends to have the following characteristics:

  • Strong build

  • Pale, cool skin that tends to be soft and oily

  • Thick hair and nails

  • Large eyes and teeth, pleasant face

  • Lower appetite, slower metabolism

  • Easy to put on weight, hard to lose

  • High stamina, does not tire easily

  • Deep sleep, tends to oversleep

  • Calm, steady, grounded

  • Loyal,

The Kapha Gunas are unctuous, cold, heavy, stable, smooth, dull, slow, greasy and soft. Experiencing an uncomfortable level of these qualities indicates a Kapha imbalance.

Kapha provides lubrication, stability to the body. It supports the body in building tissue.

A Kapha imbalance can show up with the following signs:

  • Cough, congestion, postnasal drip, anything you would experience during a cold

  • Seasonal allergies

  • Feeling heavy (in particular in the stomach)

  • Slow and sluggish digestion

  • Sticky, slimy stools

  • Lack of appetite

  • Weight gain

  • Water retention, swelling and puffiness

  • Lethargy, depression, lack of motivation, sadness

  • Attachment, greed, hoarding, stubbornness


How to balance Kapha

Diet

  • Consume hot and dry foods

  • Kapha balancing tastes are pungent, bitter and astringent. Avoid sweet, salty and sour.

  • Kapha balancing foods are leafy greens, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkin seeds, amaranth, buckwheat.

  • Honey, while sweet, is a potent ally in reducing Kapha as it has warming, penetrating and scraping actions.

  • Reduce or avoid pasta, wheat, meat, sweet foods, dairy

  • Use our Kapha Spice Blend in smoothies, over food or salads.

  • Other Kapha balancing spices are black or cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, garlic, chilli, cloves, cardamom, peppermint, tulsi, liquorice, and fenugreek.

  • Triphala can help get sluggish bowels moving.

Lifestyle

  • Exercise is extremely important for balancing Kapha. Kapha does well with more vigorous sports that require great stamina.

  • Stimulating breathing exercises in the morning help to kickstart your day.

  • Wake up early, before 6 am is best.

  • Try to have a regular schedule. Planning suits your personality and can give you a sense of satisfaction. Regular meals help to keep your mood stable.

  • Oil massage is only recommended in moderation. If you like using oil on your body, get heating or stimulating oils like our Kapha Massage Oil. Instead of oiling your body, Ayurveda suggests a massage technique using stimulating powders called Urdvatana. It is ideal for a sluggish Kapha body.

  • Try something new regularly, and make sure you are not understimulated.

  • Kapha’s can be prone to depression. This tendency is another reason why the endorphins released during exercise and activities in the fresh air are paramount for your health.

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